Rehydration For Runners - The Best Ways To Stay Hydrated

Rehydration for runners is essential. Yes, without such, a decrease in performance is seen in these marathon athletes. Furthermore, these people end up being more susceptible to injuries as their muscle growth intensity decreases. In this article, therefore, we will briefly discuss why rehydrating yourself is necessary and finally tell you the top five benefits this has for you!

Why is rehydrating critical for a marathon athlete?

Athletes, especially those who race, need vast amounts of energy supplied to their muscles. To get this energy, an efficient and quick blood supply is required so that the oxygen can be transported to the cells, and later through respiration, the energy will be released. For this to happen, you must have enough water. As you can see, replacing fluids helps give you more energy faster, hence improving sports performance.

The benefits of rehydration for runners

1. Proper body temperature maintained. Rehydration for runners is crucial in hot climates. The heat in your body is distributed evenly by the blood. However, if you have less hydration due to hot weather, your body cannot function as it would normally. In heated regions, or when your body heats up as a result of running, make sure to hydrate yourself.

2. Hydration provides energy. Even though glucose is the actual molecule that breaks down into heat energy, water plays a crucial role by allowing the glucose to dissolve in it. If it weren’t for this fluid, no matter how much sugars you had, you wouldn’t get any energy as the glucose wouldn’t react!

3. Water boosts mood. Fatigue and feeling low are symptoms of dehydration. Therefore, rehydration for runners can help prevent these and cheer you up. Of course, running itself releases endorphins, a chemical that better mood and emotions however, without water, this wouldn’t happen very effectively.

4. Hydration improves reaction time. When you are an athlete, you are expected to have short reaction times to respond to any turns or changes in the track quickly. Drinking fluids will help you do that, but plain water may not be the answer to everything; you need other minerals called electrolytes. Electrolytes support your body during the absorption and retention of fluids in your body. Most athletes use electrolyte powders to prepare themselves a drink to take before, after, and during exercise. Therefore, rehydration for runners can be done using electrolyte drinks. 

5. No risk of heatstrokes. Water cools your body during running as you sweat. The sweat glands release the excess heat in the form of sweat. That is why you feel chilly after moments of exercise because the sweat produced cools you down by letting go of the heat through evaporation. Therefore, if you want to prevent heatstrokes, which of course you do, then drink plenty of fluids!

Rehydration is important for everyone, not just runners however, it is crucial that you understand it doesn’t only mean drinking water; it means doing that and having  electrolytes simultaneously. Try mineral or coconut juice if you despise the mere taste of dull fluids.

Now that you know the benefits of rehydrating yourself, and how it can impact your sports performance, we look forward to your good health!