Greening Up Your Miles Tip: Hydration while training is an important element for optimal performance, but using one-time use plastic water bottles or cups in races increases your carbon footprint. Use a fluid belt or pack with re-usable bottles or bladders. Hydration systems (water bottles and bladders) are around for the long haul and don’t decompose. In an average 5K or 10K running or walking event, you'll drink fluids from 2-4 individual cups! Multiple that times 2500 people (or the number of participants in the race) and you'll save up to 10,000 one-time use cups! All while getting fit. Making small changes create a significant impact on our environment.
Another useful benefit for bringing our own fluids is you have them when you want them and you can increase your speed by not getting caught up in the aid station traffic on the course! You can move right through the congestion and drink when you want (which by the way, is about every 15-20 minutes - a cup of fluids). It is also much, much easier to drink from your own bottle system and bladder system. Every drop of fluid will go in your mouth rather than on your chin and shirt! You’ll stay hydrated on the go and reduce your one-time use plastic bottle waste contribution and cups used on race day. My personal preference is the Fuel Belt System as you can mix and match types of fluids in each bottle, there is a small pouch to carry things like keys and it is made of flexible, stretchy material and doesn't constrict your stomach!