. . . Hydration is the answer
Okay, maybe hydration isn’t the answer to everything, but it sure does a body good!
I’m linking up with My First 5K and More, Running With Attitude, Runs with Pugs, Zenaida and Run Laugh Eat Pie for Fit Five Friday. I know many runners really don’t give much thought to their hydration before, during, or after running. I will share 5 ways staying hydrated can improve your running. It’s your choice what you do with the information.
1: Keep your cool
Staying hydrated can help you regulate your body temperature. We generate a lot of heat when we run!
2: Minimize cramps
Water alone may not be enough to keep you from cramping up, because not only are you losing water through sweat, you’re losing electrolytes, too. Which is exactly why it’s important to take electrolytes on the run for longer and hotter runs. Being well hydrated can be your first line of defense when it comes to cramping.
Also consider spraying the muscles that always cramp with magnesium spray before running!
3: Run faster
I don’t know about you, but if I’m dehydrated I feel cranky, tired, and often have a headache. That’s even if I’m not active. Now imagine running that way! In addition, being properly hydrated may actually help you stave off fatigue.
4: Recover faster
You know how your massage therapist always tells you to drink more water after a massage? Massage can help move toxins out of your muscles and into circulation in your body. Guess what? Running creates some waste products too! Water can help you flush out those toxins, reducing muscle soreness, and helping you to recover faster.
5: Potential to reduce joint pain
You know I am not talking about an acute or nagging injury here, right? That has nothing to do with hydration (well, it could over time). Joint cartilage is mainly water. Dehydration can lessen lubrication of the joints, leading to joint pain. No one wants to run in pain!
Final Thoughts
Finding the right level of hydration for you is an art. Too little, and you could slow down, be in pain, and cramp. Too much and it can feel very uncomfortable in your digestive system, potentially even leading too nausea.
The benefits of staying hydrated on the run far outweigh the side effects of dehydration on your running — to my mind anyway.
Have you ever suffered from side effects while running due to poor hydration?
What’s your favorite way to hydrate on the run? Plain water for me, please!
Did any of the benefits of hydration surprise you?
Chocolaterunsjudy 
I am pretty good about staying hydrated, but I could probably do better! Especially as it starts to warm up. I like drinking plain water when I run but I’ve also started using liquid IV sometimes too.
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I haven’t heard of liquid IV. Usually I’m pretty good about hydration. I can’t understand people (like my mom) who don’t drink much.
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Just water for me.
I’m very bad about it. I rarely drink anything all day.
And when running it has to be warm for me to need it.
Knock on wood no cramps or negative side effects.
I don’t disagree however on its benefits.
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I definitely feel effects — just in life — if I’m not well hydrated.
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I don’t drink at all and I’m good – we’re all different. No need to understand,
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When it is really hot, I drink mostly water, but will throw in some Gatorade too. I sweat. A. Lot. I am NOT one of those Southern girls that glistens. LOL I try really hard to stay hydrated.
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I sweat a lot, too. Unfortunately didn’t take after my mom who didn’t.
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I prefer plain water while running, but sometimes bring an extra bottle with NUUN (if it’s really hot & I’m running really far).
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It’s funny, as much as I love Nuun, not while running.
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I agree I feel so much better when I stay hydrated. I am all about sparkling water
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My sister likes sparking water. I’m not a fan. I guess I’m lucky I actually like water.
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Yes to staying hydrated! I’m doing my best over here with my 32 oz bottle, but I feel like I drink less later in the day. I gotta work on that!
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I do slow down as the day goes on, too, but I know I usually get in what I need so I figure it’s all good.
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I may like my wine, coffee, and martinis, but I also make sure to drink lots of water. I have a 32 oz water bottle that I take with me and try to finish while at work. Then I fill it up again when I get home and finish it here. Some days I do good and other days I don’t but that is OK.
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Sounds like you do a good job on your water!
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I do but I am constantly in the bathroom too.
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I can definitely feel the effects when I’m dehydrated. I do get bored with plain water but like infused waters. When running, I will carry Tailwind on long runs or in the heat.
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I know a lot of people don’t like plain water!
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I am terrible at hydration. I’ve been much better drinking my Nuun and Buble, but …. I hate it. And I don’t like drinking very much in general, so it just adds insult to injury.
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Don’t you feel better when you do drink? I know I do, but then I’ve always liked water. Guess I’m lucky.
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As a massage therapist, I always tell clients to drink water after a massage, because dehydrated muscles are less flexible and we don’t want that! Hydration really is the answer to more things than you would think
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Somehow I thought you were a nurse? Not sure where I got that idea! Or are you both?
I know as we age we aren’t as thirsty. I guess I’m lucky that I’ve made hydration a habit. 😊
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I’m a Master Hydrater. I wish I could convince my husband to drink more than one cup of water a day… it seems that he doesn’t suffer much by not hydrating. OR, perhaps he doesn’t’ know that he’s suffering??
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I really can’t imagine that anyone isn’t effected by dehydration, but they probably don’t realize it. My mom has maybe 3 cups of tea a day, which isn’t good. She wonders why she’s so tired . . .
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