+ Which products will be available on Race Day?

The eniQ Electrolyte (Lemon Lime) will be available at drink stations throughout the race. These will be served in eniQ branded cups.

The eniQ Electrolyte (Lemon Lime) & eniQ Electrolyte Whey Protein Isolate (Super Fruits) will be available at the finish line. These will also be served in eniQ branded cups.

Both products contain only premium and healthy ingredients with natural fruit flavours, and no artificial colours, flavours or preservatives.

They are designed to give you immediate & sustained energy, as well as replenish electrolytes & accelerate muscle recovery. A pH of 6 reduces tooth erosion.

To find out more or order online, enabling you to train on the race day product, visit www.eniq.com.

+ Why is hydration so important?

The right hydration can make or break your half marathon experience!! Just like your training plan it is important to consider a hydration plan before, during and after the race.

Training

Dehydration during training is a leading cause of injuries. To ensure you make it to the start line it is a good idea to incorporate a deliberate hydration plan on a daily basis. Staying hydrated not only involves drinking water, but also involves consuming balanced electrolytes through fluids and food. Generally, when exercising you want to replace upwards of half of what you are losing through sweat. As a guide, males need to consume upwards of 3.5 litres of fluid per day, and women upwards of 3 litres per day. That intake can come from fluids and food, with fruit & vegetables in particular having a higher water content.

Race Day

Studies have shown that runners can finish a 21.1km run up to 4 minutes faster when staying hydrated before and throughout the race. A few tips:

• Just like cramming for a test, binge drinking the morning of a run won’t hydrate you properly. In fact, it’s likely to cause a need for several toilet breaks!!!
• Sip regularly on fluids prior to the race to a level that makes you feel well hydrated, 500 ml – 1 litre of fluid as a guide.
• Don’t wait until you are thirsty to have a drink during the race. Take a drink at every drink station.
• In warm / hot conditions, grab 2 cups at each drink station – 1 x water to pour over your head to cool you down, and 1 x eniQ Electrolyte to rehydrate you
• Squeeze the eniQ cup between your thumb and index finger (while you remain running) so you can consume as much fluid as possible from the cup, and avoid spilling it all over your chest

Recovery

While running the average person loses 500ml – 1 litre of fluid per hour, which includes much needed nutrients and electrolytes. In addition, the runner will experience several microtears in their muscles, particularly in their legs.

After the race, make your way over to the eniQ marquee where you can access the eniQ Electrolyte to rehydrate on lost energy and electrolytes. In addition, you can access the unique “2 in 1” eniQ Electrolyte Whey Protein Isolate which will not only rehydrate on lost energy and electrolytes, but also accelerate your muscle repair.

Drinking water and eating fruit are other effective ways to rehydrate after your race.

+ How do I recognise signs of dehydration?

1. Being thirsty or having a dry mouth is one of the first bodily signs that you need to consume more liquids and should not be ignored.
2. Use the pinch test to recognise when your body is beginning to run out of water. Grasp the skin on the back of the hand, if the skin returns slowly back to its original position, this indicates a state of dehydration.
3. Dehydration can frequently be confused for hunger, and although foods do provide some form of water for hydration, if the body is craving water, fluid- based products are more effective to quickly and sufficiently replenish your water stores.