General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Do you wear a hydration system for IM run?? Rss Feed  
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2011-08-16 5:39 PM

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Subject: Do you wear a hydration system for IM run??
Hi everyone!
I'm training for my first IM, IMAZ in Nov., and was wondering how many of you carry some sort of hydration system with you (handheld, Nathan waist belt, etc..) during the run portion of the IM? I know the aid stations on the run are less than 1M apart, but I actually like to be able to drink when I want/need it instead of waiting until an aid station.
I have worn my Nathan Speed4 waist belt for my stand alone marathons and didn't have a problem with it, but I don't know how I'll feel after swimming 2.4M and biking 112M. I have heard that some people carry one of the small handheld bottles and just refill it at the aid stations. I guess I'm just trying to get it all figured out!

Any thoughts/opinions would be greatly appreciated!!

Aimee



2011-08-16 6:40 PM
in reply to: #3646386

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Alpharetta, Georgia
Bronze member
Subject: RE: Do you wear a hydration system for IM run??
I did not at Wisconsin last year but the temps there were very calm - highs in the low or mid-80s.

For Lou though, I am definitely carrying my hand held. Been practicing with it all summer and if I decide at special needs I don't want it anymore, I'll leave it there. I realized if it is going to be above 90 degrees, I need more than a few dixie cups of water every mile
2011-08-16 6:42 PM
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Vancouver (not Canada) Washington (not D.C.)
Subject: RE: Do you wear a hydration system for IM run??
I felt very tired during my IM run. I wouldn't want any extra weight to carry for 26.2 miles.

I didn't wear any kind of hydration system and lived off the course. You know your physical needs and I think have already answered your own question but I would consider using training runs to get your body used to water every few miles. For me, a sip of water every aid station or two is more than enough.
2011-08-16 7:10 PM
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Northern CA
Subject: RE: Do you wear a hydration system for IM run??

I went into my first IM with a Fuel Belt. I used this all the time in triathlons of lesser distance and in training. But within 5 miles of the IM run, I knew I couldn't stand having it for the entire race and threw it to one of the volunteers who was also a friend of mine. (It was IMAZ, too. Laughing)

Now I just live off the course during all runs for all distances and I like that better. I will carry a cup of water with me from one aide station to another if I feel like I need to drink more than just at the aide station, but that's rare. I do keep a gel or two on me just in case and I'm planning to bring some Honey Stinger Waffles with me at IMC. I put them in my Spibelt. But that's only in case I don't like what they have to eat at the aide stations.

I do sometimes carry a water bottle with me on training runs but I'm pretty sure I don't want to carry one for the entire 26.2.

I don't know if my experience is common or not. I was quite surprised when it happened to me. 

2011-08-16 7:23 PM
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Subject: RE: Do you wear a hydration system for IM run??

1st and 3rd IM I lived off the course.

2nd IM I used special maltodextrin mix so I used my Fuel Belt and changed out bottles half way at sn. It didn't bother me.

When I trained for #1 I used a handheld.

In HIMS I've done with Fuel Belt and hand held, they have been very heavy and uncomfortable over time and I've ditched them but #2 IM Fuel Belt didn't bother me....not sure why? different intensity? Running when cooler in IM than heat of the day in HIM?

Every mile you can get fluids and aid stations are quite long......I now plan to get fluid on the course.

2011-08-16 7:56 PM
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Extreme Veteran
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Strong Beach, CA
Subject: RE: Do you wear a hydration system for IM run??
Nope.  I was perfectly fine living off the course.


2011-08-16 8:06 PM
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Master
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Northern IL
Subject: RE: Do you wear a hydration system for IM run??

I've lived off the course for the bigger ones since they're well supplied.  Did have a bottle ready in one of them just in case I didn't get very far ahead or felt I might need it (Louisville, so HOT), but didn't take it with.  At smaller venues I've carried a bottle, just in case.  And I wasn't sure how the race would go as I was rather new.

One or two cups of water every 15 minutes or sooner is going to be quite a lot to take in.  And that pace is if you're walking quite a bit too.

2011-08-16 8:34 PM
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Master
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Muskego, Wisconsin
Subject: RE: Do you wear a hydration system for IM run??

Living off the course doesn't work for me.  I like the fuel belt and have worn it during my last two IMs.  I don't like gu's or gels and Powbar Perform doesn't do it for me and yes I've tried them in training and in IMs.  I can put an hours worth of Infinit in one fuel belt bottle and sip on it as I go grabbing water as needed.  I once ran with dry Infinite powder in the belt and a handheld which I could sip off of then do a quick mix at the aide station when needed.  Didn't like running with a bottle in my hand so I scrapped that.  Running with four bottles doesn't bother me but if I wanted I could stash 2 in special needs and change them at the half way point.

It comes down to your needs and what works for you.

2011-08-16 8:41 PM
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Iron Donkey
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, Wisconsin
Subject: RE: Do you wear a hydration system for IM run??
Lived off the course, however, I have to look back at my two IM RRs to remember if I did carry one 24 oz. bottle of InfinIT mix, though.
2011-08-16 9:25 PM
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Subject: RE: Do you wear a hydration system for IM run??
Only one IM to relate, IMAZ 2008, using Infinit on the run. I love it for the bike, but by the run I couldn't stand it, so ditched it about mile 7 and lived off the course.   I still use Infinit for HIM bikes but live off the course for the run.  Aid stations are usually plentiful and well spaced
2011-08-16 9:25 PM
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Subject: RE: Do you wear a hydration system for IM run??
For hot races (Honu and IMTX) I carry a bike bottle with me and fill it with ice water at every station and use it to cool off.  One thing I have to add...there were so many discarded fuel belts at IMTX that I considered driving the run course after to pick them up.


2011-08-17 6:54 AM
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Elite
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Roswell, GA
Subject: RE: Do you wear a hydration system for IM run??
I like to carry a bottle for a couple reasons.  First, I like to drink a little bit often.  Second, I'm not very good at drinking from those cups while I'm running.  Third, I find that the aid stations are giant time sucks for me, so it's faster to only stop every 3rd or 4th and fill the bottle. 

btw, I had the bottle at IM Lou last year and was filling it up almost every mile.  Squirting a little bit on my head every few minutes was a lifesaver.
2011-08-17 9:33 AM
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Expert
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Chandler, AZ
Subject: RE: Do you wear a hydration system for IM run??

I live off the course. I prefer not to have anything extra. Similar to what ChrisM said, I use Infinit on the bike and need a change of pace on the run.

IMAZ will have mild temps. The day will start off in the high 50s for the swim, get up to mid 70s and then cool off once it gets dark.

2011-08-17 10:08 AM
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Champion
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Subject: RE: Do you wear a hydration system for IM run??
I use a hand held but I almost always train with it and I am super used to it.  I feel like I am running naked without it.  If you are used to using some type of portable hydration system I can't imagine you will have a big problem on race day.  With a hand held if you get sick of it you can always throw the bottle off and attach the hand strap to your race belt.
2011-08-17 10:40 AM
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Alpharetta, Georgia
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Subject: RE: Do you wear a hydration system for IM run??

I wanted to add I think a lot of these responses are coming down to the heat/heat index of your particular race, plus your body's individual needs.

During training this summer I discovered I am a heavier sweater than I thought in 90-110 degree heat, and need to get in around 30-40oz of water per hour if it's above 90 degrees. This would be rather difficult to do at aid stations 1 mile apart and offering 2oz water servings.

Best suggestion would be to experiment during your peak training, do some research on sweat rate (weigh before and after long runs, log your water intake, etc.) and determine your individual needs. From there you can decide if you can live off the course or if you'll need your own hydration system.

2011-08-17 12:44 PM
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Master
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Subject: RE: Do you wear a hydration system for IM run??
never had to do it myself (8x IMs) even with temps in 90s.  I've found the aid stations to be close enough and I can usually grab water/gatorade (and sponges/towels) as needed during an aid station.  If I needed more, I have no problem just walking the aid station or stoppping for the few seconds to get what I needed.  I've never bothered with carrying anything unless I know I'm going more than a couple miles in very hot weather w/o aid.


2011-08-24 10:01 AM
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Subject: RE: Do you wear a hydration system for IM run??

I was in a similar situation this summer with Racine 70.3.  It was projected to be hot (oh boy was it!) and humid (ditto) and really went back and forth on running with my Amphoid belt.  I ended up taking it and 3 miles in regretted it. 

 

The IM courses are stocked so well and often it really isn't a need even in extra heat.  I really like my belt and wear it for runs over 8 miles, but after a full day of swim and bike it was just not what I needed around my waist for another 2 hrs. 

2011-08-24 12:03 PM
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Pro
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Subject: RE: Do you wear a hydration system for IM run??
I've only raced with a Fuel Belt once and will never do it again. Practice is one thing but in a race it was really a distraction and uncomfortable. It wasn't in an IM though but an open HM. Fortunately my daughter was running with me and at about 4 miles I made her wear it (she didn't mind).
2011-08-24 12:08 PM
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Master
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Lexington, KY
Subject: RE: Do you wear a hydration system for IM run??

I've used fuel belt for first two IM's.  Won't use it again.  Going to throw a watter bottel in my tri suit pocket and then toss it and live off the course.  Fuel belt got to be a bit of an annoyance.  Unfortunately, I was too tired and disoriented to remember how to remove it during the run/walk/limp.

2011-08-24 12:36 PM
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Master
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Subject: RE: Do you wear a hydration system for IM run??

I took my hand-bottle to IM Louisville last year and it worked great.  I dropped Nuuns in as desired and filled with ice/water at aid stations as necessary.   It allowed me to have water to drink/squirt on myself while I grabbed cups of other stuff if I wanted them.

I can see where you might not want to carry the bottle if you were not used to carrying one, because it weighs 1.25 lbs when full.  However, my hand-bottle goes with me on all long runs, so I am used to it and I switch hands a lot.  I find it much easier to carry than a regular water bottle because of the sling that holds it on your hand.  And, the little pocket holds GUs or other essentials that might chafe in your shorts or top.

I will do the same at IM Wisconsin this year.

2011-08-31 7:56 AM
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Subject: RE: Do you wear a hydration system for IM run??
I use course supply only in IM and HIM. Honu 70.3 was quite warm but there was plenty of aid stations and it was only a half distance.



2011-08-31 8:43 AM
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Rowley, Ma
Subject: RE: Do you wear a hydration system for IM run??
Hi Aimee, i'm also doing IMAZ and just completed IMLP and Timberman. I really see no need to carry a hydration system as you will find as much water on the course as needed. On the other hand, if there is something special that you have trained with, such as Infinit, i would than suggest you continue to carry it.
2011-09-01 11:03 AM
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Subject: RE: Do you wear a hydration system for IM run??
ouradventure - 2011-08-16 5:39 PM

Hi everyone!
I'm training for my first IM, IMAZ in Nov., and was wondering how many of you carry some sort of hydration system with you (handheld, Nathan waist belt, etc..) during the run portion of the IM? I know the aid stations on the run are less than 1M apart, but I actually like to be able to drink when I want/need it instead of waiting until an aid station.
I have worn my Nathan Speed4 waist belt for my stand alone marathons and didn't have a problem with it, but I don't know how I'll feel after swimming 2.4M and biking 112M. I have heard that some people carry one of the small handheld bottles and just refill it at the aid stations. I guess I'm just trying to get it all figured out!

Any thoughts/opinions would be greatly appreciated!!

Aimee



I carried a handheld 20 oz bottle. I did a hot IM (Kentucky), and I like to be able to drink water with my gels when I feel like eating a gel, not being dictated by the aid stations.

I also made sure to hand my water bottle to my spectating crew so it wouldn't be in the picture.

2011-09-01 12:22 PM
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Subject: RE: Do you wear a hydration system for IM run??
I done it several ways:

1. Completely on course fluids
2. Fuelbelt with 4 bottles
3. Trailrun type belt that holds a bike bottle at the small of my back
4. Handheld bike bottle
5. Small handheld bottle
6. Nathan Swift race belt with 8oz bottle at small of back

My favorite is the Nathan belt. It incorporates my race number and a small fluid bottle. I refill the bottle at aid stations with water. I then sip on the bottle or use it to cool off between aid stations. Plus, at 8oz it's small enough that I barely notice it there.
2011-09-19 1:06 PM
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Master
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Lexington, KY
Subject: RE: Do you wear a hydration system for IM run??

I just did IMWI as my third IM, and my first IM without a fuel belt.

Instead of a hydration belt, I started out of T2 with two pre-filled 20 oz bottles of liquid.  Drank the first one in the first couple miles and then tossed it out.  Then, I sipped from the second for most of the rest of the race.  When I wasn't using it, I put it in the rear pocket of my tri suit.

A nice feature - when the bottle I was carrying ran dry, the aid station volunteers were really helpful in quickly refilling it for me.

I plan to use the same approach next year.

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