Marathon Hydration
Long gone are the days where runners have virtually no options for hydration (wait was it ever like that?!). Anyways, today we have enough of holders, tablets, and powders to make your head spin. Because we are given so many options, it can be hard to know where to start. From waste bands, handheld water bottles, to electrolyte tablets there are a lot of great products on the market today. Everyone’s preferences and needs are different when they hit the pavement, but this article will give you a look at my top five favorite hydration options while training for the 2017 Berlin Marathon.
1. Nuun Tablets
Nuun has to come in at #1 for me. While training for marathons, and before the race I am drinking this stuff by the tube. Boy does this company make me smile! I love the different flavors they offer, and I love the taste of the tablets the minute it hits my water. Not only are they extremely convenient for on the go, but they are good for you too! Did I mention I love this company? I typically buy the “Nuun Active” tablets, which have a healthy blend of electrolytes without all of the sugar. The most popular flavors on the market today are grape, lemonade, and fruit punch. Next time you are shopping at REI, or any cycling/running shop grab one of these tubes and give them a shot!
2. Handheld Water Bottle
I normally don’t love running with a handheld water bottle, but this one is by far my favorite. The bottle is completely covered in a neoprene sleeve, which helps insulate my drink to stay cold. It literally forms right in your hand, and makes you feel like it is apart of your body. The 20 oz. is too big for me, so I lean toward the 12 oz. for convenience reasons. Because it is so form fitting, you cannot put any other water bottle inside of this neoprene sleeve, so don’t lose the bottle!
3. Waste belts
I love this waste belt, and the different hydration options it gives you! The Ultimate Direction Fury Belt allows you to have multiple avenues for hydration, and it fits snugly around your waste. Because it is so light, you barely even notice it is there. I prefer the running waste belts over the handheld bottles for this reason. The belt has a small zipper so you can fit your keys inside which is a nice addition. This waste belt is great for cold weather running to, as the straps adjust to fit comfortably against bulkier clothing. It holds three small water bottles comfortably.
4. Backpack Hydration
When I switch up my training and hit the hills, there is something more “outdoorsy” about having a camelback on. I love the Octane LR because it is comfortable, and holds enough water for my dog and I. Overall the pack holds about 2 liters of water, and the hose is the perfect length to not get in the way of your stride. This is a great option if you are needing more water than a waste belt or handheld can provide you. No matter what camelback you choose, they are all made well and meant for the outdoors.
5. Gels
GU Energy Gel (Of Course!)
This one is strictly personal preference. Some people enjoy the hammer gels, or the power bar gels, but I prefer the natural GU’s with no flavor. When I am running marathons, the artificial taste of energy gels make me gag. The electrolytes, and the quick hit of energy these gels give off is a must when taking a hard run. I also have enjoyed the GU Energy Chews, because you can fit them in your zip pockets and snack on them when you feel yourself needing a boost. You can find these at any running, or outdoors store in the country.
Whether you are a recreational runner or a runner who competes on the biggest stages in the world, we all need proper hydration. If you are running in hot weather, or running in cold weather make sure you have properly equipped yourself with hydration tools to help your body perform at its optimal levels. Pick one system that works for you, and make a habit to properly hydrate every couple of miles, even if it is a tiny sip!
Sip away!
xoxo Lauren Nicole
