Beat The Heat: Warm Weather Racing Tips
- By Krista Austin. PhD.
- Published Sep. 4, 2012
Start Hydrating Early
The process of becoming optimally hydrated before a race doesn’t happen overnight. It actually needs to start about three days before the event. In the tapering phase of your training, your body will store more water and electrolytes, but you still need to drink fluids with electrolytes and not just water. In the days before a race, you can drink water with meals because there will be plenty of electrolytes in your food. However, outside of your mealtime, hydrate with electrolyte drinks so you can retain fluid. Also, if you’re feeling thirsty or your urine has a moderate to strong yellow color at any point during the days before your race, you’re too dehydrated.
FILED UNDER: Inside The Magazine / News / Training TAGS: Hydration / pre-race fueling / safety tips / sodium intake / sun protection / treadmill running