Good hydration leads to good performance. Our bodies are made up of 60% water and a drop of as little as 1-2% can affect you physically.
It doesn’t stop there – you’ll also notice a dip in concentration, cognitive function and even your mood. Avoid getting thangry (that’s thirst angry, obviously) and feel unstoppable with these seven tips from our friends over at Actiph Water.
1. The Early Bird Catches The Worm
Remember when your teachers said that rushed, last-minute homework was the worst? Hydration is the same: it’s no good to guzzle down a litre bottle the minute before you exercise. Make sure you’re well hydrated the day before you exercise, then an hour or so before you head out, start taking small drinks every 20 minutes or so, at a pace that you’ll keep up during your run, cycle ride, or live action role-playing.
2. Always Bring a Bottle
The first step to drinking water is having water. At Tough Mudder, you’ll benefit from Actiph Water giving out bottles at the Finish Line, so this one’s particularly relevant for training runs. Treat water as a kit bag essential, along with your trainers, Tough Mudder headband and T-shirt complete with motivational message.
If you want to take your hydration to the next (pH) level, make Actiph Water your new training buddy along with elite athletes and stars like Tom Brady, Beyonce, Mark Whalberg, and millions around the world who have already discovered the benefits of alkaline water.
3. Don’t Get Guzzle-greedy
It can be tempting to gulp down a bottle of water in one go when you’re feeling thirsty. Then again, it can also be tempting to eat a whole family-sized bag of crisps on the sofa in your pants. Neither is a good idea. Keep taking small sips as you exercise, roughly every 20 minutes, to avoid getting over-hydrated.
4. Keep An Eye On The Weather
If it’s 30 degrees outside, you’ll need more water than if you’re running in winter. Make sure you take your surroundings into account. Dressing as a 1970s athlete in short shorts will go some way to keeping you cool, but you’ll need to hydrate either way – just beware that if it’s hot and humid, you’ll want to take more frequent sips.
5. Look Out For Your Mates
If one Tough Mudder fails, we all do. It’s all about getting one another to the finish line and helping each other over obstacles, whether those are physical or mental. Hydration plays a big part in that – friends don’t let friends go without a drink. Look out for each other and ensure your pals are getting enough water throughout the course. There are plenty of hydration stations where you can fill up.
6. After The Run
You might be done exercising, but your body isn’t. Your heart is pumping, your metabolism is up and you still need hydration. Keep sipping away for an hour or two afterwards, especially if you’re out dancing in celebration.
7. The Next Day
You’ve finished the run, had the night of your life with your mates and you’re back to normal. Don’t say farewell to your water bottle. Proper hydration makes you happier and healthier, and may curb that mysterious headache you seem to have gotten that’s definitely, in no way, related to your post-event celebrations. Plus, you’ll want to keep going for the next time you’re at Tough Mudder.
So that’s it. Whether you’re cruising along or grinding out every step to the finish, proper hydration will make it all the easier. Now grab a Actiph Water, saving 15% with code: TOUGH15 and get out there, Mudders.
