The official running thread™

[Mzezman]

I am new to running, and recently started. Done a few 5K's, 7.5 and a 10.

I am struggling with a dry mouth and I get really thirsty when running, but carrying a bottle is also a pain.

Except for a camel back, which will be frowned upon, I assume during road running, what do you guys recommend?

why would a camel back be frowned upon?

 

[Kornhub]

why would a camel back be frowned upon?

Yeah its pretty normal actually.

 

[The_MAC]

I am new to running, and recently started. Done a few 5K's, 7.5 and a 10.

I am struggling with a dry mouth and I get really thirsty when running, but carrying a bottle is also a pain.

Except for a camel back, which will be frowned upon, I assume during road running, what do you guys recommend?

3 options.

1. Carry your Credit Card with you (or Garmin Pay) and just get a drink at a petrol station half-way - throw away the bottle
2. Soft silicone bottles work well as they reduce in size as you drink, easy to carry in one hand - especially the 250ml ones
3. Temu sells these very slim trail-running vests with a bladder, super small - ideal for road running

 

[Zanonad]

I am new to running, and recently started. Done a few 5K's, 7.5 and a 10.

I am struggling with a dry mouth and I get really thirsty when running, but carrying a bottle is also a pain.

Except for a camel back, which will be frowned upon, I assume during road running, what do you guys recommend?

Plan your routes along a road with services stations if possible
Get a small packet of Jellybabies to get the saliva flowing
As you progress with your longer runs, you will find that you wont need hydration so frequently during your runs. Pre and Post hydration is critical.

 

[Crusader]

I am new to running, and recently started. Done a few 5K's, 7.5 and a 10.

I am struggling with a dry mouth and I get really thirsty when running, but carrying a bottle is also a pain.

Except for a camel back, which will be frowned upon, I assume during road running, what do you guys recommend?

Just get a soft flask to hold in your hand while doing shorter distances. You could also look at a running belt and use that with a soft flask.

I found the flask still bounces around a bit in the running belt which irritated me. Opted to just run with the flask in hand.

 

[Kornhub]

Aiii no wonder I was dying in the heat yesterday. Cloudy my bum

 

[Cray]

Just get a soft flask to hold in your hand while doing shorter distances. You could also look at a running belt and use that with a soft flask.

I found the flask still bounces around a bit in the running belt which irritated me. Opted to just run with the flask in hand.

you can also get those flasks with a hole in them, makes them easier to carry.

 

[Smokey888]

Thanks for all the advice gents. So my assumption on the camel back was incorrect. I had one or two people I spoke about it in person saying it's frowned upon.

will look at the different options and decide.

 

[Sinbad]

Thanks for all the advice gents. So my assumption on the camel back was incorrect. I had one or two people I spoke about it in person saying it's frowned upon.

will look at the different options and decide.

I can imagine that perhaps using one for 5k could be considered overkill - I mean, I'm proper unfit still, and I can easily manage 5k distances (even 10k) without needing a drink. I just take a glass of water with a take 2 tab before the run. But then, I still reckon no-one of any consequence is going to be judging you for it.

 

[The_MAC]

Thanks for all the advice gents. So my assumption on the camel back was incorrect. I had one or two people I spoke about it in person saying it's frowned upon.

will look at the different options and decide.

Maybe at a park run it will look weird, but who cares what you do or how you look, as long as it works and gets you out and about

 

[Crusader]

you can also get those flasks with a hole in them, makes them easier to carry.

View attachment 1876787

Those work, but if you don't like the sound of water sloshing around with every stride a soft flask is superior.

 

[Crusader]

Thanks for all the advice gents. So my assumption on the camel back was incorrect. I had one or two people I spoke about it in person saying it's frowned upon.

will look at the different options and decide.

It's basically a meme in the running community that you don't need a running vest for a 5K or otherwise the running police will come for you. At least that's the origin and what running influencers want you to believe.

Honestly though, do whatever works for you and feels the most comfortable. Ignore what other people think or say the rules are.

 

[Cray]

Those work, but if you don't like the sound of water sloshing around with every stride a soft flask is superior.

Good point, that water sloshing is super annoying..

 

[Crusader]

Good point, that water sloshing is super annoying..

I find it extremely annoying.

I'd say you should start with minimal and work your way up. Soft flask > running belt > hydration vest.

With hydration vests the bounce (even slight) can also be very annoying and it comes with extra bulk and warmth which decreases comfort.

 

[Sinbad]

I find it extremely annoying.

I'd say you should start with minimal and work your way up. Soft flask > running belt > hydration vest.

With hydration vests the bounce (even slight) can also be very annoying and it comes with extra bulk and warmth which decreases comfort.

Hell there's an idea

I could fill my camelbak with hot water for these winter runs

 

[notayoba]

I am new to running, and recently started. Done a few 5K's, 7.5 and a 10.

I am struggling with a dry mouth and I get really thirsty when running, but carrying a bottle is also a pain.

Except for a camel back, which will be frowned upon, I assume during road running, what do you guys recommend?

For long training runs in rural areas: Drive the route and drop off (semi frozen) bottles at strategic spots. In urban areas, figure out where there are publicly accessible taps (runners from my club use my tap in the front yard all the time, with my permission) or just buy water at garages.

For races, no need. For sanctioned races there will be water tables every couple of kms.

And like others have said, no one cares about your camelbak.

 

[R13...]

So just to kick off the planning for 2026, what are your guys calendars looking like, any great additional races you can recommend close to Gauteng. Mine is looking as follows for now, also got the Amatola this year, a bucket-list item with the SO:

Jan
Feb	Sasol Secunda Marathon
Mar	Magoebas Ultra (45km Trail)
Apr	Amatola Hike
May	MUT George (44km Trail)
Jun	Comrades
Jul	Mac Mac Ultra (46km Trail)
Aug
Sept	Mont Aux Sources Ultra (55km Trail)
Oct
Nov
Dec

Edenvale marathon in March. Nice and flat.

 

[Crusader]

Hell there's an idea

I could fill my camelbak with hot water for these winter runs

For long runs I've put in some ice packs where the bladder would go in my running vest. Definitely helped cool down. Still need to test it out more.

A hot water bottle could be option for you

 

[Smokey888]

So just to kick off the planning for 2026, what are your guys calendars looking like, any great additional races you can recommend close to Gauteng. Mine is looking as follows for now, also got the Amatola this year, a bucket-list item with the SO:

Jan
Feb	Sasol Secunda Marathon
Mar	Magoebas Ultra (45km Trail)
Apr	Amatola Hike
May	MUT George (44km Trail)
Jun	Comrades
Jul	Mac Mac Ultra (46km Trail)
Aug
Sept	Mont Aux Sources Ultra (55km Trail)
Oct
Nov
Dec

I am doing Johnsons Crane 10KM end of January - Benoni

 

[Sinbad]

For long runs I've put in some ice packs where the bladder would go in my running vest. Definitely helped cool down. Still need to test it out more.

A hot water bottle could be option for you

I did the ice block thing with some high 5s in the camelbak - for some cycling trips in summer