HIM running aid stations question (help)

I live off of the course and prefer to do so, so I also am often trying to grab a lot at the aid stations.  A lots depends on how crowded it is, but (knock on wood) I tend to be sort of alone or in fairly thin crowds on the run, so this has not been a huge issue except on some two-loop courses.

I also agree with what Coldfire said, except as I said I don't carry anything.

Like being fast at transitions, being fast at aid stations requires some practice and planning.  I will now reveal to you how little I care what my neighbors think of me.  I have practiced this many times by setting up a card table on the side of the road at my house and running by, grabbing as much as possible.  Do that enough and you will develop the techniques that work for you, and on race day when you can call out what you want and people hand it to you, it will seem oh so easy.

One thing that Coldfire didn't mention is this.  If you plan on taking gels from aid stations (I do), the best procedure, IMO, is to grab it and not eat it until just before you arrive at the NEXT aid station.  The reason is that you need liquid to wash it down, but there just isn't enough time to grab a gel, take it, and wash it down, before the end of the drop zone.  At least not if you are running.  So I'll grab a gel (or, if it is a flavor that I like, 2 or 3) from the first aid station I get to -- before I really need a gel (I just got off the bike where I was eating just fine thank you) and tuck them into my race belt or just hold them.  Then when I see an aid station approaching, take it, throw away the packet within the drop zone, grab a water and down it, then another water or sports drink and maybe some ice (I don't do Coke) and keep going.

+1 to calling out what you need from aid station, inc "TWO waters!!" (or whatever).  Grab 1 for each hand.  And I have no trouble grabbing 2 cups off the table if I need to.  Drink 1, splash 1.   I douse my head early on warmer runs (even down to ~70F or so).  Much easier to prevent (or at least delay) overheating than to wait until it happens. Never minded wet feet if I splash a little since my feet are sweaty by that point anyway.

I generally live off the course for water but use a SpiBelt (number belt) with small pocket for my fav gels.  Never have liked running with a bottle in my hand-even on training runs (prefer FuelBelt for TRs).  I generally avoid drinking sports drink from aid stations 'cause it's often badly mis-mixed (too strong or weak----yuck!).  And agree 100% to eat your gel just before next aid station where you can then wash it down with water.

For HM or longer I don't mind walking some aid stations to get in a good drink if I need.  As many coaches point out (e.g. Galloway, McGee, BT's own Ricci, etc.), 2:30's marathons are run regular using a planned run:walk strategy & I'm a long way from that league .   Walking a station might take me extra ~8-10sec vs grabbing cup on the run, but I think I more than make it up by running faster between stations (& avoiding dehydration or bonk).

FWIW- I usu. train using the fluid/fuel intakes I plan to race with-even if I know I can do that distance with less.  Never hurts to keep dialing in your best hydration/fueling plan.