The Issue of Water
ALWAYS bring a water bottle, Camelback, or some
other way to carry water!
Most run courses have somewhere to refill water along
the way. BUT...! That being said, know this:
Not every course will have water!
I typically don't plan run courses around water
sources. That would limit our running adventures from getting to some very fine
terrain indeed. If there is water along the way, so much the better, but that is not
my first consideration. My top priorities are the quality of the trails and the
adventure running experience.
Read the notification emails carefully! I
always discuss the issue of water and identify potential water sources.
Four possibilities exist:
- There may be a potable water faucet somewhere along
the trail.
- There may be somewhere to stash a refill water
bottle along the course.
- There may only be natural water sources available (bring water treatment gear!).
- There may be no water available at all (bring LOTS of water for these runs!).
I only recommend known potable water sources.
Sometimes, we are limited to getting water from natural sources, but in those
cases, you'll need to treat the water with iodine or a proper filter. I never
recommend untreated natural sources no matter what lore I've heard about their alleged
safety. If you choose to drink from natural sources without treating the water,
that's your business. Good luck!
Bottom line:
Don't show up without a water bottle, Camelback, or some other way to carry water.
If you do, the rest of us will just look at you like you came from another planet, shake
our heads in disbelief, and hope you don't suffer too badly.
