Medical Hub

When it comes to running, I am a beginner. I made it through the Couch-to-5K plan and I now run -  ok jog - for 5 kilometers at a time, three times a week.My greatest fear when it comes to running is injury and I do everything I can to prevent one. Today I wanted to talk about one that you don’t read too much about - keeping hydrated.

water drinking for a safer workout

Running is a challenge for the body, making your internal organs, not just muscles, work in extreme conditions. In fact, long runs in hot days can be life threatening if you’re not well hydrated. In the Chicago annual marathon of 2007, for example, one runner died and several others were hospitalizes due to dehydration. As you run, your entire body maxes out and in order for it to provide you with peak performance, you have to keep it well hydrated.

How to do that? It’s easy enough, really. All you need is one amazing super liquid: water.

Unless you’re running for more than two hours at a row, there really is no need for fancy sports drinks. These can help replace electrolytes, but aren’t necessary for shot periods of exercise. All you need to do is drink six ounces of water for every 20 minutes of exercise.

If you do plan a long run, it’s best to drink plenty well before the run. We’re talking the previous day even. Keep your body’s fluid levels high and running will be not only easier, but much safer too.

Tags : dehydration, exercise, running, sports, water