How to keep hydrated while running

Credit to Healthy Catholic

About.com is a chock-full of useful information, just a while ago, I came around their Hydration 101 article which basically tells you how to keep yourself hydrated. I think this is useful not only for the runners but everyone, I think we tend to take keeping ourselves hydrated for granted because its dangers doesn’t manifest itself in an obvious way.

The article contains valuable information which, I think, isn’t that well-known:

• You know you’re hydrated if you urinate at least 6 times a day in large volumes
• Drink 16-24 ounces of water before your run to make sure you’re well hydrated

• Weigh yourself nude before a timed training run, and then again after. One pound of weight loss equals 1 pint of water loss. Calculate your sweat rate and use this to determine your fluid needs during a run or race.

• After your run, you should drink 20 to 24 fl oz (or 2-3 cups) for every pound that you lost

And then, there are those that are really obvious:

• Alcohol dehydrates you and you should never drink this before a major run because it is never fun to run with a hangover
• Don’t drink too much water before your actual marathon, otherwise you’ll have to do stops to go to the bathroom. Obviously, this will hurt your time, and who wants that?
• A healthy person’s urine should be of light lemonade color. Erm, now that’s a juice I don’t want to see for the time being.

How do you keep hydrated during your runs? Care to share any tips?

Get 10% discounts on all footwear, all year round at ZBSports

Don’t you think that footwear in general are ridiculously expensive? Well, we at ZBSports do, that’s why we are proud to announce its one of a kind Discount Membership Program; avail 10% discount on all footwear items in 1 year for less than $20! You can buy quality footwear from brands like Mizuno, Brooks, Keen and Vibram among others, most of which are already marked in low prices.

Now that Christmas is just around the corner, why not start buying gifts for all your loved ones now? And nothing says huge savings than ZBSport’s Discount Membership Program.

ZBSports is a small holistic internet retailer founded by James Hoisington and is based in Philadelphia. The store boasts of numerous brand items that sports enthusiasts love and would love to have in their closets.

In addition, ZBSports treats giving back to the community a serious business, 1% the company’s net profits goes to 1 animal, 1 health organization and 1 environmental organizations. Each! So enjoy quality products at low prices with the knowledge that in your own little way, you were able to help organizations that support important causes.

The San Francisco Marathon

San Francisco peeps, don’t feel left out because aside from the witty marathon that is Light at the end of the <del>tunnel</del> marathon, the local San Francisco Marathon will also be taking place on July 25th.

I need not tell you that The SF Marathon has to be one of the few marathon websites that I’ve come across that just gets how important a neat website is. Upon landing on the home page, you’ll see that they have 4 kinds of marathon that’s geared for everyone, there’s a full marathon, 2 half marathons, 5K/Progressive marathon and munchkin kids run.

They’re still open for registration, so stop being lazy and click that link.

The Light at the End of the Tunnel Marathon 2010

I love witty titles, imagine my delight when I came across the name of this marathon! The Light at the end of the <del>Tunnel</del> Marathon is set for the 25th of July, 2010 at North Bend Washington. It’s a shame because registration is already closed (they’re looking for volunteers, though), but hey! There’s always next year, there IS a light at the end of the tunnel!

Race starts at 7 to 8 in the morning, just because you can’t participate in the race doesn’t mean you can’t watch!

Beginner Marathoners: Training Tips

The people at News world report posted a very helpful article for runners who are going to their very first marathon race. Actually, it’s more of a list of tips than an actual article. I broke it down for your reading pleasure

• A week before your marathon, remember to switch your training to stretching. This is so your body will be supple before the race, make sure not to overstretch though! Remember, too much of something is bad for you.
• Make sure that to take note of all the marathon training items that you must have at least 2 weeks before the race. You don’t want to find yourself scrambling for your towel minutes before the actual race! If you’re flying for the race, make sure that you can fit all of them in a carry-on bag, less hassle and stress for you (what if it gets lost?!)
• Within the last week prior to your marathon you should try to build up your carbohydrate intake to around 70% of the dietary intake. Carbohydrates are broken down into glucose. Glucose is additionally broken down into glycogen.It is the glycogen that influences the amount of time that you can sustain race pace. Nicely trained runners have sufficient glycogen levels to run for around 15-20 miles. It is when your glycogen stores start to dwindle that you might feel the effects of hitting the wall.
• Avoid stress and strenuous activities a week before the race itself. Your main aim during this period should be to keep your feet up and to rest your entire body. Obviously, it’s hard not to stress out over the race specially if it’s your first time so try doing some meditation or psych yourself whenever you feel doubt and stress.

Source: http://news-world-report.com/news-articles/marathon-training-tips-for-first-time-runners/

Fairlands Valley Challenge Marathon

Londoners! Don’t feel left out with all the marathon news about the US, you’ll see that running is certainly getting more and more attention not only from the enthusiasts but also from the normal folks who are trying to lose weight and improve their physical fitness.

The Fairlands Valley Challenge Marathon is organised by the Fairlands Valley Spartans Running Club in Stevenage. There are two races – one for walkers and one for runners.

About the route:

The Fairlands Valley Challenge marathon is a trail marathon. This means that it takes in footpaths, tracks and bridleways as well as roads.

This is a challenging race with many hill along the way. Runners are provided with written instructions to keep them from getting lost. These are very much needed, as some participants get lost and end up running more than the required distance.

For more information about the race, click on the image above.

Last Minute Marathon Tips

So it’s the night before the big day. It’s normal to feel a little jittery, it is after all, the culmination of all those months training and exercising and dieting. However, sometimes, because of nerves we tend to make stupid decisions, and forget that all those trainings and exercises will go to waste if you think this day should be any different just because it’s marathon day.

So, the following are the tips you should keep in mind before your race.

1. Eat your usual breakfast
2. Write your name on your vest
3. Don’t glug water before the race
4. Take it easy — Don’t charge off at the start!
5. Don’t count the miles
6. Congratulate yourself
7. Conserve your energy
8. Avoid blisters
9. Enjoy it
10. Run through the wall

Feeling tired? Here’s 12 reasons why

Just a break from marathon races and news, let us address something that not only runners have to face almost everyday. Tiredness, apparently, you don’t just get tired because you just did an activity or because you just ran. It can also be triggered psychologically, if you’re feeling extremely lethargic these past couple of days or if you ever find yourself in this situation in the near future, look inside yourself and see whether one of the following is the culprit.

1. You’re bored.
2. You have allergies.
3. You’re over-caffeinated.
4. You’re multi-tasking.
5. You’re anemic.
6. You have poor posture.
7. You have an underactive thyroid
8. You have undiagnosed heart disease.
9. You’re not exercising enough.
10. You’re dehydrated.
11. You’re pre-diabetic.
12. You have sleep apnea.

Read the explanations here: 12 Reasons You’re so Tired — And How to Get Back on Top

Missoula Marathon

Missoula Marathon. Click on the image for more information.

Missoula, a quaint little county in Montana is hosting their own marathon, it’s a two-day event where runners, walkers, children and disabled can participate. You can register for the marathon here.

The Missoula Marathon is the brainchild of a group of local, dedicated members of Run Wild Missoula who want to share the area’s beauty and Missoula’s unique feel with runners from all over. Run Wild Missoula is a non-profit, 501(c)3 running club.

Leadville Trail Marathon Races

It seems like the entire country has the marathon fever! Last one was in Hawaii and now in Colorado, the Leadville Trail Marathon that is happening from June 26 to September 5.

This means that your summer can be joyfully spent with like-minded individuals and be fit in the process! You see, summer’s not all about the beach.

View more of the race schedule here.