Fluid replacement and performance during the marathon.
The primary purpose of this review is to relate a universal strategy for replacing fluids to optimise marathon performance. A secondary purpose is to examine common 'matters of debate' that may modify fluid needs to include the importance of realistic convective air flow, metabolic water production and waters of association with glycogen. The metabolic demands of marathon running can result in substantial sweat losses and levels of dehydration consistent with compromised endurance performance. Recommendations are provided to individualise fluid intakes with the goal of preventing excessive dehydration (>2% body mass) as well as weight gain. The minor importance of 'matters of debate' to fluid replacement is also discussed.
Cheuvront
Samuel N
SN
US Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Natick, Massachusetts 01760-5007, USA. Samuel.cheuvront@na.amedd.army.mil
Montain
Scott J
SJ
Sawka
Michael N
MN
D005440:Fluid Therapy; D006801:Humans; D005082:Physical Exertion / Q000502:physiology; D012420:Running / Q000502:physiology*; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis; D014481:United States