doing my first race next weekend and i was just wondering how much water people carry with them?
ive got a 1 litre bladder but i dont think it'll be big enough for 25k.
so any advice/tips??
ta
Ben
25km?!
1 water bottle, 2 if it's really hot (handed up by a teammate half way through ideally).
Hi Ben
Sounds like 3x5mile laps? When I do that distance I carry 2x750mm bottles. One is a mixture of water and whatever powder energy you prefer ( I use Torq) and the other bottle is just filled with water. The plain water I use to help swallow energy gels. I have one gel at the start of the second and third lap.
I also make sure that I am well hydrated before the race starts.
Good luck on Sunday
That's an odd specific distance, do you need water for that?
I generally only do 1 hour races and don't take anything out.
thanks guys, very helpful.
its one long lap - around northface trail in grizedale so, im going to have to pace my water intake to get the best out of it.
i was thinking of taking some jelly babies with me - i cant stomach the gels. what else do people eat while racing??
oldgit -im not sure how long it'll take so thats why im struggling to decide how much drink to take with me. its part of a duathlon, but im just doing the riding!
I would recommend taking some water definitely, 1hr cross races are different.
For me, 1 500ml water bottle (usually not quite full) per 25 minute lap, get someone to hand you a fresh one each lap. I use Zym tablets for racing, or High 5 with some Elete water. I very rarely finish a bottle on a lap.
If you only have a Camelbak then 1 litre will be fine.
Edit: for one long lap, I'd still personally carry one big (750ml) bottle, you'd probably be fine with 1 litre, do you normally drink a lot?
It's only going to be 90 mins or so, you don't really need to eat anything, maybe a gel if you feel you're flagging, I wouldn't bother with Jelly Babies or anything. You should be trying too hard to be able to chew anything.
One litre is loads for 15 miles.
Jelly babies are good for a sugar boost.
We're all different, then I'd probably go for a 750ml water and gel or shots in my pocket.
You'll probably be so focused that you'll come back with the lot untouched.
15.5 miles ? One small water bottle, 500ml would do me and I probably wouldn't even find the time to drink half of that. Hydrate properly before would probably be a better idea.
nice one, i'll just stick to 1L and probably some shot bloks (just found a couple of packs!!) 😀
bit off topic, but any idea how long 25k should take? im moderately fit (hopefully). i was hoping for around 1:30 - 1:45
NFT you can do in about 40 mins if you're properly beasting it. 1.30 is towards the leisurely end of the spectrum even for non-racer types.
One 750ml bottle will be fine round that distance and it'll save you having any weight on your back. As mentioned above, make sure you're well hydrated / fed beforehand and have a bottle of recovery drink handy for when you finish.
Good luck!