Please add your OWN advice or comments...just hit EDIT and start typing at the bottom of the page!

Estelle: endurance formula gatorade.  how much i carry depends on the mileage.  I generally drink 10 oz. for every 4-5 miles I run.  If i'm running more than 16 miles, I'll usually carry a little ziplock pouch with enough for a 10 oz. bottle and mix it with water later in the run.  I get cups of water at water stations, rather than carrying it.

 Linda:   I take a couple of my small water bottles and fill them a quarter or half way and put them in freezer so I have a couple of water bottles with colder water...the other 2 I fill and put in fridge. The ones half filled with frozen water will melt slowly and be colder in the middle of a long run.  If you fill the whole water bottle and place in freezer...  as it melts it will make a clunking noise and drive everyone around you crazy.  I sometimes drink gookinaid but I have found for me personally water works best.

 Sharon: I've tried several things and I'm still trying to figure this one out. Water seems to work in general... but then again...

Oscar: Water. Sometimes i pu t a candy in my bottle to make it sweet. I listen to my body when it is time to drink. I don't start to drink until i get thristy

Bill: I'll carry a water bottle with Accelerade or Cytomax in it. Same with a race. I often do a 20-miles with just some Accelerade and a gel. I carry a handle-held bottle because I've learned that a bottle on your belt doesn't do any good until you take it off your belt. If it's in my hand, I'm more likely to use it. I use a holder so the bottle ie really holding me. I usually have some left over, so I don't even go through a whole bottle most long runs.

At my really long races (Badwater or a 24-hour), I try to get all my calories in liquid form. I've even used Ensure and SlimFast - although they are heavier and I can only take 1/3 to 1/2 a can at a time of them. Solid food sits too heavily in my stomach at those events because I'm red-lining the whole way. I don't need to confront my body with a choice between sending blood to my digestive tract or to my leg muscles. I'd rather it go to my legs, and instead I'll drink something at a low enough concentration that the body reacts to it as a liquid and not a solid. It's less taxing on the digestive system, so less taxing on me.

Maria: Water + Vitamin water or some drink with 10-13 carbs per 8 oz. This way it's not too syrupy/ sappy sweet.

Kim: water, 250 ml/hour (1C/hr)

Glenn: I carry water because during a “real” marathon, much of the electrolyte drinks will be given to you from the race organizers. I try to drink approx 8 fl oz (approx two (2) mouthful) of liquid every mile.  Compared to water, I have learned that some electrolyte drinks can cause you to make more pit stops that necessary. Water/Sports drink, your choice.

John: I buy Cliff Shot Electrolyte in bulk on the internet. I carry one bottle for 10 mile runs, and an extra packet for 15+ mile runs. And I drink water along the way when it’s offered. I know I have to be careful to not ONLY drink water: that wrecks my electrolytes and brings on cramps. After 20 miles I can only drink water or Diet Coke.

Charles: I carry 20 ounces bottle of water.  At aid stations I will drink the sports drink and the water from the bottle between.  I may fill the water bottle one to three times depending on the heat.

Catherine: On my fuel belt there are 4 bottles, 2 with endurance formula gatorade, 2 with water.

GO BACK TO THE MAIN ADVICE PAGE