Newb question on 'cross in general

[SheFly]

I try to hydrate as much as possible BEFORE the race, and then again afterwards. Remember that it is only typically 30 mins for a beginner race, and I am now doing this for 45 mins in the Elite races.

I have a friend, though, who has a small GU flask she fills with water and races with in her back pocket so that she can take a drink when necessary.

SheFly

[velogirl]

if you start the race well hydrated, you won't get dehydrated in 45 minutes. ut you will have a dry mouth.

chew gum! this is my solution.

I tried a camelbak one race. it got all tangled up when I shouldered the bike and I fell over trying to get it off my shoulder. it was very comical. I won't do it again.

one of my teammates puts a little tiny bit of water in a gel flask in her jersey pocket.

[SAMbike]

Thanks very much for the advice. I'll work on my pre-race hydration a lot more and I like the idea of the Gu flask with water in it. Thank you!

[madisongrrl]

one of my teammates puts a little tiny bit of water in a gel flask in her jersey pocket.

That is a great idea. Even if you never drink it, you know it's there.