I got downvoted in reddit for giving non-hobbyjogger advice.

Every subreddit has a culture it's trying to maintain. Anyone who tries to rock the boat is silenced.

I consistently run slightly under 3 hours (PR 2:53, consistent 2:56-2:58, i.e., slow for letsrun by probably fast end of hobbyjoggers), and I typically walk at about 4 or 5 aid stations in marathons, for about 5-10 seconds each time, i.e., just long enough to get the drink down, and I believe this actually helps me to run faster, not slower. This would be a very silly approach for somebody who is competing to win, but I suspect that most people slower than me, and some people slightly faster than me, could benefit from doing this.

HaileUnlikely wrote:

I consistently run slightly under 3 hours (PR 2:53, consistent 2:56-2:58, i.e., slow for letsrun by probably fast end of hobbyjoggers), and I typically walk at about 4 or 5 aid stations in marathons, for about 5-10 seconds each time, i.e., just long enough to get the drink down, and I believe this actually helps me to run faster, not slower. This would be a very silly approach for somebody who is competing to win, but I suspect that most people slower than me, and some people slightly faster than me, could benefit from doing this.

In my opinion EVERYONE can benefit from SLOWING DOWN in ANY sport! A general rule of thumb I use is I try to keep at 80% EFFORT. I have played basketball for over 40 years and recently I tryed slowing down my play. I would move up the court slower and not rush into dribbling or passing or shooting quite so quickly. I advised my son who is much younger to do the same. The amazing thing is we both played MUCH BETTER! When I do this I am in much more control of my game and can see the court and play development so much better AND I save energy so I am much less tired at the end of the game. Try it!

"OP IS A FA990T"

Last marathon I ran a PR of 4 hours and 36 minutes and I didn't walk any of the aid stations, so that idea is just dumb.

HaileUnlikely wrote:

I consistently run slightly under 3 hours (PR 2:53, consistent 2:56-2:58, i.e., slow for letsrun by probably fast end of hobbyjoggers), and I typically walk at about 4 or 5 aid stations in marathons, for about 5-10 seconds each time, i.e., just long enough to get the drink down, and I believe this actually helps me to run faster, not slower. This would be a very silly approach for somebody who is competing to win, but I suspect that most people slower than me, and some people slightly faster than me, could benefit from doing this.

How dare you get back on topic!

This does show why "walk the aid stations" is a bad idea. There may be dozens of aid stations and you don't need to walk them all! that will slow you down a lot and leave tons of water sloshing around in your belly. walking for a few seconds 4 times in a race is much different than stopping to drink every 2 miles.

I prefer the carry a small bottle approach. much easier to put down fluid than from a cup and if you signal to the aid station as you approach, they are usually quick to get out the pitcher to top up your bottle.

Redditor Sadly wrote:

I was in the "running" reddit the other day. Someone posted a topic that they were having trouble drinking from cups while running, and a first marathon coming up. Didn't mention times or anything, for all we know he might have been decently good.

My post was downvoted to oblivion. All the posts with lots of upvotes said "just walk the aid stations" or "get a camelpak vest" or "if it's your first marathon you need to walk the aid stations." My comment said "just practice the technique a few times and you'll get the hang of it" and it was downvoted to oblivion.

Link to the post? Can't find it within the past month searching "cup" or "drink" and it's not in the past 2 stupid question threads

Xfit_guy_the_reaI_1 wrote:

Last marathon I ran a PR of 4 hours and 36 minutes and I didn't walk any of the aid stations, so that idea is just dumb.

See? Much better.

[B}Super Jay Five wrote:

(Some stuff about always slowing down under all circumstances)

Super J playing basketball under control is one thing. Voluntarily slowing down during a speed event is another. Do you really think Usain Bolt should try slowing down?