Does Salt Matter for Marathon Runners?
Absolutely! Salt contains sodium, a nutrient that has two major jobs related to endurance running. One job of sodium is related to muscle contraction. Muscle cramps can be caused by many things, including dehydration, muscle fatigue, a lack of potassium or lack of sodium. If you sweat a lot, or have white streaks on your skin after running, or are prone to muscle cramps, you may need more sodium. A second job of sodium is to help you retain water, a good thing during endurance running in the heat. Studies show that a person who drinks a sodium-containing liquid, like a sports drink, remains better hydrated than a person who just drinks water. If you choose not to use a sports drink, you may want to find another way to take in sodium. This could include regular salting of your food at mealtimes during the week, taking a salt packet or electrolyte powder with water during your long runs, or experimenting with salty snacks or gels, chews and sports beans that have added sodium during the
