Madison, Wisconsin — Staying hydrated is important when exercising outside, but finding or planning your next drinking fountain isn’t always easy. That struggle could end thanks to his new online resource born out of one Madison runner’s thirst for help.
Call it drinking fountain, bubbler, drinking fountain, whatever you like. When you need a drink, it’s not always right there.
“I’ve done a lot of long runs and had to find them as I ran,” said Jason Bertiaum.
That was the very problem Berthiaume had while training for the marathon last week.
Knowing that others were desperate for a solution, he created a Google map of the Dane County Public Fountains.
Berthiaume has already mapped more than 40 precise bubbler locations based on information people sent him. on Reddit.
“I think we are really trying to track outdoor facilities that are open 24/7. I know,” he said. “And I understand it’s closed in the winter, but most people run in the summer, spring, and fall, so it should be fine there.”
You can view the map on your phone to see where you are among all the bubblers and see which one is closest.
Berthiaume said he got the idea from a similar map he found in Milwaukee.
“There’s nothing like using up your water bottle and planning to fill it up, but knowing you have to run four more miles before you can fill it up,” he said. rice field.
He has already learned a lot about the distribution of watering holes in the county.
“From this water bubbler [at Olin Park] There are six or seven bubblers up to Olbrich Park and one from Olbrich Park to here,” he said.
Like Madison Bikes board member Robbie Weber, people find his ideas refreshing.
“Maybe you don’t have a water bottle cage or think about carrying water,” said Weber. I am thirsty especially in summer. ”
Weber hopes it will be easier for people to go out.
“We used to have a lot of bubblers, but they are getting harder and harder to find. I think it’s really cool to have a map that can pull up where you can get fresh water,” he said. Told.
Our furry friends need fresh water too, so dog owners say maps help them plan walks.
“When you have a dog, you only go out once in a while. You never know how long you’ll be out,” said Kathy Sanford while walking her dog Honey on Tuesday. It’s quite hot in the summer, so I think it’s great. ”
Berthiaume says it’s the brains behind Bubbler Maps. As long as people keep posting locations, he’ll keep mapping.
“Madison is such a healthy, active city. I thought there were a lot of runners and bikers looking to add another bubbler to their repertoire,” he said.
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