The more we run, the more we figure out how to make things a bit easier. And who’s not up for a few tips to make running more comfortable or efficient?
If you have tips to share with the running community, let us know! We’ll give you credit.
Hack #1 The cup at the water station. How not to drown
If you run in races, you have seen water stations. Cups full of water or electrolytes waiting to be grabbed and consumed….or spilled over your entire body. It’s challenging to grab that cup mid-stride and even harder to sip the liquid from it while running. Yes, you could stop and take the cup and walk while drinking, but that takes time! Here’s how to take a drink without the ensuing tidal wave.
Step 1. Once you have grabbed the cup, slightly pinch it between your thumb and your other fingers. This forms a sort of spout facing away from you.
Step 2. Rotate your hand towards your body so that the pinch (spout) of the cup is facing you.
Step 3. Raise the cup to your mouth and sip from the spout you formed. Hydrate!
Hack #2 Fixing a sticky gasket on a hydration bladder
Some hydration bladders tell you that you have to periodically lubricate the drinking hose attachment so that it will slide easily into the bladder. Some don’t have such instructions, so here is an easy and inexpensive way to solve the problem of not being able to attach the hose.
As the components on a hydration bladder get older, they lose their lubrication. It may be very difficult to attach and remove the hose to/from the bladder. And who wants to waste time trying to force things onto place? You have running to do!
All you need need is a small bottle of food-grade glycerin, which you can purchase from a craft store, or one that specializes in cooking or baking.
Just dab a bit of the glycerin on a tissue or a paper towel. You don’t need much!
Wipe the glycerin on the end of the hose that gets inserted into the bladder.
The hose will slide easily into the bladder!
Good to go! Get out and run!