Should I be drinking lots before I run?

[Barney019]

Hi, I do my runs first thing in the morning - set alarm, get up, quick drink of water and off I go usually around 6am. Am just starting week 3 - my question is should I have more to drink before I go? As soon as I get back I drink lots and am drinking a fair amount throught the day too. I dont feel dehydrated but am new to all this running!

[Greg_M Graduate]

I am not sure I would worry too much about it for a while whilst the distances are shorter.

I always did exactly the same, just had a mouthfull of water to get rid of the morning bottom of bird cage sensation!

If you are generally reasonably hydrated then the 'literature' reckons you don't need to carry a drink until you are running more than an hour (or just stepping outside in today's temperatures )

[AliB1 Graduate]

Agree with Greg. I used to just get up, have a glass of water and go. Works if you are hydrated from previous day.

[Mirella Graduate]

Same as Greg & Ali, I drink a couple of glasses and then out the door. I do drink at least 4-5 litres a day though (due to diet). I started to carry a small bottle of water with me from around W7 onwards as I was quite thirsty by the end, again that is probably because I drink so much (water is addictive, the more you drink the more you want!)

[Oldgirl Graduate]

I find a cup of tea (no milk) peppermint or similar + a glass of water works well for me, I also have a small banana.

[Barney019 Graduate]

Ahh thanks guys - I knew you'd help! I'll carry on then - early works for me, thanks so much!

[projo30below]

I can't seem to win with this one, if I have a drink before I go for a run (a small glass of diluted squash about an hour before) I have to stop and pee in a bush - this has happened 3 times now, but when I don't drink anything I get stitch and spend the last few minutes of my run and the warm down in agony