testing the edges

Those of you who have followed the Coach K blog, know that I like to test things when get confronted by bull headed opinions. The latest thing has been hydration. I have had “conversations” with some local runners who are near screaming , when I mentioned that cramping during longs runs was more of a strength issue than the old school theory of hydration/electrolytes ( as Gatorade would have us all believe).  There is a very nice summary of research in Runner’s World book-The Runner’s Body, as well as very nice article by Dr. Jason Karp in the July 2011 issue of Trail Runner Magazine.

So today, I tested the issue and ran 18miles of very tough trail in heat and humidity with only 1 handheld water bottle. NO PROBLEM.

I was encouraged by emails from local speedy marathon runner, Mark Ou, and his reports on elite marathoners finishing in their 2hr + times and with a huge % of dehydration. So while it is not the most medically advisable thing to do, it is possible and with proper training it is done by many elite athletes. Did you see any of the marathon runners in recent Olympics carrying water bottles or stopping to hydrate every 15min.

Science will always trump old school mythology.