Bottoms Up

So I was at the gym today and I saw a woman drinking a Diet Coke while working out... I began to wonder if that can be good for you. Turns out that just happens to be what works for her. I was well-mannered enough to not tell her the problem with her drink selection, the lack of nutrients, influx of chemicals and excess sugars that your body is trying to expend.

But to each-his-own:

Staying well hydrated is one of the most important parts of running... well any thing really but especially running.

It is suggested that an average sedentary person should have between 8-12, 8-12 oz glasses of water per day. That includes water in foods and other beverages. However most people barely get that.

If you are running i recommend drinking a bottle of water at least in the morning before you run. let it get absorbed. Then during your run keep a half full water bottle with you. This way you wont over drink and get the hiccups or burps.

Then when your done try and drink again. Energy drinks and other electrolyte infused beverages are okay but watch whats in that stuff. I usually just put oranges or lemons inside my Nalgene. A little twist to keep it interesting.

What to Eat before a Run

What to eat before running? (try eating an hour or so before you workout)

First and foremost... it is important to know your body. If you are like me and run in the morning you are going to need to eat a bigger breakfast because you have very little energy stored since you have been inactive for at least 6-8 hours. But don't eat to much

While it may not be ideal I try to eat a "carby" breakfast which also has good sugars. I eat a granola or oatmeal (regular flavor with a little maple syrup or brown sugar on top) and a fruit typically bananas. I eat the banana to word of those nasty cramps and the granola is a good source of energy and fills me up for a long run.
You could also eat eggs.. a great source of protein... egg whites can be dressed up tons of ways.

As for drinks. I try to have a bottle of water before I run. If you are dehydrated forget about working out because you are going to get a cramp which may rival birthing pains... not that I can really compare the two but I know cramps hurt.

All and all eat something that you know will be filling but be a good source of energy. Vitamins, anti-oxidants and minerals are important as well. If you like protein shakes they are a good idea to consume after you workout. It will refill your system with what you may have lost during the workout. But those proteins bars may not be the best idea either. This runner had an issue with them.

Gatorade, vitamin water or drinks like that are alright but remember they are loaded with sugar, sodium and other ingredients that may not be the best for you. Try a fruit shake with a low-fat milk or yogurt base.