When do I start carrying water?

[ananas]

I've never run through the summer before, just due to bad luck with injuries. In the winter, I didn't bother to carry water on runs under an hour, but now, in the heat, I notice that I'm dry after even a shorty run and get a bit of a headache. I'm being very good about hydrating beforehand, but at how many minutes of running should I be carrying water in the summertime? I'm not crazy about carrying water with me when I don't have to...

[Samantha]

I'd say if you are getting headaches and are thirsty after running carry water.

[eme]

I've never run through the summer before, just due to bad luck with injuries. In the winter, I didn't bother to carry water on runs under an hour, but now, in the heat, I notice that I'm dry after even a shorty run and get a bit of a headache. I'm being very good about hydrating beforehand, but at how many minutes of running should I be carrying water in the summertime? I'm not crazy about carrying water with me when I don't have to...

If you are dry and headachy after a short run, take water with you for any run - at least until you get used to the heat.

On really hot days, you may want to think about a sports drink for anything over around 45 minutes - especially if you are good and salty after your run.

[emmacunningham]

I carry water with me regardless of how long the run is. Even just 20 minutes, I like to have water on hand.

[LisaB]

I just started carrying water as I found that once it was an hour I was toast! Now I've come to depend on it - in a good way.

[mas_runner]

I used to carry a water bottle but splashed out on a fuel belt, great investment, my posture is better from not having something in one hand and I can use my arms properly for extra leverage.

[redhead]

I carry fluid for almost all my runs. I occasionally use a hand-held, but most often I wear my fuel belt.
http://www.fuelbelt.com/fuel_belts/4_bottle.html

I'm not the speediest runner on the planet or worried about shaving seconds on my time. I like the feel of wearing the fuel belt (very comfy), and I like having the fluids of my choice with me (water/eLoad). I have 4-8oz bottles, and 4-10 oz bottles, so can mix and match as needed.

So far I've had no need for a CamelBak-type hydration backpack. Most of my runs are between 1-2 hours.

[Madame Bourette]

When running, I think you should be carrying...

A) Milk

B) Chicken Soup

C) Cold Coffee

D) Beer

E) All of the above

[redhead]

You're always so helpful Eric.
I'm surprised you didn't add...
F) camera/cell phone
G) ipod/boombox
H) toilet paper/wetnaps
I) snacks/sandwiches
J) reading material
K) the kitchen sink

[Madame Bourette]

You're always so helpful Eric.
I'm surprised you didn't add...
F) camera/cell phone
G) ipod/boombox
H) toilet paper/wetnaps
I) snacks/sandwiches
J) reading material
K) the kitchen sink

I was more thinking about liquid to drink but I think we should also add

L) http://www.dyesscreek.com/events/index.php?displaypic=ict%2F2009%2Frun%2F_mg_8890.JPG

since we added I) Snacks.

[redhead]

She looks like she ran through a car wash.