It can be annoying running with a water bottle. I’ve found that dropping water for your run ahead of time is the simplest solution. You’re guaranteed a drink, and sometimes a gel. Here are some basic tips I’ve picked up over the years for effectively stashing water and energy drinks.
Plan your route. If you are doing an out-and-back, you may have to drop your water in three to five places, depending on your intended distance. A looping trail or a trusty figure-8 may only requires one or two fueling stops. You can even plan an entirely new route by thinking of where you could logistically drive to drop your beverages.
Drop the night before. This way you not only have less to worry about before your long run, but also you are committed to it.
Be smart. Don’t just leave your bottle of water on the trail for anyone to trip on or a dog to pick up. Hide it in nearby bushes or next to a fence. If you are going to store multiple items (water, energy drink, and a gel), put them in a clear storage bag or plastic bag. If you get stopped by police, as I did training for my last year, be kind and explain you are marathon training.
Don’t litter. Pay attention to the location of rubbish bins or recycling bins near your drop. If none exist, come back for your empty bottles at the conclusion of your run.
Before you take a sip of your water or energy drink, always check the bottles for any tampering. No matter how good you think you are at hiding bottles, dogs are even better at finding them.
