What You Need to Know about Proper Hydration
There aren’t a lot of things that I’d say I’m necessarily great at. Getting muscle cramps–especially in my calves and quads–might be what I’m best at some days. For me, it seems that every time I compete–whether it’s an obstacle course race, a CrossFit competition, or even a lifting comp, I get really bad muscle cramps. I can only assume a few things: my hydration sucks and my muscles aren’t used to performing for hours upon end when those comps roll around.
In my first ever CMC race, my right quad cramped so badly after The Pit (a CrossFit-style event you complete before the actual race begins) that I ended up trying to run all 7+ miles with a cramped quad. I had to use my left leg (non-dominant one) as the lead leg for all my jumps and climbs. In my most recent CMC, the same thing happened again but worse. This time, not only did my quad cramp up, but my calves cramped so badly that I ended up collapsing twice in the race. I’m surprised I finished.
In one of my CrossFit comps last year, my right quad cramped up on me in the fourth workout. I was doing wall balls. Every time I squatted, the muscle seized. It was miserable. And in my most recent lifting competition, my hamstring cramped on me while bench pressing. (I still don’t understand that one.)
You’d think that after all these instances I’d have figured something out by now. You see, I’ve tried drinking gallons of water days leading up to events. I’ve tried insane amounts of coconut water. I’ve heard that too much water can flush sodium and coconut water doesn’t contain enough sodium. I’ve tried bananas, more carbs, less carbs, pre-comp food, sports drinks, etc. Nothing seems to work.
So recently, I’ve had the opportunity to try Drip Drop Hydration packets. Drip Drop is actually medical-grade hydration developed by doctors built upon a scientific formula and available to EVERYONE.
“Drip Drop’s taste is more palatable than other rehydration powders, and more importantly, there is a reported capability to recover quicker and sustain strenuous physical activities longer.” – Andrew W. Wilson, CPT, MS, 5th Special Forces Airborne
Want to learn more about the science of Drip Drop? VISIT THE SITE.
You can now buy Drip Drop at most CVS, HEB, and Walgreens stores!
RESOURCES:
http://dripdrop.com/drip-drop-contain-sucralose/
http;//dripdrop.com/science
http://dripdrop.com
Drip Drop Elite Hydration Science Information Package
Okay, SO this was really informative/helpful! And kind of made a light go off in my head, when you wrote TOO much water can flush sodium…is this why I can CRAVE salty hardcore and feel dehydrated despite drinking LOTS of water? Like I’m drinking TOO much water? Usually if I satisfy the salt craving I’ll feel better….I am scoping this out now! Thanks for an awesome review/info steph 😉
Amber, that actually makes a lot of sense! I remember you saying you always crave salt, yet you drink tons of water. That could totally be why!!
oh and DUh is it gluten free?
Hey Amber! I’m not 100% positive on gluten and maybe you figured it out by now but here’s a link I think will help! http://shop.dripdrop.com/collections/drip-drop/products/drip-drop-ors-berry-box-of-4-packets