Sneaky Dehydration (And How to Beat It)
It happens every spring. The weather makes its reluctant but steady transition from winter chill to balmy days… and runners’ ailments seem to rise with the temperature. Stiff muscles. Joint pain. Sluggish legs. Slower pace.Believe it or not, your sore knee could be a sign of dehydration. While most runners are aware of the more severe effects of dehydration (muscle cramping, headache, nausea, diarrhea, and dizziness), many don’t realize that “minor” ailments such as muscle stiffness, sore joints, and overall fatigue are also signs of body fluid imbalances caused by insufficient hydration.
Spring ushers in warmer temperatures at the exact time that many runners are hitting peak training mileage or increasing their distances. But if you don’t also increase your hydration and electrolyte consumption, you could find yourself training with some very undesirable running partners. These aches and pains are not only unpleasant, but they negatively impact your performance, steal the fun from your favorite activity, and cause you to run slower. (Noooo!)
Now is the time to mindfully increase both the quantity and quality of your hydration. Because vital nutrients are lost through sweating, water alone won’t do the trick. Use a low- or no-sugar electrolyte replacement such as GU Brew or NUUN tablets to replenish electrolyte stores.
Training Tip: Optimal hydration isn’t just a mid-run activity. Proper hydration comes in the days before your training runs. Be ready (and stay ready) for tough workouts by drinking electrolyte-enhanced water throughout the week. By consuming electrolytes before, during, and after your workouts, you can boost preparation, improve performance, and accelerate recovery.
GU Brew and NUUN electrolyte replacements:
- Both NUUN and GU Brew tablets contain essential electrolytes (such as sodium and potassium) to combat the effects of dehydration.
- The vital minerals provided by NUUN and GU Brew restore and maintain body fluid levels, accelerating your body’s hydration process.
- NUUN contains no sugar and GU Brew has a negligible amount (less than one gram), making both products safe to take with energy gels and carbohydrate replacements. (No need to fear the stomach issues that often arise from sugary sports drinks.)
- Both NUUN and GU Brew are crazy easy to use. Simply drop a tablet into your water bottle, and you’re ready to go. No mixing. No measuring. No gunky mess.
As always, our Fit Professionals are on hand to answer all your hydration questions!
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