I know the conventional wisdom is that you don't need a drink if you're running for less than an hour, but if I try to run, or do any exercise, for more than just a few minutes without a drink, even in the winter, I often get a splitting headache. It's not that I'm dehydrated beforehand (I drink plenty of water) or that I sweat especially much. I think it's more to do with overheating (yes, even when running through a hard frost on a cold winter morning!)

It's clearly very much a personal thing. I envy those who can run for an hour without needing water, but since I'm not one of them, I have to take some with me. On my outdoor runs, I take one of those oval/doughnut shaped bottles. I find it fits my hand comfortably so I don't have to grip it, and it's easy to take regular sips from.

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Cautiously potter-along puddy

well, to avoid contention I agree with every one, but if it's hot psychologically I'm happier with a slug of water on a run even if it is only 5k.

smithy

The temperature makes a big difference; if it's over 20c then I start to get thirsty after an hour or so.

Pondering strat for water stops on the next marathon; I don't want to stop at each one because that takes a lot off your time, and is hardly necessary. But if it's as warm as this morning, then I probably won't wait til halfway... Hmmm...

I never take water with me on a run but now it's hot i always have a drink after i run...

From my very scientific evience - i think it depends on how you run those three miles - and not just on the distance...

I did a 3.5 mile tempo run and had to have two glasses of cold juice + lemonade after i ran...

I did a 6.5 mile easy run and only needed one glass and was less dead-ed after...

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Caught me running - Tiesto

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nOyDWOMqajU

Make sure you're hydrated beforehand and you should be fine for most runs... I won't tend to carry water with me for runs shorter than 15miles unless it's very hot.

BPC... have you tried running with less layers on? just out of curiousity, but if you're finding you need to drink because you're overheating, you may find it much more comfortable to run with fewer garments

Regardless of everyones ideals on taking on water during training runs of varying distances, the difference it makes will be minor, by far the most important factor in my opinion is that you get out the door and do that run, whether you have a bottle of water in your hand or not!

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www.richardsimkiss.co.uk - Glooston 10k report added

I'd be arrested

Seriously, I was out running at dawn one morning back in Feb? March? when it was minus something stupid - crazy hard frost and after just a few minutes, I was really warm, just running in jogging bottoms and a t-shirt. I wasn't overheating that day, but I certainly wasn't cold. I overheat in swimming pools when everyone else is complaining that the water's too cold and I'll happily sit in short sleeves in the office too when others are moaning about their numb fingers and putting cardigans on.

Anyway, as long as I keep sipping water, I seem to be fine, though I certainly wouldn't even think about running on a really hot day.

Maybe it'll get better as I lose more of my built-in duvet

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Cautiously potter-along puddy

Shave your head... that'll soon cool you down :P Best ask Mr BPC first though I guess

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www.richardsimkiss.co.uk - Glooston 10k report added

I ran a 10km last night and was gasping for a drink by halfway! By the time I hit the 7km, I really had to slow down, because the heat was getting to me.

I think we all need to adjust to this warmer weather, it is hard going. I've just been out, and I don't get thirsty, it's just my throat that gets dry.

Me too!

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It's about getting out there and doing the distance, time doesn't matter apart from making it.