Running and Drinking Water

by Samrat
(Hyderabad)

Can we run after drinking 2 litres of water in the morning?

Answer by Dominique:
Hi there,
Thanks for your question about running and drinking water.

I wouldn't say there is a serious risk involved with drinking that much water before you run.


There are stories about people dying during a marathon due to too much water (they call this hyponatremia). They basically drank that much that they washed away all the sodium in their bodies, causing them to die.

You'd have to drink a bit more than just two litres I think to achieve that.

The most serious risk you run is that you can cause stitches. So, I wouldn't do it. If you are in a warm climate and/or go on a longer run, then drink a cup of water before you run, then every 15 - 20 minutes after that drink a few sips of water from a water bottle or fuel belt, i.e. get your water into you gradually, rather than in one big hit.

Also see my running gear-page which lists some hydration options for runners.


Hope this helps.
Kind regards,
Dominique