The Running Thread - 2019

[Dis_Yoda]

I try to always worry about hydration as I judge it on my pee color year round.

Adult beverage hydration also doesn’t change year round

 

[Dis5150]

ATTQOTD: I always have water or sports drink. I am lucky in that DH either rides his bike with me and carries it or follows me in his truck. He knows when/what mile I take it at and is always sitting there with it when I need it. I may take smaller sips during winter than summer but I always drink something at the same intervals.

 

[GreatLakes]

ATTQOTD: I don't carry anything for runs less than 6 miles summer nor winter. In the summer though I do go straight to the fridge for cold water when I get back. Not so much in the winter. Longer than 6 miles, and I will carry a bit of water.

I'm watching this question of the day closely because I'm re-thinking my hydration plan. I've always just done water except during races. During races I will take water and the powerade (Disney) and gatorade at the end of local races. Now I'm thinking about carrying Nuun with me and sticking to just water at the stops. I'm just really confused about how much additional electrolytes I need as Husband and I increase our overall weekly mileage. He's also getting calf cramps at night new, so I'm thinking that is a electrolyte issue as opposed to form. Although, he has been complaining about his feet during runs. Sigh. So many factors!

I recall a recent discussion on Endurance Planet about electrolytes and they basically contend most people don't really need them. I did a little searching and couldn't find the exact episode I heard but did find this discussion. Drs Tim Noakes and Phil Maffetone are two people I trust a great deal so I'm going to download this and throw it in my rotation but it might also be a good resource.

As for the feet/legs, it could be shoes like PP mentioned or lactic build up or a host of other things. I'd consult a sports medicine physio and get some ideas. It could be something as simple as a muscle imbalance that some strengthening exercises could fix.

 

[PrincessV]

Re: electrolytes and need... I live and train outdoors in FL, where running in summer can be genuinely dangerous due to extreme heat and humidity. I eat a pretty low-sodium diet because I just really don't like the taste of salt, and was using plain water on my hot runs because I didn't think I needed anything more as a slow recreational runner. I mentioned during my annual physical how awful I was feeling for days after long runs and my doc pointed out that I was likely very low in electrolytes - blood test results bore that out. It wasn't cramping or lacking energy that I was experiencing - it was heart palpitations, chills with sweat suddenly stopping, tunnel vision, dizziness and nausea, and then days of feeling like utter crud. Adding more salt to my daily diet and using Nuun for every run, and the day before long runs, made a HUGE difference. But I'm always hesitant to talk about my hydration strategy when others ask because I'd guess my particular needs are at the extreme end of the continuum. I definitely don't need to use much, or any, electrolyte replacement in more normal weather.

 

[michigandergirl]

ATTQOTD: I tend to get thirsty just as much in the winter as I do in the summer, so I will always carry water with me for any run over 5 miles. In the summer I will add gatorade if needed.

 

[cavepig]

For running I only have hydration on long runs & especially when it's hot. But, for everyday living I find I actually have to concentrate on it more in cold months. Even after a cold run I'll forget to drink unlike when it's hot. When it's warm/hot I get thirsty more easily so drinking is a no brainer. When it's cold it's very easy for me to not drink than I get headaches. At even Disney those colder days after the races I wasn't drinking nearly enough and was feeling it. Before the races I was concentrating on it more knowing I had to or would suffer in the races. I always bring water on like shopping trips or whatever as I don't like all of sudden hitting that panic of nothing to drink.

 

[canglim52]

ATTQOTD: I focus on hydration year round, but I use my thirst to gauge how much fluids I need(supposedly science backs this as the best method for hydration). I don’t need as much water during the cooler months, but water is only a small portion of hydration. Electrolytes are the bigger requirement, especially as a Florida athlete. I like a lot of root vegetables to get things like potassium, magnesium, magnate, calcium, etc. I’ve also discovered seaweed as a great alternative to salt for my sodium intake. Seaweed is high in iodine(good for your metabolism, balanced with potassium, and is high in other good stuff that you need in your diet!

 

[huggybuff]

ATTQOTD: I used to make sure I had water sitting out on the driveway on runs longer than 4 miles when I'd loop around back by the house. As we increase our mileage in the coming months I'll probably stick to that length of run as the point where I take hydration but I'm going to dig out my running belt that holds plastic bottles. Not looking forward to hearing the sloshing, but oh well.

 

[Nole95]

Humidity is not my friend. However, during runs I hydrate at about the same intervals whether it is warm or cold out. I'm drinking about every 1.5-2 miles. If it's a long run, I am taking the gel about every 4 miles. If anything, it's good practice for race day when I want to have my schedule down pat and second nature.

 

[Jules76126]

ATTQOTD: So I used to be the absolutely worst at hydrating. I could go all day with like 1 bottle of water. When my husband met me, he thought I was nuts. Since i started running, I have made an effort to drink more water and find I get headaches or really thirsty if I don't drink enough. I recently downloaded an app to help remind me to drink more. I would say it has worked for the most part.

 

[FFigawi]

QOTD: Lets discuss hydration a little today. Do you find you pay attention to hydrating during the warmer months of the year v/s the cooler months? (For reference, this is regarding water or sports drinks, but adult hydration is welcomed as well lol)

ATTQOTD: I make it more of a point in the summer months here, but it should be equally important in the winter as well. Regarding adult hydration... College football season is when I am most hydrated.

I should pay more attention to hydration in the cooler months, but I don't. It's really only a focus when it's hot and humid. Guess this is something I can work on between now and April when it starts to get miserable again.

For adult hydration, that's never a problem. My bike team is sponsored by a local craft brewery, as is a running group I sometimes join on Wednesday nights.

 

[KSellers88]

ATTQOTD: I normally don't carry water for anything less than 6 miles, but in the summer I carry it for anything over 4 to be safe or ensure there's somewhere I can stop and get water if needed. I am horrible about hydrating during the day though, I really need to work on that.

 

[QueenFernando]

Could be shoes, too.

I recall a recent discussion on Endurance Planet about electrolytes and they basically contend most people don't really need them. I did a little searching and couldn't find the exact episode I heard but did find this discussion. Drs Tim Noakes and Phil Maffetone are two people I trust a great deal so I'm going to download this and throw it in my rotation but it might also be a good resource.

As for the feet/legs, it could be shoes like PP mentioned or lactic build up or a host of other things. I'd consult a sports medicine physio and get some ideas. It could be something as simple as a muscle imbalance that some strengthening exercises could fix.

Re: electrolytes and need... I live and train outdoors in FL, where running in summer can be genuinely dangerous due to extreme heat and humidity. I eat a pretty low-sodium diet because I just really don't like the taste of salt, and was using plain water on my hot runs because I didn't think I needed anything more as a slow recreational runner. I mentioned during my annual physical how awful I was feeling for days after long runs and my doc pointed out that I was likely very low in electrolytes - blood test results bore that out. It wasn't cramping or lacking energy that I was experiencing - it was heart palpitations, chills with sweat suddenly stopping, tunnel vision, dizziness and nausea, and then days of feeling like utter crud. Adding more salt to my daily diet and using Nuun for every run, and the day before long runs, made a HUGE difference. But I'm always hesitant to talk about my hydration strategy when others ask because I'd guess my particular needs are at the extreme end of the continuum. I definitely don't need to use much, or any, electrolyte replacement in more normal weather.

I think Hub's problem is definitely shoes. We went for an easy 3mi run at lunch today, and he had to stop and fix his shoes three times. He's going next week to get some new ones.

@GreatLakes, thanks for the link! I'll check it out. I was worried that I was overthinking this. Being in central FL, this summer might call for a little bit of nuun if we can't get out and run before the sun comes up.
@PrincessV, thanks for sharing your experience! While it's not the same for everyone, knowing what you've felt will help me be on the look out for symptoms as our weather here in FL heats up.

 

[PrincessV]

@GreatLakes, thanks for the link! I'll check it out. I was worried that I was overthinking this. Being in central FL, this summer might call for a little bit of nuun if we can't get out and run before the sun comes up.
@PrincessV, thanks for sharing your experience! While it's not the same for everyone, knowing what you've felt will help me be on the look out for symptoms as our weather here in FL heats up.

I totally missed that you're in FL - for sure, you'll want to be careful in the hot months! It's a "special" kind of thing, running down here in August.

 

[JulieODC]

From yesterday - almost always run right
Out the front door. Sometimes I drive to a different location for a change of scenery - but that’s rare!

From today, I’m terrible at hydrating year round. I have been doing better though!

 

[Miranda]

I am terrible about hydrating. I have days that I only drink coffee.

 

[OldSlowGoofyGuy]

ATTQOTD: I stay (over-)hydrated year round. I never carry water on runs as I am never more than 3 miles from my car or a cached bottle. During summer and on runs over 10-12 mile, I'll drink Gatorade in addition to the water.

 

[Professor_Cookie]

Also, also, re:QOTD

I’m pretty sure I sweat the same here as in high humidity areas but still finish long runs pretty dry, but then have massive sweat rings everywhere. I think it just evaporated better.

 

[TheHamm]

Attqotd: in daily life I got well at remaining hydrated during a scary pregnancy, and it has stuck. While running I tend to do a slightly better job in not freezing weather by planning a weekend route with water fountains, but weekdays are not great as there is no fountain and no good place to stash a bottle when I run at work. I would say I am terrible at hydration in the winter, but I have hope of improvement as I have been bringing a bottle to the treadmill where I know I am sweating profusely and am significantly more thirsty than in any other condition, which surprised me.

As for other bonus hydration I drink copious quantities of anise tea and cannot turn down a double or quad in winter whereas I lean Hef & double in warmer weather. Most consumed due to availability and price is new belgium’s Triple, but I would always pick Dragonmead’s Final Absolution, but I think their distribution may be limited. Most anything from Ommegang is also a choice in my book.

 

[Slogger]

Struggling to keep up this week...….

ATTQOTD (yesterday)- I do most of my runs without having to drive. Probably 80%? Count me as another runner that does endless loops around the neighborhood.

ATTQOTD (today)- Hydration? What is this word that you speak of?!!!!!

I never carry water but will leave it on my mailbox or in the car and try to loop my way back every few miles. Typically don't drink in the winter time on runs less than an hour. Summer time/heat/humidity I'm hitting the bottle every 2-3 miles.