July 1, 2008

The Effect of Alcohol on Athletes


After finding out last Wednesday that the Western States 100 run was cancelled, the rudder of my ship fell off. "What now?" I asked myself. I was navigating uncharted waters with no goal or goal driven motivation. After several days I noticed I was "tipping" a few more beers or glasses of wine to make up for the loss and disappointment of it all. Then, after running a few times, I knew my liquid "Western Cancellation" diet was taking its toll on me. I started to feel physically tapped despite being in great shape. So I did a little research and found an article that gave me pause. Its entitled "Alcohol and Athletes". I've never been one to shy away from a few beers the night or week before a race, but after last week's experience and reading this, I'm thinking twice about it.

http://www.nmnathletics.com/attachments1/507.htm?DB_OEM_ID=5800

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

I'll freaking drink to that!

Unknown said...

In my early days, I used to think some of my best training runs were done still under the influence, not any longer..what will you turn your focus to w/o WS 100?

Campbell said...

Hi Will

Thanks for your advise for race day and kept it in mind while competing in the 50km Knee Knacker trail race yesterday. Had a great day and as far as going to plan, it all came together. Started off pretty easy and slowly ramped it up through the race. Went through 1st CP in 65th, 2nd CP 55th, 3rd 47th and finished in 32nd place (6hr 24). I kept moving through each check point and made sure I got plenty to eat. Next is a 50 mile in Squamish.

Frayed Laces said...

I agree with that! AFter weeks of very little drinking and then one week of moderate drinking, it makes my running painful. Ah, the sacrifices of an athlete.

Will Cooper said...

Cambell that is great work, especially given your first 50k. It takes a lot of patience to go easy on the long stuff, but that is what pays the dividends. I need to do more of this on my training runs!

Unknown said...

Think about it. Alcohol is basically poison (despite however much we all may enjoy it).

When I read about all the ultra runners downing beer the night before a run or on a regular basis as a life choice, all I think about when I look at their race times (no matter how high up in the placings they may be) is:

Here's another runner that could accomplish much, much more, with much faster times, except for that alcohol habit.

Too bad.

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
site said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Intervention services said...

Intervention centers helps in recovery of alcohol and it is too dangerous to the health.Florida Intervention Services