I’LL GET THERE, SCHOONER OR LATER
WILL I be able to drink?
As ridiculous as this question is, when I embarked on my journey to run the Gold Coast Marathon on July 1, this was one of the first thoughts that popped into my muddled mind.
I’ll make no bones about it – I am a heavy drinker.
In fact, I can polish off two bottles of red in a night no problem (Portuguese blend if you’re inclined to send me some). But that is 1000 calories in one sitting and, needless to say, no help whatsoever when it comes to getting up at 5am to run.
So, the question is: should I give up alcohol during marathon training?
I’m not talking about heavy drinking, it is obvious I need to give that up.
I am speaking of moderate drinking (yes, yes it is not an oxymoron and I have achieved this blessed state before!).
Dr Matthew Barnes, of Massey University in New Zealand, studies the effects of alcohol and exercise.
He told Greatist that a single drink the night before a race is unlikely to have any impact on performance.
However, there is evidence that drinking alcohol directly after exercise is likely to inhibit recovery and impair performance, especially for endurance athletes.
Alcohol also impacts the immune system, hormonal system, musculoskeletal system, and nervous system.
It can result in poor sleep patterns, irregular heart rhythm, not to mention nasty hangovers.
So, best to avoid before and after training runs, and of course, on the big day.
And if you’re going to drink just make sure it’s at a moderate and healthy level.
That is, according to the Australian Government, no more than two standard drinks on any day.
And don’t do what your columnist did after completing a 10km race a few years back, and consume an entire case of beer to celebrate. Not the best post-race recovery idea.