Camelback Hydration

[Bryan]

So I'm planning on my first marathon and I have read lots of different post on what to do and what not to do . I've gone through C2s planning a marathon advice and looked around at other sources and have read about hydrating via a camelbak style bladder . So can someone give me a testimonial about their personal expierience using one . I read statements saying that they would suspend one above them to access the mouth piece , but I want to wear one . I don't want to stop to pick up a water bottle ; I don't like to break my rhythm . I'll slow down to keep my HR in check , but it just feels better to keep a general pace .
Thanks in advance
Bryan

[DavidA]

Bryan,
As you noted, some people use Camelbaks in different ways. I often use one when a erg for extended times (> 1 h), and prefer to wear it. I have never had any problems wearing while erging, and find it much easier to get a drink that way. If I was aiming for some record, then maybe I would do it differently, but I am not in that class, and I just erg for general fitness (and fun ).

David

[carlb]

have read about hydrating via a camelbak style bladder . So can someone give me a testimonial about their personal expierience using one . I read statements saying that they would suspend one above them to access the mouth piece , but I want to wear one . I don't want to stop to pick up a water bottle ; I don't like to break my rhythm

I use a CamelBak a lot for biking but not for rowing, but I have thought about it. I would try wearing it but I doubt I would find I want to wear it due to moving 3L or 6 lbs of water back-and-forth. Moving that mass must add more work, plus there is a lot of uppoer body motion. Plus it cannot be refilled by a 3rd party as easily. I think I would hang it off a chair so I could grab the hose every 10 mins and drink. They do sell a Camelbak Tube Extender that adds 40" of tube.
http://www.camelbak.com/Sports-Recreati ... erkit.aspx

Or probably just buy 4 to 6 feet of tube plus a bite valve.

They also make this thing that bends and retains its shape, might make it easier to hang around your neck.
http://www.camelbak.com/Sports-Recreati ... ector.aspx

I think I decided during my last HM the best method for me was short drinks during one stroke: Pick up the bottle on the recovery and suck in one sip into my mouth. Drive holding the bottle and handle in one hand, breath in thru nose. Set the bottle back down and swallow on recovery. Do that every 7 to 10 minutes. I found it tiring and distracting to hold the bottle for multiple strokes and trying to take multiple drinks, while breathing.

[Bryan]

Bryan,
As you noted, some people use Camelbaks in different ways. I often use one when a erg for extended times (> 1 h), and prefer to wear it. I have never had any problems wearing while erging, and find it much easier to get a drink that way. If I was aiming for some record, then maybe I would do it differently, but I am not in that class, and I just erg for general fitness (and fun ).

David

Hi David
I too am not going for any kind of time per say ; only to best my last time . I don't consume any water during my current rows which at the moment go for 80+" . I do hyrdrate prior and immediately afterward though . I do something like for every lb. lost during the row I drink 1 liter of water . I mix in some fresh squeezed orange juice and some pure cranberry juice .
I usually lose between 3 to 4 lbs during 80+" on the erg ; depending on how hard I go . I continue to drink beyond my reg rehydration plan but not with such ergency as right after .

[Bryan]

have read about hydrating via a camelbak style bladder . So can someone give me a testimonial about their personal expierience using one . I read statements saying that they would suspend one above them to access the mouth piece , but I want to wear one . I don't want to stop to pick up a water bottle ; I don't like to break my rhythm

I use a CamelBak a lot for biking but not for rowing, but I have thought about it. I would try wearing it but I doubt I would find I want to wear it due to moving 3L or 6 lbs of water back-and-forth. Moving that mass must add more work, plus there is a lot of uppoer body motion. Plus it cannot be refilled by a 3rd party as easily. I think I would hang it off a chair so I could grab the hose every 10 mins and drink. They do sell a Camelbak Tube Extender that adds 40" of tube.
http://www.camelbak.com/Sports-Recreati ... erkit.aspx

Or probably just buy 4 to 6 feet of tube plus a bite valve.

They also make this thing that bends and retains its shape, might make it easier to hang around your neck.
http://www.camelbak.com/Sports-Recreati ... ector.aspx

I think I decided during my last HM the best method for me was short drinks during one stroke: Pick up the bottle on the recovery and suck in one sip into my mouth. Drive holding the bottle and handle in one hand, breath in thru nose. Set the bottle back down and swallow on recovery. Do that every 7 to 10 minutes. I found it tiring and distracting to hold the bottle for multiple strokes and trying to take multiple drinks, while breathing.

Hi Carl
I was looking at a camelbak of maybe 2 liters . I looked at one that held the water at your lumbar . Being at the center of your gravity I thought that you would not feel it so much .
I do like the idea of a tube extension . I'll think about that one !
I don't hydrate during a HM . I just hydrate well before and immediately afterwards .