Hello everybody! I'm quite new in this sub but have already read some very useful posts and advices, so thank you for that already! :)
I'll be running my first marathon this Sunday and I don't have any other prior experience with organized races, so I wanted to ask for some advice regarding hydration. I know there will be water stations every 5k during my marathon, and was wondering what would the best strategy be... during my first long runs I'd been carrying a water bottle and refilling it at least once, but then it became a bit uncomfortable and bought two small 250ml flasks that fit in my waist belt. The thing is, I'm not sure if I should stop at (some) water stations to refill them, or just drink at the water stations. I usually drank a small sip or two every 15-20 mins and I think that might be better than drinking 200-400ml all of a sudden every 5k (so every 26-27 minutes or so at my pace), at the water stations. Also because I believe it's better to take gels together with water.
Do you have any advice? Anything would be helpful, I'm finding myself stressing a bit over all these details (is it called "maranoia"? hahah)