ydration is a hotly debated subject. More often than not debated by people who base their points on heresay and turn opinions into facts. But it is important to get right. Staying hydrated during endurance events can mean the difference between acheiving a personal best or missing out, between finishing or not, and in some extreme cases can mean the difference between surviving or not. Below are some common questions around how to best approach hydration:
What are the different strategies for staying hydrated during a marathon?
This is often a contentious issue, and ultimately takes some planning and a bit of common sense. The overall goal of the hydration strategy is to replace the body's water and electrolytes that are lost through sweat.
A fluid loss greater than 2% of body mass (e.g. 1kg for a 50kg runner) can have a negative affect on performance and can increase the strain on the body. Over hydration can also be a problem in long races like a marathon. Recreational runners drinking large amounts of water at each opportunity can lead to 'hyponatremia' (a dilution of blood electrolytes), which can have serious consequences.
During training, runners should attempt to estimate sweat rates. This is easily done by weighing themselves (in minimal clothing) before and after a run (following towelling down), then subtracting any fluid consumed. Every 1 kg lost is roughly equal to 1 litre in sweat . For example, 1 litre lost from a two hour run would equal a sweat rate of 500ml per hour. Note: This estimation should then be repeated in hot temperatures as sweat rates can vary greatly in hot conditions.
Once this has been worked out, a basic strategy can then be formed to reduce dehydration during the race. Alongside this, runners should fundamentally listen to their body, and drink according to thirst. The body's physiology is tightly regulated so that when there is excessive sweat loss (affecting blood levels) the thirst mechanism is triggered.
REMINDER: Both of these measures can help runners develop an appropriate strategy to stay hydrated - one size doesn't fit all
How often should I drink during a run?
Make sure you start your race fully hydrated. Drinking approximately 500ml of water two hours before the race should suffice. This will allow any excess to be passed as urine before the starting pistol.
Just before the start, plan to drink a small amount (about 150ml). During your run, drinking should match sweat losses as closely as possible, taking care not to over hydrate. 150-250ml fluids every two miles might be a good starting point.
What are electrolytes and where can I get them?
Electrolytes are found in the blood, sweat and other bodily fluids and have an important role in maintaining fluid balance within the body. Sodium is the most important electrolyte for hydration, while others include potassium and chloride. Sodium levels in the blood are tightly controlled. Fluid and electrolytes are lost in sweat and therefore need to be replaced. Sodium allows the body to absorb and retain more fluid, thus maintaining hydration. Drinking large volumes of water alone can just pass through you and be lost as urine. You can top up your sodium levels with sports drinks and gels, which are an easy way to absorb and retain fluid during a long run or race.
Can I just drink water during a marathon, as I don't like sports drinks?
If you prefer, you can base your hydration strategy around water earlier in the race. It is, however, advised to consume electrolytes, from available sports drinks or gels, especially if it is hot on the day.
Try out sports drinks or gels during training to see if you can find one that works for you. During an event, try consuming sports drinks at the drinking stations on route - you could rinse your mouth out or have a mint after if it's the taste you don't like. If you're running in the London Marathon, their website will tell you what products will be available from drinking stations on the day.
Can I continue to drink alcohol in moderation leading up to a race or is it better to cut them out altogether?
It's better to cut out (or at least cut down on) alcohol consumption leading into an event, as it can interfere with the body's maintenance of blood glucose and recovery (including sleep quality) after training. If you really can't resist the odd tipple, ensure that you drink after you have fully recovered following your last run.
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