Do I need water in a half (1:32 goal, 40 degrees race day)?

Nope.

No

You need hot chocolate .

You do not need water,

and each pound of extra weight slows down you around 2s/mi

- RunnerSam

No, you don't need water. You'll barely be sweating if you dress right.

If you are properly hydrated at the start, you should be ok. A lot of people wake up fairly dehydrated after not drinking since dinner the night before, so for an early morning start, you have to make a concious effort to get hydrated.

But really, how do you lose so much momentum at an aid station? Grabbing water from one or two aid stations in the middle of the race and take a few quick gulps while you run shouldn't cost that much time.

Wow21 wrote:

1:32 goal pace

lol

For a 90 minute half you shouldn't need much (if any) water. Ditch the hydration belt and just take a few sips at aid stations. Even if you slow down a lot to drink, dropping the extra weight of the belt will more than make up for it over the course of the race.

If drinking at aid stations is an issue, you could practice drinking while jogging a couple times before Sunday.

the fact that you are even considering water means you are completely mindweak. 40 degrees for 90 minutes? I've done 80 minutes in 90+ degrees without a drop of water. A FUEL BELT?

give me a break.

Nope, no need to discuss it... It's freaking 40°F, ffs!!!

I'm a little slower than you (1:39) and I use the hydration pack in half marathons, no matter what the temperature. It's much easier to drink from the bottles than from cups and the slight extra weight isn't noticeable. Some people around my speed use them but not many. I don't care; it definitely helps me.

I’ve run 5 half marathons and never had a sip of water or any other fluid mid race. One of those halfs was in late summer (temps in the high 60s/low 70s)

Ditch the belt; the aid stations are there in a pinch. If it or anything else does become an issue, then you’ve got a ready made alibi

I just ran a half on Saturday, 45 degree temps for the race. Ran a 1:33:05 and didn't take one drink. It will make a difference what you are racing in. I raced in a singlet and shorts with gloves on, if you are wearing long sleeves and pants you might need to drink some.

If this is you then yes drink water, lots.

https://i.ytimg.com/vi/ckleJBr--ns/maxresdefault.jpg

Wow21 wrote:

Subject line explains it all. 1:32 goal pace, will be in Toronto this Sunday where temps are supposed to be 40.

.

40 degrees in Toronto would set all manner of records. Forecast is for 5-6.

While physically speaking you don't need it.

Mentally it can give you a boost in performance giving yourself a little bit of water or sports drink.

You probably don't need to drink during 90-ish minute race, but it might help. But definitely don't carry any with you.

Instead, grab a cup, walk 3 strides while you swallow the water, start running again. You will loose less time with this method than you will by carrying a water belt. If you're not good at it, then practice it a few times before the race.

You shouldn't need it, but if you do get thirsty and want it the correct method is to pinch the top of the cup except for a small opening on one side, put your mouth at that opening, and then squeeze the cup like a juice box. Tipping your head back is for water boarded suckers.

TheRestofTheWorld wrote:

Wow21 wrote:

Subject line explains it all. 1:32 goal pace, will be in Toronto this Sunday where temps are supposed to be 40.

.

40 degrees in Toronto would set all manner of records. Forecast is for 5-6.

He means 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

To the OP, no you don’t need to drink. Maybe just a sip at an aid station, that’s all.

Why are you aiming for 1.32?