Hydration during 8K? (Read 1415 times)

Hi all, I'm wondering what runners think about drinking during an 8K race. The last one I did, there were two water stations set up, which was nice but seemed a little unnecessary for a race that takes 30-45 minutes for most people to run. I'm running another 8K this weekend. Weather should be nice and cool (Portland, OR). I'm hoping to complete it in 37:30 or so. If I don't feel particularly thirsty, is there a compelling reason to have a bit of water anyway at the 3 or 4 mile mark?

If I don't feel particularly thirsty, is there a compelling reason to have a bit of water anyway at the 3 or 4 mile mark?

You certainly don't need to worry about hydration during such a short race. I do find that a quick rinse-and-spit is not a bad idea during short races if you're getting a little bit of cotton-mouth.

Thanks for the replies. You guys have confirmed what I was thinking.

You were right. I can sleep easy now! Heh.

...5k race....half a dozen people with one of those water bottle belt around their waist with 4 or 5 water bottles..

Stuff like that is basically a security blanket for people who are uncomfortable about their ability to complete the distance. 3.1 miles feels really far to the person who just completed a C25K plan, and this probably provides the mental boost they need to feel confident that they can finish. In a year they'll look back and laugh at how they used to carry a half-gallon of water on a little 5K. I know I laugh at some of my old routines.

Stuff like that is basically a security blanket for people who are uncomfortable about their ability to complete the distance. 3.1 miles feels really far to the person who just completed a C25K plan, and this probably provides the mental boost they need to feel confident that they can finish. In a year they'll look back and laugh at how they used to carry a half-gallon of water on a little 5K. I know I laugh at some of my old routines.

I can see your point and I'd have to agree with that. I guess my point was; if I'm helping someone, or coaching someone, the confidence that I would try to develop in them would come from the knowledge that they've done everything they need to do in training to do the task. It may not necessarily just running fast; but physiologically what it takes to run 5k and do it comfortably, for example, including whether you may or may not need to carry water bottle. I'm not saying you do NOT need to carry water for 5k race. Like I said, it's not dependant on any certain numbers--5k or 5 mils or 6-minut pace or 16-minute pace. If it's hot and if you sweat a lot and if it takes a long period to do the task, you MAY actually need it. I didn't go on and on just to put someone to sleep; but I don't particularly like the answer like "Do I need water for a 5 mile race?" "No, you don't need that for a 5-mile race." Well, what if it's under 112F condition and for someone who runs 15-minute pace? I'd say take it! You've got to understand the reasoning behind it. But I also don't like the idea of commercialism sneaking in to it and, if there's any coach out there who might gets paid by those water bottle belt company (I highly doubt it but...) and they might tell their runners to carry the belt for a 2-mile race in 38F condition; I'd say bullshit! I met with this group that promote kid's exercise. Well, it turned out they don't really do any program (we have kids running program and I thought we could collaborate the effort) but help ohers to promote. And they said, "Well, maybe we can get some promotional stuff to be included in the packet for your program from one of our sponsors?" I asked which one's their sponsor and they said Pepci Cola. And the guy said, "Well, drinking a can of pop won't affect kids health..." I said, "Yes, it will," and walked out. It's not that Pepci Cola was supporting the program financially (I assume) that bugged me; but it's this guy's attitude to promote something that's not right most probably so he could kiss up to the sponsor. My mentor, Arthur Lydiard, was sponsored by a cigarett company years ago when he was promoting jogging. Nobody else at the time helped him financially. But the agreement was tha he could go around the country and tell people smoking is bad for them. He had no restriction to say what he felt is right and wrong. I actually respect this compnay.

If it's cool out, skip the water. It's a short race.

I did my longest race a couple of weeks ago, an 8K, and there was water offered at two places. I had decided some time ago on shorter distances, that there was no need for water, but since it was 8K, and I saw that it was being given out, I thought maybe I should take advantage of it, even though I wasn't really thirsty. So I took some, and later just thought that it had slowed me down a bit, and probably next time I will just pass it by, unless I actually feel thirsty. I knew there would be water at the finish line, and that would be soon enough. I don't want water bottles hanging from my waist unless I really need it. Sometimes I take water to the woods with me, since I am out in the wilderness. Woods lady.