Hydration In The Arizona Heat

I read the Welcome article by Brian Frank from Hammer Nutrition, one of our National sponsors, in the Endurance News (July 2009 : Issue 64). Among many things he talks about hydration and in our Arizona heat this is especially important. Not only is physical hydration with water important, but also spiritual hydration. The following scriptures from the Gospel of John came to mind:

Jesus answered and said to her, "Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again, but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life." John 4:13

On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, "If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water." But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified. John 7:37

Hammer Nutrition allowed me to pass along what Brian Frank wrote. So here it is:

"Hydration is yet another area where we tend to be swimming upstream, pun intended. While most advocate drinking freely while exercising, they make no mention of adequate hydration levels in your daily life. We, on the other hand, advocate just the opposite, not to be contrary, but because it only make sense - living in a state of constant dehydration and then trying to super hydrate in the few days leading up to an event, or just during the event, is illogical. ... For your daily life, you want to consume around 1/2 ounce of water per pound of body weight everyday (e.g. 160lb athlete - 80oz of water per day). Coffee and other beverages do not count. What you consume during training does also not count. ... When exercising, no matter how hot and/or humid it gets, 24-28 oz per hour is the upper limit, and in case of smaller athletes and cooler temps, the level of intake can and should be reduced from there. A strong word of caution : If you have been consuming far less than 1/2 of your body weight in ounces of water, you should not suddenly and dramatically increase your water intake. This will result in premature elimination of critical minerals."

It's simple, isn't it? I think it goes very well along with an active Christian life style. Are you thirsty? Drink a glass of water. Simple.

Not only should we have adequate hydration levels in the physical. When was the last time you drank the water Jesus promised, the living one that can become like a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life? Come on brother and sister, be of good cheer, Jesus is near !!! Read His word and drink His water !!!

To get more helpful information about hydration, fueling, when and what to eat check out the Guide to Success which can be found at the Hammer Nutrition Web site.