| Following a good diet is essential for any athlete. But, | | | | between sodium and potassium. A deficiency in |
| the definition of a "good diet" differs based on what | | | | potassium can result in problems such as muscle |
| activity you choose and how often you do it. Running | | | | cramping, which can affect your running. |
| is no exception to this. | | | | It is important to replace these electrolytes while |
| There are several schools of thought as to which diet | | | | running. Sports drink is an essential product to have on |
| is best for runners. The diet you choose will have a lot | | | | hand. Drink a bottle about an hour before each run and |
| to do with your goals, too. Long distance runners such | | | | try to sip on it while running. It also makes a great after |
| as those who run marathons and ultra marathons | | | | run drink. The sooner you replace lost carbohydrates |
| have a need for a higher amount of carbohydrates | | | | and electrolytes, the easier it will be for your body to |
| than a runner who only goes short distances. | | | | recover quickly from your run. Sports gels are also a |
| So when deciding on what type of diet you should eat, | | | | good alternative to sports drink, just make sure you |
| you need to keep in mind your level of activity and | | | | drink water with it. |
| your overall goals. Failure to eat enough calories can | | | | Adequate Fluid Intake |
| actually result in injury and cause you to not perform | | | | Dehydration can be a big problem for runners, |
| your best. Here are some guidelines. | | | | especially when running in hotter temperatures. Not |
| The Importance of Carbohydrates | | | | drinking enough water throughout the day and during a |
| Carbohydrates are very important for runners, | | | | long run can be dangerous. Dehydration is a serious |
| especially for those who regularly run long distances. | | | | condition and one that can land you in the hospital. To |
| The body converts carbohydrates into glycogen which | | | | prevent it, drink water throughout the day and before |
| is stored in the muscles and used for fuel during | | | | and during your runs. You may also want to consume |
| activity. But after a while, those glycogen stores get | | | | some sports drink to help replace electrolytes. |
| depleted. | | | | Find What Works |
| That is why it is important for runners to eat a good | | | | After you run for a while, you will start to understand |
| amount of carbohydrates. When running long | | | | what works for you. People develop their own pre run |
| distances, it is also a good idea to take along | | | | and post run rituals. They also find that they crave |
| something that is high in simple carbohydrates, such as | | | | certain foods that they need, such as bread and pasta. |
| sports drinks and gels. Once the glycogen in your body | | | | The important thing to do is listen to your body. Follow |
| is depleted, you will need to replace it with extra carbs. | | | | these guidelines but also remember to adapt them to |
| Maintaining Electrolyte Balance | | | | your own needs and lifestyle. When you do this, you |
| Runners sweat a lot. When this happens, valuable | | | | will find that you feel much stronger and have a lot |
| minerals are lost, namely potassium. The term | | | | more energy. |
| "electrolytes" refers to the balance in your body | | | | |