Tips for drinking

[R4inbow]

I've just been reading Roseabi's tips tread and there's some really useful stuff in there. But it's got me thinking about drinking again. I really struggle to drink when I run, I have to stop to walk, just take a couple of tiny sips and I generally feel sick for a km or so afterwards. There is not a chance I could eat anything, as much as I normally love a jelly baby! I did manage to make myself drink on long runs (10 mile plus) or when it's really hot while I was training for my last HM, but it never really got any easier. I'm not very good at eating for a bit afterwards either, but I've found some hydration tablets which you dissolve in water, so that's been my best attempt.

Now it's getting warmer, I feel like I need to make some more effort to drink. Any ideas how to get better at this?

[roseabi Ultramarathon]

Practice. But also there's no harm in stopping for a second to take a drink.

It sounds as though you have some sensitively somewhere in your digestive tract, so maybe it would help you if you sometimes just rinse your mouth and spit (carefully! Check around you first and be sure to drop it somewhere out of the way 😊).

Also, what are you drinking? If it's just water maybe try some squash or sports drink - maybe the taste would agree with you more and cause less nausea? Or vice versa. But I would suggest that a sugary drink would be helpful for you, since it's easier than eating.

Alternatively, as Whatsapp suggests, drink to thirst. You do not need to force yourself to take on unnecessary liquid - but do be careful when the weather is hot!!!

[Whatsapp Half Marathon]

Can you avoid drinking whilst running? I only really drink at events, jusat because the water is there and they seem a little disappointed if you don't take one. I usually do what you do and walk for a bit at drink stations.

Other than that I try to run without taking on water during training runs. I will add the caveat that this is only for up to 10-12 miles though.

[SlowLoris]

I've started carrying a small water bottle on longer runs 1) to get used to carrying it, and 2) because my runs are getting longer and it's getting warmer so it seems sensible to have it with me. I did try drinking some but I also felt a bit nauseous even with a small sip. I've decided to start trying to get used to it on my long runs. As roseabi says, my body will adapt and learn to accept it.