It does not hurt to drink big drinks but from what I've read, I'm supposed to make 8 oz of Water last for one hour. How long do I have to keep that up? Of course I don't want to make my pouch leak but it's hard getting all my water in when I have to drink it so slow!

My understanding is 6 months to a year. I carry around a 20oz sipping bottle and drink it about 3-4 hours. I do 3 to 4 per day and I am drinking constantly. Glupping anything but Water can lead to significant unwanted calories. If you buy something like camelbak eddy it will prevent you from glupping. You are not just protecting your pouch -- you are changing habits for the future.