WATER? PLEASE! WATER STATION ETIQUETTE

Whether you realize it or not, there is a very specific "etiquette" to nativigating water stations during a half-marathon/marathon....
Successfully running through the water stops in a road race is a common fear among new runners. Some runners walk through them because they don't think they can grab and drink water on the run. But if you know what to expect and how to take and drink the water, you'll look like a pro as you run through the water stops.

1. First of all, be sure to stop at each water station. They are there for a reason and you should take some water AND some Gatorade to replenish your body. Be sure to practice drinking water and Gatorade on your long runs so you get used to both in your stomach on a long run.

2. Study the course map before the race, so you have a general idea of where the water stops will be on the course. They should be marked on the map. Pay attention during the race, so you can see when there's a water stop coming up. Sometimes there will be a sign alerting you to an upcoming water stop.

3. DO NOT go to the first table at the water stop. That's where all the rookies stop and, if it's a big race, it's going to be very congested. Keep running to one of the tables farther down. If there are tables on both sides of the course and the water station is crowded, go to a table on the left side. Since most people are right-handed, the tables on the right tend to be much more popular.

4. Sometimes volunteers hand out the water cups and other times the cups of water will be left on tables. If volunteers are handing out the water, run toward them. Taking a cup from a volunteer will save you time and keep you more in the middle of the road, so you don't get caught in the congestion around the tables.

5. Try to make eye contact with the volunteer so he knows you're coming for his cup. Stick out your hand several feet before you reach him. Wrap your hand around the cup and pull it from the volunteer's hand. Don't forget to say, "Thanks" before you run off.

6. Once you take the cup, don't be tempted to gulp it down quickly - wait until you get to the end of the water station. Squeeze one side of the top of the cup, so it's pointed, like a V. If the cup is very full, this will allow some extra water to come out, so it's not spilling all over the place. And holding the cup at the top like that will help keep the rest of the water in and allow you to drink the water slowly and not get it up your nose (a common fear among beginner runners).

7. Put the pointed top of the cup in your mouth and drink the water. Take your time -- there's no need to drink all of it in one sip. If you need to stop or slow down to drink, run through the entire water station and then pull over to the side, out of the way of all other runners. DO NOT walk down the middle of the race course drinking your water - you may get hit from behind by upcoming runners.

8. Many races have garbage cans or boxes after the water stops. Try to toss your cup in there, if you can. It's also fine to throw your cup on the ground -- just make sure you don't hit a spectator or another runner with it. And try to toss it where other runners can't trip over it. In 2009, it was cold enough at Disney World that the remaining water in thrown cups began freezing to the roadway - some runners had some serious falls from the freezing layer of ice on the road.