I think the whole water thing is overblown to be honest, once you drink a decent amount on a daily basis you don't need it for shorter distances, unless it's a really hot day. Maybe for 16, 18, 20 mile long runs but other than that there's no need.
Heres one i use, bit unusual but helps me. I take two wine gums when doing 10k or less. Just let them melt down. Keeps you salavated and a small bit of sugar. If goin over 10k i have a spare one in the pocket. Bn doin this for over two years now. Kinda feel cant run without. Ive used them for 10. 12.5 and 13.5 mile runs
Did 15k yesterday morning, small lunch and then drank about 15 pints watching Cheltenham with no dinner. In some shape this morning. Now I know how Tony Adams used to feel
Did the Wicklow half marathon yesterday. Knew nothing about the course beforehand but Jesus i wasn't expecting so many hills. They just kept coming non-stop. Only my 2nd half marathon so beat my previous best by 16 minutes which was brilliant. A flatter course and i'd have gone a lot quicker. Great weather for it but the quads are killing today from the hills!!!
My first half was Dublin last year. For anyone who did it they will know how much of a disaster the organisation was. I had to walk about 5 miles from my car to the start line, no warm up straight into it. Head wasn't in it from the start. This year i've tried to follow a proper training plan and put playing footy on hold. Using the app Endomondo. Group of my mates use it too so it really helps as i run on my own.
I hope so mate. Hopefully there's no injuries along the way. I think putting football on hold has definitely helped. Last year my groins were in bits on the long runs.