Five Ways Alcohol Will Damage Your Running Routine
As a runner, what kind of impact can alcohol have on your training?
Author:Suleman ShahReviewer:Han JuOct 05, 20241.8K Shares73.9K Views
Running is a pastime enjoyed by millions of us around the UK, and more and more of us are beginning to take it seriously. Races such as the London Marathon, Great North Run, Great Manchester Run continue to become more oversubscribed than ever before as we look to push our boundaries and further enjoy our hobbies.
However, when it comes to taking running more seriously, there are other elements of our lifestyles that we need to consider too, from what we eat to how much we drink, and while more of us may be running than ever before, statistics also show that more of us are drinking booze more than ever too.
Across private alcohol centres UKwide there are more of us seeking help for alcohol problems, many of which can root their problem back to the stresses and strains of the last few years, but as a runner, what kind of impact can alcohol have on your training? Whether it’s heavy usage or moderate, here’s how it could be affecting you.
Dehydration And Impaired Hydration
One of the more immediate effects is dehydration. Alcohol by its very essence dehydrates, meaning it increases urine production and as a result leads to significant fluid loss. Of course, for runners, staying hydrated is key as it maintains stamina, while also reducing the risk of cramp.
A few beers the night before a long run can cause several problems and really impact performance. It’ll decrease your endurance levels, increase heart rate, while also make your muscles less functional, due to the body struggling to balance electrolytes as effectively.
Impacts On Muscle Recovery And Growth
Recovery is such a huge part of training, particularly if you are taking it seriously. After your runs, your muscles need to repair and grow stronger, and to do that efficiently your body needs the right nutrition, hydration and rest. Alcohol impacts all of that, disrupting the balance of hormones and reducing testosterone levels, which particularly plays a part in muscle repair and growth.
What’s more, alcohol consumption can seriously affect our sleep patterns, further hindering recovery, as well as leaving us more tired and sore for your next run.
Reduced Energy Levels And Nutrient Absorption
As a runner, you need your energy levels to be high. This comes from the food we eat, so diet is so important. However, alcohol can interfere with how your body absorbs those vital nutrients, especially the likes of magnesium, zing and B vitamins.
These are key for energy production and muscle functioning, and drinking alcohol regularly can lead to nutrient deficiencies, which will mean your energy levels remain low, and your performance isn’t where it could be.
Impaired Coordination And Increased Injury Risk
Actually, alcohol can have an impact on coordination and balance too, which naturally are important for running. This can increase the risk of injury significantly, particularly as fatigue and tiredness is also more likely to kick in quicker.
Regular alcohol consumption affects our central nervous system, slowing down reaction times, while over time also weakening bones, increasing the chances of developing a stress fracture or other injury that can keep you out for months.
Mental And Emotional Impact
Running isn't just a physical activity; it's also a mental challenge. Alcohol can negatively impact your mental health, leading to mood swings, decreased motivation, and even anxiety or depression. These mental states can make it harder to maintain a regular running routine or to push yourself during tough workouts. The day after drinking, you might feel less motivated to run, or if you do, your performance might be compromised due to hangover symptoms such as headaches, nausea, and fatigue. Over time, these mental and emotional effects can diminish the joy and satisfaction you derive from running, making it more of a chore than a pleasure.
Suleman Shah
Author
Suleman Shah is a researcher and freelance writer. As a researcher, he has worked with MNS University of Agriculture, Multan (Pakistan) and Texas A & M University (USA). He regularly writes science articles and blogs for science news website immersse.com and open access publishers OA Publishing London and Scientific Times. He loves to keep himself updated on scientific developments and convert these developments into everyday language to update the readers about the developments in the scientific era. His primary research focus is Plant sciences, and he contributed to this field by publishing his research in scientific journals and presenting his work at many Conferences.
Shah graduated from the University of Agriculture Faisalabad (Pakistan) and started his professional carrier with Jaffer Agro Services and later with the Agriculture Department of the Government of Pakistan. His research interest compelled and attracted him to proceed with his carrier in Plant sciences research. So, he started his Ph.D. in Soil Science at MNS University of Agriculture Multan (Pakistan). Later, he started working as a visiting scholar with Texas A&M University (USA).
Shah’s experience with big Open Excess publishers like Springers, Frontiers, MDPI, etc., testified to his belief in Open Access as a barrier-removing mechanism between researchers and the readers of their research. Shah believes that Open Access is revolutionizing the publication process and benefitting research in all fields.
Han Ju
Reviewer
Hello! I'm Han Ju, the heart behind World Wide Journals. My life is a unique tapestry woven from the threads of news, spirituality, and science, enriched by melodies from my guitar. Raised amidst tales of the ancient and the arcane, I developed a keen eye for the stories that truly matter. Through my work, I seek to bridge the seen with the unseen, marrying the rigor of science with the depth of spirituality.
Each article at World Wide Journals is a piece of this ongoing quest, blending analysis with personal reflection. Whether exploring quantum frontiers or strumming chords under the stars, my aim is to inspire and provoke thought, inviting you into a world where every discovery is a note in the grand symphony of existence.
Welcome aboard this journey of insight and exploration, where curiosity leads and music guides.
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