best way to stay hydrated?

Question

for long runs, what is best way to stay hydrated or some tricks of trade. I hate running with a bottle in my hand. Think those packs that people wear around waist would be too cumbersome. Thoughts?

Answer 1

Drinking water is the best way to stay hydrated.

Answer 2

Being I'm in the military and am constantly active, the only way to stay hydrated is to constantly drink water.. even when you're not thirsty. And to everyone who is saying drink X amount of time before you run.. you're wrong. It can take up to 3 days to become fully hydrated. So if you're starting to hydrate 30 minutes prior to an event chances are you'll overhydrate which is just as bad as dehydrating. Best advice is to start drinking water the day before a run and every now and then drink a gatorade or like drink to replace electrolytes that your body needs. Water is good but it doesnt replenish electrolytes lost throughout the day or in any activities you participate in.

Answer 3

Not being a runner I can only comment from my years of cycling. I've found a lot of the isotonic drinks out there are good for endurance runs, Gatorade etc. There are also back packs with tubes for water if you are away long enough to really need water, little less cumbersome than a waist worn one.

Answer 4

You should drink about 500ml of water just before your run, that should get you started. If you don't like to carry a bottle or pack, maybe try planning a route that has some water fountains along the way. You should really keep in mind that if you start to feel thirsty, it is too late... dehydration has already begun. Remember that your body is telling you something, listen to it! The best idea would probably be to carry a water bottle with you.

Answer 5

How long of a run time wise?

For less than 15 minutes just drink ahead of time. For 15 - 30 minutes drink before and after. If over 30 minutes you will need to have at least a quart of liquid with you. This is assuming the temperature is low. In high temps you will need even more liquid as you run.

The best things to drink are water, Gatorade, or watered down fruit juice.

By the way have you considered swimming instead? It is better for you exercise wise and stresses the joints far less.

Answer 6

I hate running with a bottle too - and Camelbak devices are too cumbersome as well. I try to make sure I"m well hydrated to start with. Unless my run is over 12 miles I don't worry about additional water. Over 12 miles I will stash a water bottle on my route to drink.

Or sometimes I will take money with me and stop at a Walgreens to buy a bottle of water.

Answer 7

I would drink before the run and then immediately after. The only other option would be to run a course that goes through a park with some water fountains.

Thats what I do.

Answer 8

you're hydrated to 3 degree, yet what you're experiencing is only dry mouth. that's considering you will sense thirsty in case you have not drank something for a couple of minutes. So in case you gradually drink in the process the day, you will not have that dry mouth feeling nor will you sense like an entire water tank.

Answer 9

drinking water and/or sportrs drinks 1hr-30minutes before a major activity. the waterpacks for the back are pretty small and not too heavy. running a long distance with that is not too bad and with the pack on, you can keep your house keys, cell phone and mp3 player.

Answer 10

First of all, start drinking 30 minutes before exercising. How about the helmet that holds 2 cans and has straws?