MFR 67: The Goldilocks Principle of Hydration for Runners

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If you’re running a 5k on up to a half marathon, hydration matters, but it’s not terribly tricky. The focus should be on making sure you consume enough fluids to prevent dehydration,but if you’re out there for several hours – or a lot more – you need to be even more concerned about avoiding over hydration, also known as hyponatremia. Hence the Goldilocks Principle. You must make sure you drink enough, but if you drink too much, you’ll be in big trouble.

The Real and Simple Truth About Dehydration and Performance.” by Jeff Gaudette. Competitor.com

Drink to thirst, an Excerpt from Tim Noakes’ Book Waterlogged.” Runner’s World

USATF Announces Major Change in Hydration Guidelines

“The Running Doc’s Complete Guide to Hydrating During Training and During Races” by Lewis Maharam. The New York Daily News

Tim Noakes on the Serious Problem of Overhydration in Endurance Sports in Outside Magazine

Study Cautions Runners to Limit Their Water Intake.” by Gina Kolata  The New York Times

How Much to Drink During a Marathon.” by Gretchen Reynolds. The New York Times online

Related article: 5 Tips for Running in the Heat The Goldilocks Principle says 'something' must fall within two margins, not too much and not too little, and so it is with hydration for runners. You must consume enough to prevent dehydration, but you must not drink too much.

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MFR 66: Hydration Systems for Runners