With marathon training in full swing, my runs are getting longer, which means strategically planning my routes. I of course need to make sure I get the miles in, but I also need to plan for water refills along the way. It’s been ridiculously hot and humid in the Chicago area for at least the past month, so I’ve had to get creative to assure I stay hydrated in the heat. I always carry a liter bottle of water with me when I run, which generally lasts about five miles. On my longer runs, I need to either circle back home, or plan my routes around places to refill. I really prefer not to have to circle back home.
Luckily, there are plenty of running trails near my home, but unfortunately, not all of them have bathrooms or water fountains. I’ve learned over time where the ‘hot spots’ are, and by now I pretty much have it down to a science. Today’s 12-mile run in the heat called for a few more stops than usual. About four miles in, I headed over to the park pavilion, which not only has water fountains (not just for humans, but also for our four-legged friends!), but a pretty decent bathroom as well.
I didn’t necessarily have to go at that point, but it was there…so why the heck not?
Next, I headed to the forest preserve trails for some much-needed shade. About three miles in there is a baseball field, with not only a water fountain, but also a vending machine with Gatorade and water! I didn’t need it today, but I always carry a few bucks with me, just in case.
Another couple of miles in, I crossed a beautiful bridge. I took the opportunity to get a few stretches in and was then on my way. Maybe a mile later I ran through a small tunnel. It was not just cool temperature-wise, it was cool (as in awesome!) to run through it.
This obviously (obviously!) called for a jumping pose. With a later start than planned (what else is new?) I decided to cut my run a little short, so I turned around and made my way back to the refreshing shade of the forest preserve.
A couple of miles later I was back at the baseball field…just in time for another bathroom break!
Another two miles and I was back home, 12 miles completed. The temperature had probably reached its peak by then, so what better way to cool off than to jump in the pool? I didn’t bother to change out of my running clothes, and oh, it felt so good!
Do you map out your runs? How do you manage staying hydrated during your long runs? What fun ways do you cool off when you’re done?
That’s so smart! Unfortunately I don’t have many running trails near me but I do normally start and end in a park that has bathrooms and water fountains. I usually carry my handheld with me on runs since I never know when I will find a water fountain!
Pre-planning is key!
Nicely done. I usually just carry all my hydration with me. If I know I’ll be out for hours on end I’ll carry my double barrel with me.
What is a double barrel? I will have to check that out!
You know I love nothing more than a good cannonball to cool off! LOL!
It’s so fun, isn’t it?!
I love this post! I carry a water bottle with me and there are plenty of places to refill along the route I run (and public restrooms) which helps a ton!
Knowing the route and places to fill up are key!
As much as I detest carrying a water bottle, I have gotten used to it. It’s a small, 8-oz bottle, so it’s never too heavy, but does need frequent fill-ups. I also have a hydration vest that I use on occasion for really long runs.
Oh my…an 8 oz bottle would last me a mile at best!
We are super duper spoiled here with the Lakefront Trail, and I am even more spoiled because I’ve always lived close to it! Bathrooms, water fountains, and hell, even a jump in the lake if you want it! lol!
Oh, that jump in the lake must be fantastic!
Wow, you drink a lot of water. My 22 oz bottle usually lasts me 8-10 miles. On the rare time I run longer I use my Nathan. But, it’s good to know where the stops are!
I do drink a ton. I probably drink 3 or 4 liters a day when I’m NOT running. I wish I could find a solution better than the frequent stops.
Great job mapping out your routes. And I love the pool dive post-run!
The pool was the best part!
I don’t typically map out my runs. I let my Garmin take me the distance often deciding where to go during the run!
I have done that, too, and I find it much more fun!
Looks like you had a lot of fun on this run! I usually run and out and back but have brought money for water/gatorade just in case.
I’ve only recently started carrying a few dollars with me on my runs. I don’t know why I never thought of that!
That pool looks very refreshing! We were out of town last week, and there was a pool in the backyard where we were staying. I failed to take advantage of that post run. Shame on me.
Believe it or not, that’s the first time I’ve been in my pool all year! It felt amazing!