Hello Mr Happy

I haven't seen that article, although as you know I run witha fist bottle for races of half marathon and over.

The Brooks handheld is excellent to run with. I have run 2hrs plus with it and had no problems. If it is throwing you out you can always change hands or use one on each hand!
Also, I would rather be hydrated then dehydrated on my long runs. The handhelds are very prevalent in US long trail races. I'm talking 100 miles and you never see people getting injured by their handheld bottles there! The handheld types are easier to carry than the doughnut ones aswell. Very comfy. I hardly notice mine!

i prefer one on a belt carried around the back, for training runs at least. never raced in it but then i don't carry water at races - i would rather have a sponge if i carried anything.

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it's not how fast, it's how often

Long runs need drinks!
Amazing how many people you see out without any fluid on 2hr + runs!

Absolutely! In fact I always take a drink on any run longer than an hour, in hot weather I always take one anyway...no matter what the distance.

Some runners are under the illusion that it's only to replace sweat, but water is also used to cool internal organs and deep muscles. If your muscles overheat then they lose efficiency.

What do yous think of usign bumbags rather than running with bottles? this looks good to me http://www.wiggle.co.uk/ProductDetai...dID=5360027702

I got a free bottle with a hole in the middle with a big pack of flora at tescos. Please excuse the advertising! It's unintentional! Other spreads and supermarkets are availiable!!

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Speed. I am Speed......

I was given a 'water rucksack' (for want of a better description) as a Birthday present. I've used it once, absolutely useless. It took more energy for me to suck out the water than the whole of the three miles I'd run!!

I never take water with me on a run and never feel the need for it. However, when running in an organised race I always take some when I pass the water station (How much actually gets drunk is a topic for another thread!)

And it's even more amazing how many people you see with fluid on a 15 minute run... or walking the dog... or going to post a letter... or shopping...

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I RUN, THEREFORE I AM

(When I don't run, I'm NOT)

In a race i'd definately be drinking if I was running for 2hrs+ but for training? Not so fussed.

Perhaps a slightly backwards mentality to what some of you practice but when training I don't really like carrying a bottle around and I'm not really bothered about ensuring I'm hydrated for optimal performance. Okay common sense says to make sure you're not going to keel over and die from dehydration, but didn't some great runner once say something about training under unfavourable conditions makes things easier come race day?