Tips for Running in the Heat: Drink to Thirst, Not Ahead

It was HOT and HUMID here yesterday!  The dewpoint hit 78, and it felt like a rainforest (not that I've ever been to a rainforest, unless you count Animal Kingdom at Disney World, but I digress).  It's important to pay attention to the heat, slow down, and hydrate properly.  Lewis Maharam (aka The Running Doc) posted an article on Competitor.com with some important tips for running in the heat.  You can find that article here.  I'd like to point out a specific tip, though:

Do NOT over-drink. Drinking too much is as bad as not drinking enough. The best way to drink healthy is to drink only when you’re thirsty. Nevertheless, drink no more than one cup (8 oz) every 20 minutes while running or walking.

This is really important.  Plenty of times you'll find people telling you to "drink before you're thirsty" or "if you're thirsty, you're already dehydrated".  Well, if you are thirsty, you are dehydrated—and that's the point!  It's a signal from your body that it's time to drink!  Consuming too much water can lead to a very dangerous condition known as hyponatremia.


So, in the heat, slow down and hydrate properly—you're body will thank you.