Must Have Hydration Tips & Tricks For Runners
A few years ago I wrote an article called 5 Hydration Mistakes You May Not Even Know You’re Making which highlighted how important proper hydration is for overall good health. Today I’m sharing some awesome tips on how to hydrate properly before a run, and just some general tips to stay on top of your water intake!
- Start Early: In general when it comes to races, and long runs I start being extra cognizant of my water intake. For example: When it comes to a weekend half marathon, I usually do a gradula increase: I make sure I get 75oz on Wednesday, 85oz on Thursday and 100oz of Friday (The day before the race). During marathon time I extended this schedule to a whole week before the race.
- Use different bottles: To prevent boredom I tend to use all kind of water bottles, cups, the palms of my hands–whatever works. If I’m home, I’ll switch between two or three water bottles and when I am out and about I’ll purposely purchase several different water bottles just to keep things interesting!
- Drink Water pre race: When I first started racing I used to avoid drinking water (or anything for that matter) pre race because I didn’t want to use a port-o-potty. Sounds crazy right? But it’s true! I really despise port o potties but I eventually learned that they are a necessary evil. I always feel much better when I hydrate in the morning prior to a run vs. when I don’t.
- Mix fruit into water: This one is easy and fun! I never knew how many amazing and delicious water water/fruit/vegetable combinations there could be! Cutting up fresh fruit like lemon, strawberries or blueberries to name a few can really give a nice taste to the large amount of water that you are intaking. My personal favorite usually involves mint or basil.
- Set hourly goals: 100oz in one day can seem impossible, especially when you work full time or have a really busy day and it is not your greatest priority to drink all the water. What helps me a lot is keeping time goals. I’ll say to myself “By 2pm you will need to finish 40oz of water”. That way I’m not trying to drink 6 million glasses of water by the end of the night because I forgot. 🙂 The time deadline helps you stay alert and conscious of your hydration goals.
Hydration Tips and Tricks from @CarlyPizzani, @VITAtrain4Life, @HappyFitmama & @ThisRunRecipes!
This month I am teaming up with my favorite running bloggers as they share THEIR own personal hydration tips and tricks. Be sure to check them out!
Carly @ Fine Fit Day
Allie @ VITA Train 4 Life
Angela @ Happy Fit Mama
Laura @ This Runner’s Recipes
Do you have any hydration tips or tricks? How much water do you drink before a race?
Hi! I’m Nellie. I am a busy mama of three, wife to my high school sweetheart who loves to cook, workout and stay organized! I love to share helpful printables, the best recipes and fitness tips for the modern mom. I strongly believe that every mom can feed their family well, take proper care of themselves and have fun along the way! Read my story.
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DAMILIE
Tuesday 10th of August 2021
Awesome Tips and Tricks, these are really helpful for runners, i like to visit more of your blogs like this thanks
Tamara
Friday 26th of May 2017
I always wonder if there's a big difference between hydrating enough and over-hydrating. Hopefully there is and there's a wide threshold of healthy hydration! I'm inspired by you!
Laura
Wednesday 24th of May 2017
I like your tips about setting hourly goals! Since I run in the morning, I can sometimes slack on my hydration later in the day, even though it's important all day long.
Janine Huldie
Wednesday 24th of May 2017
What a great list and I am truly all about adding fresh fruit to my water as much as possible here, too!!
Allie
Wednesday 24th of May 2017
Do you seriously drink 100 oz of water a day??? Is that what your body just needs or you just love water? OMG woman that is a lot!!
Nellie
Wednesday 24th of May 2017
LOL only the day before a half or full. Otherwise I'm pretty normal. I actually LIKE water so it's like NBD lol