GoLocal’s Running Coach: Drink, Drink, Drink!

Wednesday, June 24, 2015

Monica Racicot, GoLocalWorcester Running Columnist

Hydration. Water is easily, the most under rated solution to headaches, cramps, over eating and much more. The old 8 glasses a day is a good rule of thumb. But, it may be more for those who are active or work outside.

My advice is to drink a glass of water with every meal and ALWAYS have a water bottle by your side to sip on throughout the day. Water helps release toxins in your body, prevents over eating and cramping. It is also helps people with headaches. I can't tell you how many clients have come to me complaining about headaches. I simply ask how many glasses of water do you drink a day? I get answers 0-2. Well! There's your problem! Drink water my friends! It does wonders.

For those who don't like water, I hate to say this, but you just have to suck it up. Crystal light, tea, and artificial water flavors should not be substituted for water. Between the fake junk in them and the caffeine, it just cancels each other out. Instead, put real fruit in your water for flavor. The more you cut the fruit the more the water will take on the flavor.

Gatorade and sports drinks are good for replenishing electrolytes after a good intense workout. I would recommend to stick with a full calorie sports drink. One that doesn't contain all of that fake sugar in it. But only pre- or post-workout - not just to drink casually during the day. Those contain too many wasted calories.

Last but not least, protein shakes. These can be tricky. There are so many ingredients in protein shakes. I recommend ones that have less ingredients. This will make it easier for your body to process. For example, Isopure, Isagenix or Shakeology are all great brands of protein shakes. If you are looking to feed those muscles for a strong, lean look you should drink your protein shake naked (no other ingredients) within 30 minutes of ending an intense workout. If you're looking for weight loss, substitute one meal a day but add some fruit or peanut butter in for those extra calories to keep you full throughout the day.

Monica Racicot

My runners group will begin in about a month!! Please contact me through my Facebook page to sign up. It's a six week course for beginner and advanced runners, that we end with a race. Hope to see some new faces! Till next time!

Monica Racicot is the owner of MG Fitness in Worcester and head conditioning trainer for Framingham State University.