should i drink while running?

Question

should i drink on runs over 10 miles, if yes than how should i carry the liquid? has anyone heard of gleukos, is it any good?

Answer 1

Its more important to prehydrate and rehydrate than to keep drinking during your run. You are highly unlikely to suffer severe long term side effects of dehydration just from a run, but over hydration can be more severe, just look at FLM07, a runner died, and there's many, many, examples of runners being killed by over hydration during competitors; see how long you search for a death by dehydration in competitive runners before you get bored of looking.

At most carry say a half litre bottle, or a camleback or similar to sip on as you go round. Over 20miles becomes much more important to drink and I wouldn't advice doing such a length run without drinking. A good plan is to find where you know they'll be water, a corner shop, somewhere you drop a bottle etc. It also obviuosly depends on the intensity of the run, very hilly, flat etc.

Drink half a litre in the last 10 mins before you head out, if possible half litre during the run, and then rehydrate when you return. If you feel thirsty then start to feel lethargic you should try and find water or stop the run for the day. It all depends on you though, I know I would go 10-15 miles without a drink, if I was going over 15 I would be drinking on the way round though, some people can't complete a 10Km without a drink.

Also remember its not I can run 15 miles without a drink so on the last 5 miles of a 20miler I'll drink water. If you know you're going out longer than you can do without a drink you need to start sipping earlier, or you'll get dehyrated.

To sum up my answer it sepends on you, take half a litre with you on a 15 mile run, did you need to drink it? If no then you don't neccesarily need to take a bottle of water on a <15mile run.

Edit: Oh look thumbs down for me, anyone care to say which part is annacurate, my opinion bit? my stating of facts? my saying people are different? Answer below got one too, oh well I gave it thumbs up

Answer 2

I agree with how you phrased the question. I think 10 miles is about the threshold (unless it's the dead of summer on a hot day, that's very different - will address that later). If you're already hydrated, you shouldn't really need anything for a run that only lasts an hour or a little longer. I personally can't imagine doing a fifteen miler carrying a bottle or wearing a belt (and I know my buddies would give me a hard time), so I try to manage my routes around places where I know I can find a water fountain. Parks often have water stations in lots of places. A lot of my running friends keep an "open-hose" policy. We all know where each other live, and it's perfectly acceptable to go douse yourself in our front yards. If that's not an option, you may need to run such that you pass back by your house so you can stop and get a drink.

If you live somewhere hot and run in afternoons, you just have to find a way to have a consistent water source. Even an eight miler can be grueling in 90+ degree weather.

For the record, I'm sure that gels and clif bars and all that are great for triathlons or sporting events that last three hours, but I just think they're overkill for running. I've gone out for my fair share to 13-20 mile runs, and I've just never felt that the extra stuff was necessary. Eat a couple of hours before, stay hydrated, and find a place for a little water during the run. Then make sure you get plenty of water and a little protein and carbs afterwards to help start the recovery process.

Answer 3

You should drink before running and during running if you need it. It is difficult to tell if you are becoming dehydrated. You can become dehydrated before you are thirsty. If it is warm and humid drink. Depending on your route there is often drinking fountains along trails or in the park. Some people carry the water with them. You do not need any energy gels or food for a 10 mile run. You don't need to drink so much that you become sluggish, but keep yourself hydrated.

Answer 4

I would advise against carrying a bottle in your hand when you are running. Get a belt or something similar to hold the bottle when you run.

If you run with a bottle in one hand, in alters the way you swing the arm on that side, usually you shorten the swing and tighten the arm muscles. When you have a short arm swing on one side, you are going to shorten your stride on the other side. It will be like running with one short leg. That can lead to stress problems on your ankles, knees, hips, and back.

I would recommend that you find a route with water along it.
Find fountains in parks, public buildings, McDonald's, etc. where you can duck in for a quick sip. I have a 7 mile stretch (14 miles out and back) and I know that I am never have to run more than a mile between drinking opportunities.

Answer 5

Yes, you absolutely need to drink water or Powerade/Gatorade when running. The gel shots like Goo and Cliff Shots are a way of the calories if you want to drink water, but they are not a hydration method, they actually require that you drink water with them.

Either carry a biking water bottle, wear a camel back type hydration system, or just stop at stores/gas stations and use the water fountain.

Answer 6

10 mile runs shouldn't require water as long as you're hydrated before hand; meaning you ALWAYS drink water, not just lots before you run. They do have these things called Camelbacks that you wear on your back and it has a tube that runs to your mouth. You can find them at high end sports places. Otherwise, I've gone on 16 mile runs and have been fine. If you do drink while you're running though, only do little sips- anything more will give you cramps. Good luck!

Answer 7

wow. you're really getting mixed answers here. it looks like you're going to have to find out yourself. if you can go for 10 miles without falling over dead at the end, being dehydrated will not hurt a thing. after all, you are just a minutes way from water when you are done. i do one weekly 10 mile run, and it really builds stamina if you can go without hydration during the run. my personal favorite is the 90 degree 10 miler. the call is up to you.

Answer 8

You better hydrate yourself and maybe the best way is packets of "Goo." It isn't cheap, but if you buy a box and use three or four for each ling run then it'll be well worth the purchase. There are plastic containers that are shaped to be held, but I don't recommend them; they can be a nuisance and you have to "balance" drinking out of each so you carrying about the identical amount in each container.

Answer 9

It's good to drink water or gatoraide when running long distance. Have someone ride their bike with you and give you something to drink. You could get a fanny pack and put a small bottle in their. Take small drinks, you just need a little liquid.

Answer 10

YES, you should always drink water/gatorade to replenish yourself when running long distances, otherwise you'll get dehydrated. Carry the liquid in a fanny pack strapped to you. Yes, gleukos is very good for you, it helps keep you strong and assists in building your endurance.