I'm no expert at such matters but two things come to mind.

First is that people's experiences seem to vary depending upon where in the pack they are. Those running nearer the front of the pack seem to have fewer issues with supplies than those running nearer the tail of the pack. This means you need to weigh others comments based on where they likely were in the pack and where you anticipate being.

Don't forget to factor in details like if there's a half-marathon at the same time, watch out of the HM course shares the latter part of the full marathon course. That in combination with the heat really screwed a lot of full marathon runners at the 2007 ING Georgia marathon. The HM runners in the heat overwhelmed some of the later water stops leaving little for the full marathon runners coming later.

The other is that weather seems to play a big role -- when the weather is hotter than anticipated there seem to be more frequently a problem with water and sports-drink supplies.

I would also look at http://www.marathonguide.com/[/URL" target="_blank"> to see what people have said about prior years. Some marathons seems to be more organized than others. These reviews and your own estimates of the temperatures in relation to "normal" ought to help form a decision.

- Lew

Ummmmm....after my experience yesterday (Chicago), my answer would be NO you cannot rely on water stops at marathons. That being said, I still doubt I will carry water at the Houston marathon next year, assuming the temps are ok. If it is hot, I will carry my own.

Look and see how many aid stations they are planning on having. Chicago had 15 and that was not nearly enough for yesterday's conditions. Some were as far apart as 2.6 miles. When you are on the slow side, like me, that can be close to 30 minutes without water. I carried a 24 oz bottle in my hand that lasted about the first 8 miles, but then I was at the mercy of the course and it was pretty rough!

I am running MCM too, and was wondering the same thing, since it's going to be such a big/crowded race.

Personally, I use gels and water instead of Gatorade, so I plan to take a couple of gels along with me. Hopefully there will at least be enough water.

Good luck!

Anyone know what kind of weather to expect at MCM? I am new to the area and don't really know the possibilities ...

They are supposed to be handing out sport beans somewhere in the last third (maybe around mile 20?).

I use a Camelbak on long runs too, but it chafes at the back of my neck (on one of my vertebrae). Body glide doesn't seem to help. So, I really don't want to use it in the race.

quote:<HR>Originally posted by tss1201:
Anyone know what kind of weather to expect at MCM? I am new to the area and don't really know the possibilities ...
.<HR>

Too far out to say. This weekend is going to be perfect, lows in the low 40s and highs in the 60s.

Southern Man



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We're on a road to nowhere. Come on along.

I'd say that it is a good skill to have to be able to run while carrying your own fluids. In cool weather with a well supported race there is little need to carry your own stuff. But as soon as you know the temp may be high enough so you won't be runnng a PR anyway, one option to think about is carrying more.

It doesn't have to be something like Chicago, any warm day may make it worthwhile. Sure, toting along a few pounds of fluids will add a couple of minutes to your time, but cramping because of dehydration will add 10/20/30 minutes. You may also choose to contrast those few minutes against the likely crush at water stops on hot days: pretty likely that you may lose 30 seconds per.

What I'm suggesting is that being comfortable running with a good fluid supply, and then making the tactical decision to carry it the night before a warm race day may be wise.

The other thing I do in races with a lot of congestion near the start is to carry a "throwdown bottle." I just buy a cheap 16oz bottle of water in a sports type bottle, and then refill it with my fave race drink. I suck it down during the first 4-5 miles and breeze through the first few water stops on the side away from the congestion. Then as the field thins out, I chuck the bottle and drink as normal.



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-Hippo-

We went to face our demons, but all we found were angels.
me[/URL" target="_blank">

I am thinking after Chicago Sunday the fall marathons coming up will have plenty of water.