MYTH BUSTER
CAN YOU DRINK TOO MUCH WATER ON A HOT RUN?
As it gets warmer, you need to be more aware of carrying hydration on runs, especially longer runs in the hottest part of the day. It’s recommended you drink to thirst rather than glug excessive amounts of water because of a condition known as hyponatremia. If you drink excessively, sodium levels will drop in the fluid outside a cell, and water will get in to try and balance the concentration of salts outside the cells. The cells then swell – including those in the brain. To stay hydrated, take on adequate water before a long run or race (your pee should be straw coloured), only drink when you feel thirsty and think about drinking a sports drink that contains electrolytes.