Let’s talk about this exorbitant amount of heat and humidity we’ve been experiencing for much of the summer. It’s been unpleasant to put it mildly. I’m a warm weather runner — I typically love running in the summer. But even this is becoming too much for me. Just the other day, I went for a run with my friend Julie and it was 95% humidity at 5:30 am. 95! How is that even acceptable? (Hint: it’s not.)
Since it’s been so hot and humid, hydration options have been at the forefront of my every move. If I’m going on a run, I evaluate how far I’m running, if there’s a water source along the route, and if there’s not, whether it’s prudent to carry or to circle back to a spot I can grab a quick drink. And if it’s hot and humid near you, this is something you should be weighing on every run as well.
I’ve said it before and damn straight I’ll say it again — staying hydrated is a top priority when you’re running. It helps with everything — performance, endurance, recovery — literally everything. And if you’re in training, now’s the time to experiment with different fueling and hydration options. I’ve been running for a while now and I still experiment with different options. It’s good to know what works and what doesn’t, and taste buds and belly acceptance can change over time.
Belly acceptance: what your gut will tolerate on the run. It’s legit, I just made it up.
There are five hydration options that I’ve personally used and can speak to with confidence. Keep in mind there are many more options available on the market and you should absolutely try as many different things as possible to find the best combination of fuel, hydration, and electrolytes for you.
Five Hydration Options for Best Performance
1. EnduroPacks Spray
I’ve tried EnduroPacks only twice now but I must say, I’m kinda digging it. At first I was skeptical. Seriously? A spray bottle of electrolytes? But I’m slowly becoming a believer. It’s virtually flavorless and I can hardly tell anything’s in my beverage. I usually spray it in water but you can certainly spray it in a juice if you prefer. Disclaimer: I was given a free bottle of EnduroPacks to try out and test on my own. All opinions are my own.
2. SOS Rehydrate
I really enjoy SOS Rehydrate. The first time I tried it I definitely hated it. It was way too salty for my sweet tooth. But after I figured out how to mix it for my tastes, it was much better. Plus I’m loving the Mango and Coconut flavors. I use SOS on the run as well as in post-run smoothies for recovery. Try my Citrus Mango Rehydrating Smoothie for a cool treat this summer!
3. Tailwind
What I absolutely love about Tailwind is that it’s complete nutrition, electrolytes, and hydration wrapped in one. Their claim is “no gut bombs” and it’s so 100% true. I’ve never had a gut bomb from Tailwind. I have gotten hungry on the run before, though, which was unexpected but easily remedied since I had snacks with me. But knowing that I might need to eat a little something in addition to the Tailwind is just good knowledge. Plenty of runners do just fine on Tailwind alone.
4. “Ade” beverages
You know the -ades: Powerade and Gatorade. These beverages are premixed, sweetened, electrolyte replacement drinks. They’re super sweet and sometimes runners react poorly to them. Other times, it’s no biggie. Just remember if you’re training for a big race and planning on relying on aid stations (haha, no pun intended) to check which “ade” the race provides so you can practice with the real deal.
5. H2O
Yeah, that’s right. I’m including water in this list. Why? Because it’s DELICIOUS, that’s why! Nothing beats a cool, refreshing glass of water before, during, and after a hard workout or run. I’m a water guzzler — I guzzle at every chance I get. I love me some water! And honestly, if you’re not pouring buckets of sweat, straight up water will keep you plenty hydrated through your run.
As I mentioned, there are plenty of different brands and schools of thought on how best to stay hydrated on the run. Do your due diligence and research and experiment with different options so you can find the best combo for you. As runners, our number one priority is to be smart on the run and that includes hydration.
xo
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