How long a run before you consider hydrating?

I used to drink on runs more than I do now...when I go for my mid week runs (longest these days is 8 miles,either side of 1 hr 10 mins) I no longer worry about bringing a bottle. Weather is not an issue as I get out before 6 AM and there is never a heat issue.



My weekend long runs I always drink.



Can not drinking on non-long runs cause issues?

Jack_Scaff wrote:

Can not drinking on non-long runs cause issues?

I have heard of rare cases where not drinking on non-long runs can cause thirst. This condition is usually cured by hydrating post-run. Be safe out there. The thirst you quench could be your own!

Not to belittle the question, but....I drink when I'm thirsty.

I rarely drink anything on 10-12 mile runs, and never on anything shorter. I don't see what issue it would cause.

12-14 is about the max I'll go without hydrating/fueling (1.5 2 hours) and that's only in really ideal weather conditions. Summer running, pretty much anything over an hour and I'm making sure I've got something to drink.

I normally hydrate on runs over the 10 mile mark. If the weather is not ideal, I will hydrate on shorter runs.

Mr MattM wrote:

Jack_Scaff wrote:

Can not drinking on non-long runs cause issues?

I have heard of rare cases where not drinking on non-long runs can cause thirst. This condition is usually cured by hydrating post-run. Be safe out there. The thirst you quench could be your own!

Alas, I finish at 7 AM and it is too early for beer, at least in the office.

Dave-O wrote:Not to belittle the question, but....I drink when I'm thirsty.

I rarely drink anything on 10-12 mile runs, and never on anything shorter. I don't see what issue it would cause.

That is what I am looking to hear. Except the implication that you run 12 miles faster than I run 8.

mul21 wrote:12-14 is about the max I'll go without hydrating/fueling (1.5 2 hours) and that's only in really ideal weather conditions. Summer running, pretty much anything over an hour and I'm making sure I've got something to drink.

Sort of my plan - just used to bring a bottle on AM 8-10 mile runs, and for whatever reason I stopped. Call it lazy.

Also, I think pre-run hydration is more important. If you're fully hydrated (beer doesnt count) you should be fine for 60-90 minutes. Unless its the middle of summer. Then all bets are off.

Jack_Scaff wrote:

Mr MattM wrote:

Jack_Scaff wrote:

Can not drinking on non-long runs cause issues?

I have heard of rare cases where not drinking on non-long runs can cause thirst. This condition is usually cured by hydrating post-run. Be safe out there. The thirst you quench could be your own!

Alas, I finish at 7 AM and it is too early for beer, at least in the office.

If that's true, why did God make Oatmeal Stout?

I only carry water for my daily 1-1.5 hr runs in the heat of the summer. I make sure I'm hydrated before I start and when I finish. In the cooler weather, I often go 10-12 miles between drinks, but I probably should try to grab a drink every hour or so. Since I often run a loop course, I can just stash it.

Mr MattM wrote:

Jack_Scaff wrote:

Mr MattM wrote:

Jack_Scaff wrote:

Can not drinking on non-long runs cause issues?

I have heard of rare cases where not drinking on non-long runs can cause thirst. This condition is usually cured by hydrating post-run. Be safe out there. The thirst you quench could be your own!

Alas, I finish at 7 AM and it is too early for beer, at least in the office.

If that's true, why did God make Oatmeal Stout?

For the best meal ever.........brunch!

totally depends on the weather for me. In the winter I don't worry about drinking or bringing water unless it's 12-14 miles or so, in the summer if it's hot enough I'll barely go 4 miles without my water.

It all depends on the temp. When the dewpoint is above 75, then even a 1 hour run can cause problems without water.



Under 50 degrees in the fall, no fluid regardless of distance up to 3 hours. Run light, run fast. But that's just me.



I like the oatmeal stout idea. But where do I put my craisins? Back on the shelf?

Diego wrote:

I like the oatmeal stout idea. But where do I put my craisins? Back on the shelf?

That seems like the perfect thing to soak in vodka for a light snack/buzz as needed!

And why does every thread Jack starts end up talking about food, drinking or sex?

mul21 wrote:

Diego wrote:

I like the oatmeal stout idea. But where do I put my craisins? Back on the shelf?

That seems like the perfect thing to soak in vodka for a light snack/buzz as needed!

And why does every thread Jack starts end up talking about food, drinking or sex?

Niiice! I have only soaked watermelons in vodka to take to the games in the past.

I never carry water and instead only rely on fountains or stores. For anything under 10, I don't have any to drink along the way unless there is a water fountain I pass and it is hot out (80+). For the long runs, I know my routes and know where my water or store stops will be beforehand. I'm fine up to 12 or so miles without water but then definitely need something or I'm going to have big problems.

I brought G2 on my 9 miler this weekend. First time I ever considered hydration during a run of less than 13 miles or so. It was about 80-85 muggy degrees though. Cooler weather and I wouldn't have bothered.

I'd say the worst case scenario of bring a water bottle is having to carry the water bottle. Big deal. The worst case scenario of NOT bringing anything is dehydration. So, if in doubt, bring the bottle (or a couple of bucks), imo.

Dave-O wrote: (beer doesnt count)

You take that back!

Mr MattM wrote:
If that's true, why did God make Oatmeal Stout?

I said "at work"

mul21 wrote:And why does every thread Jack starts end up talking about food, drinking or sex?

Because I have my priorities right.



Wait a minute...this was about water at first!

Winter usually 10,12 or more something like that
Summer over 6

Got to do what works for you.

1.5hr is about the max I'll go without water - in summer. I've gone 2.5-3hr in winter with no water... Winter being 55-60 degrees.

Truthfully, I have never, ever, ever...taken water with me on a run. Never really felt the need. The weekly 13-14-15 milers just seem like normal runs so water is never a consideration. Even on my very longest runs of 17-18 miles I've never really worried about it. I do drink a lot of water during the day and seem to be perpetually hydrated. And before some hot weather runs I'll chug a bottle just before heading out the door. However, If it's a hot day and I'm passing thru the park, I'll stop and get a drink. Mostly just to take a break and it's a good excuse to stop...

I am opposite of many - I take a bottle(s) with me on virtually every run from 3 - 23 miles.
I run 3 minutes - walk 30 seconds or so on most runs - ala Galloway.
When I take a fast walking break, I usually take a sip - it is not much of a drink.
I have never overhydrated.

It works for me, but maybe it is because I am one of the older ones here.

Each person is different...I go more by time than miles. If it's going to be 1-1.5 hours, I don't worry so much, but anything over that I'd like a few ounces every 2 miles. I'm slower than you guys, so the mileage numbers you cover would have me hours on end out there without water. To keep with the miles, I'm comfortable with 8 miles, then start drinking, all weather dependent.

I guess I'm quite the opposite too. If it is over 5 miles in the summer time I will take a bottle. In the winter time I will take a bottle if the run is over 10. I guess it depends on what type of run it is but I'll frequently drop the bottle and pick it back up on the way back in an out and back. I dislike carrying water just like the rest of you and when possible I will stash water along the route to avoid having to carry it. I've had runs where I've taken in more than a gallon of water.

Isn't it hard or your kidneys to constantly dehydrate yourself?