Do you carry water with you? (bottles, camelbak) Do you stash water along your route? Are you using straight water or mixing some carbs (gaterade)

I have the camelback you are talking about but I prefer the one that is a little taller. It doesn't seem to slosh around and bounce up and down as much as the squatier version. It doesn't seem to conform to my lower back as well as the slightly taller one. They work great I used it right through a very hot marathon and the extra hydration helped me through it. I used to freeze gatorade in an ice cube tray and drop them in the bladder with water (half and half) I have bottle waist packs too but they sometimes bounce out of the pocket and you have to be a contortionist to put the bottle back. I guess it depends on how much your stride bounces. Its much more efficient to have a gliding stride. I guess the bottles taught me how to stride that way. Also a little hint about the camelback. When you have taken your drink, blow in the tube so that the liquid in the tube goes back in the bladder. That way you don't get a blast of warm water on your next sip. the water in the tube heats up very quickly whereas in the bladder it stays cooler longer especially if you added ice cubes. This also applies in the winter, water in the tube tends to freeze and then you can't get a drink. I usually gun the tube under my clothes against my body to avoid the line freezing. I agree that I don't like stashing water either as who knows what can happen if someone spots you stashing it. I am finding the extra weight of the water a bit of a burden but it is a necessary evil.

For my 10K course (or less) I carry 20oz of water/grape juice mix. For longer I will hide additional bottles. I think I need to find something else. The sugar in the juice makes the stomach a bit queezy after 4 miles and the bouncing makes the water/juice mix get all foamy. Not good for beer, not good for running fluid!

No it does not ride on your back and does not have straps . The one with straps is more for hikers or bikers. This one is just about 3 inches taller than the one you like and it rides nicely in the small of your back. It has a slimmer but consequenly longer bladder and hugs your back nicely. I find the one you like has a round bladder and tends to bounce up and down more rather than hug your back. Try them on in the store. I find the one youlike has to be sinched tighter around your waist. I do know other runners who use it though without complaints. For me the bouncing drives me nuts and I don't like sinching it too tight around my waist. But once you get used to it its far superior to the bottle types. I have not seen the bottles on your arm models. I can't imagine that being very comfortable. Could cause shoulder stress and throw your stride off. I know they don't recommend runners using ankle or wrist weights to train with. Dave

This is what I use for shorter runs - they're only about 5 bucks.

Dave, Sounds like a great run! By Oct we should start to get some of that kind of weather. Suppose to cool off this week, highs only in the upper 90s; if it does I'll see about running in the AM out doors. I'll have to check for that other Camelbak, don't believe I've seen that one. Thanks Joe

That's great that your husband can carry liquids an gu for you. You will definately need some nourishment along the marathon route (even non diabetic runners do ) The only concern I would have about the electrolite is how much sodium it has in it. I had hypertension when I was heavy and have to watch my sodium intake (unfortunately it's hidden in a lot of foods) In general electrolites may help if you perspire profusely. It's very important to take in some carbs and water water and more water well b4 you reach the so called wall (around 18 miles) Many a runner has run out of steam at this stage of the race because they didn't take in enough carbs and they "bonk". Sometimes if this does occur some runners cannot even walk.I to like watered down gaterade. (straight gatorade upsets my stomach. I always shouted out "water" when approaching water stations as some hand out gaterade instead but usually they are well signed. I would freeze gatorade and mix the cubes in with the water to keep every thing nice and cold and get more carbs as you go along(in addition to taking in water at each water station even if you are not thirsty) I do not know if gatorade(lot of sugar)works with diabetic runners. We will all know a lot more after we hear about your fall marathon. It's great that your husband can help you , especially on those long training runs you have coming up soon. How long do you intend to make your longest run b4 your marathon? Looking forward to hearing about how you are making out on your longer training runs. Good Luck! You will always remember that 1st Marathon with pride. Dave

You asked: How long do you intend to make your longest run b4 your marathon? Here's how my Saturday long runs are planned up until the marathon: 08.26.06: 11 miles 09.02.06: 13 miles 09.09.06: 15 miles 09.16.06: 13 miles 09.23.06: 18 miles 09.30.06: 12 miles 10.07.06: 20 miles 10.14.06: 15 miles 10.21.06: 7 miles 10.29.06: MARATHON ! I have a 10 miler event on 09.23. They keep the course open for marathon training so I will do my 10 miles then turn around and do 8 more. ~Susan.