Hi Clive

I only started last July and used to take a hand grip bottle with me, but as mileage grew it became more of a pain than a help. I would suggest anything upto 5m you should be ok, then a drink might be helpful. Some people will work by time, anything less than an hour they won't drink. I also know some people get cramps if they over drink whilst some will tell you to keep hydrated. I'm currently running upto half marathon distance without drinking. But I do have a SIS rego recovery drink once I get home. Often I find drinking and eating well the day before is equally important and refuelling after I find essential as I get so hungry after a big run. Good luck

Unless you have a stinking hangover (not me of course)  as Adrian says any moderately well hydrated person can get away with up to an hour without needing to drink (and it saves the hassle of carrying one) but of course soon after finishing its advisable to get some fluids in.

I second what the others have said.

For 5k there is n't time!

For 10k you should be able to manage without if you have had enough fluids on the previous day and in the two hours before the race

For a HM you might need a drink at 10k (or 8k and 14k) - otherwise, see 10k above.

Marathon - you will need to drink!

P.S if it is hot (over 20c you may need to adjust the above)

I'm also a newbie who has been running with a bottle of water which I tend to fill with squash ... I don't find I need it so much for hydration due to the running, but more from dust out on the dry roads (although I also run first thing in the morning which probably makes a difference). I very rarely get through much of the bottle, but find it quite comforting to have with me ... 

I've tried every container and contraption to carry and dispense water on the market just to see if liquids can be carried without hinderance mainly for when I run over 12 miles. Bottles are ok but tend to get in the way and I don't like carrying them so on goes a bottle belt which I'm not too comfortable with.

The small containers that have elesticated straps and go round your wrists are a pain to sup out of as you cannot squeeze them, also after a bit the straps wear and rub on your wrists.

The camelback type bag that I can insert into my Salomon back pack leaks from the filler cap and again it's a pain to wash out, also I don't want to wear a rucksack every time I do a long run.

So I haven't a real answer as I'm still searching for the ideal solution (which doesn't count the stashing bottles in hedge idea before someone asks, as I see lots of bottles in hedges and I don't know what's in them..and don't intend to find out).

I have been running with water when i run 5miles which takes me about 1 hour. Reading everyones comments I decided to try without. I am a definate convert! I always found carry water uncomfortable but am new to running and didn't think I could do it without the water. The water will be staying at home infuture

Thanks

Well done Claire, as you have probably realized the only time to carry water is when you really need to i.e. long runs in double figures and as a new runner I make the assumption it's a bit of a comfort blanket.

I don't carry water when racing either as if it's 10k and over there are usually water stations (except for cross country) and any race under that again it's so short it's not required.

I agree with Derek (as usual) ...unless it's really, really, really HOT!

If you really must carry a drink in a race (as I did at the start of the Humber Bridge HM), put it in an ordinary bottle (like you'd buy water in) - they're light and you won't mind ditching it.