Drinking

[KimLoulou]

I run with a bottle of water. Noticed in parkrun that not many people carry water I always thought that it is important to stay hydrated. What do others think.

[Jeffjjohn78]

I don't run with water! Think only because the runs are only around half an hour! I do drink a lot of water before and after though! Personal preference I suppose!

[IgaT Graduate in reply to Jeffjjohn78]

The same for me. Drinking a lot during the day before run, and just after coming home (after run before stretches). When I will be running for longer than 30-45min, I'll think of taking something with me.

It also dependa on the weather. I avoid running when it's very hot.

[Qscout Graduate]

It is important to stay hydrated, however, for a 5k run I don't take anything. Drink before hand and afterwards.

For a 10k if it is warm I will take some water but not loads.

For a half marathon I do take small amounts of water every few miles.

Though I do pre-hydrate quite a bit.

[KimLoulou Graduate in reply to Qscout]

Seems sensible. But with prehydration I might have to stop for a wee!

[rolysmate Graduate in reply to KimLoulou]

lol I was thinking exactly the same

[Rignold]

Staying hydrated is probably the number one most important thing in being fit, and generally being healthy. Getting adequate sleep being number two.

That said your hydration level while out running has nothing to do with whether you have a water bottle on a 30 minute run. That just wets your mouth and perhaps cools you down, both of which are worthwhile. Your hydration levels are based on how much water you drank yesterday throughout the day. I drink at least 3 litres a day and 4 if working out the following day or if it is hot. Hidden will be along shortly to advise that that is an unrealistic and dangerous amount to be drinking.

However, water today to run tomorrow.

[IgaT Graduate in reply to Rignold]

Oh wow, 3L is A LOT! In total I probably drink similar amount (approx 2.5L), but pure water wpuld be 1-1.5L. But I am also quite small: 5 feet, 8.3 stones.

[Hidden in reply to Rignold]

How much sleep.....?

[Rignold in reply to Hidden]

a putative 7 to 8 hours. Realistically if you are doing any amount of exercise that requires tissue recovery, much less than this on a regular basis and you may as well be p***ing in the wind.

That said, between 2 jobs, 2 dogs, training, maintaining a website and single parenting 3 children, I probably average a little more than half that, which doubtless accounts for my paltry gainz. But y'know, do as I say, not as I do.

[mrrun Graduate]

I make sure I drink throughout a day (any day), and have a glass or two before the run but never actually drink whilst running as I never feel any urge anyway. I never felt dehydrated when running 30-60mins, but will have a few more gulps (and a banana) once I'm finished. Your body is quite a good reservoir of water unless you run long, long distances

[Whatsapp Graduate]

Some do, some don't; some prefer to run in the morning, some in the evening; some prefer to eat beforehand, others don't. Its you and your body - so, If it works for you, then do it.

[rolysmate Graduate]

Being of a certain age and having my bladder as a good friend staying hydrated and needing to pee frequently is a very fine balance

[IannodaTruffe Mentor in reply to rolysmate]

Then may I suggest you visit your GP to get checked out.

[rolysmate Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

I just have a weak bladder

[IannodaTruffe Mentor in reply to rolysmate]

As someone receiving treatment for prostate cancer, major symptom being having to urinate more frequently, I would urge any bloke with similar symptoms to get checked out.

[rolysmate Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

went to doctors several years ago about this

[Maddee_6333 Graduate in reply to rolysmate]

Ditto.

[Realfoodieclub Graduate]

I take water out for 10km and over. I'm am taking water on my 5km runs at the moment because I'm getting used to bigger bottles. I am a kidney donor and hydration is the one thing my kidney consultants were hot on for my future health, I have been warned not to dehydrate. When I asked them how to avoid this their advice was keep your pee a nice light straw colour, the lighter the better. Dark pee means concentration and that means the body doesn't have enough fluid to do what it needs to do. They said everyone has different needs, depending on diet, sweating and general usage so it is probably advisable to find your normal and take it from there. A lot of runners will check the colour and if need be up the intake as it changes with regards to weather. I'm a middle aged woman who is a real sweaty Betty when I run so I need to replace some of that. Also if I've had a salty meal the day before my levels will be out. It is one of the most productive things you can learn about yourself with regard to your run health so take the time and examine that toilet bowl. 😀.

[Minnielala]

I tend to drink before i run and afterwards, I don't like to hold anything in my hands. The runs are only short x

[Coddfish Graduate]

When I first started running, I wouldn't go out of the house without water. I noticed over time that I was using it less and less, and that it was mostly a psychological prop. I now don't normally carry water for 5k (or for 10k) but was pretty desperate for a drink at the end of some runs during the earlier hot weather. As others say, hydration during a run is more about what you consumed before, and even the day before, a run. I always carry money with me in case I need to buy a drink - but that strategy may not work for you depending on where you run. Beware buying a bottle of ice cold water, it will probably not be easy to swallow.

[KimLoulou Graduate]

Thanks all. I think I use it as an excuse to stop rather than actually needing a drink.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Listen to Realfoodieclub .. she knows what she is talking about... Pale straw!

Water is great ..my Nan called it Adam's Ale... She drank little else... and lived until she was 98!

[pollyp1 Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

I think of it as my energy drink.

[Plumpinthenorth]

Perhaps we don't need water on a 5k but my throat always gets very dry (with having to gasp so much) that having water to cool me down is a must. When I have forgotten my water I really struggle. I am quite new to this running lark,only graduating last month, so I am hopefully going to stop gasping quite so much in the future. Here's hoping💧

[Lozza1806]

Hi a lot of people me being one of them, don't run with water as we don't get dehydrated on a 5 k run. I always leave mine in the car for after, I have never had problems this way and never needed a drink on the run.

[Sofabeardave1969 Graduate]

Drink before and after, carrying a water bottle just complicates things I find!! You shouldn't need water really for 5k