Running hungover

Newaglish

Long story short, I've agreed to do a five mile run the day after a house party - my mind is pretty much set out doing both (drinking lots and running the next day) but I'm just looking for any tips/suggestions on how to survive the race and put in a decent time.

ie. What should I do/eat in the days preceding the race? Should I eat/drink something during my drinking session? What is my hangover survival remedy on the morning after?

Stark

Newaglish wrote:

Long story short, I've agreed to do a five mile run the day after a house party - my mind is pretty much set out doing both (drinking lots and running the next day) but I'm just looking for any tips/suggestions on how to survive the race and put in a decent time.

Cut the cake in half. Eat one half, then put the other half in the fridge to have for later.

Newaglish wrote:

ie. What should I do/eat in the days preceding the race? Should I eat/drink something during my drinking session? What is my hangover survival remedy on the morning after?

An isotonic sports drink and a few bananas will probably help the morning after (drink plenty of water before going to bed). I still wouldn't expect a half decent time though unless you limit how much alcohol you have to drink the night before.

epo addict

I was groomsman at a wedding back in September and was drinking from early till 9am the next morning. Left the hotel with no sleep, drove home and had a shower. I was in no state to compete in a 5k cross country "let alone defend my trophy from winning the same race the previous year". I wasn't going to give up that trophy without a fight so i headed out to the race. Warming up was a nightmare i was knackered, my eyes were rolling and the tiredness was really taking it's toll!

Once that gun went i went off like Ethopian chasing a bread van and took up an early lead. After 2k there were 3 of us in the leading bunch out of 900 runners & joggers but lost my conscentation once we reached our first climb of the race. With 1k to go i made a massive burst and kept pushing and closed nearly 150metres on the leader, with the finish line approaching i just missed him by inches on the line i was so pissed off..

It can be done no matter what you do the night before trust me!!!!

Whyner

epo addict wrote: »

It can be done no matter what you do the night before trust me!!!!

No matter what? Think about it...

Domer

I was always told that the most important night to get a good rest is not the night before a race, but the night before that! Get to bed early the day before, and you'll be fine(ish)!

I have often done hellish track workouts.... 8x 400 in 58-60 off 3 mins recovery suffering a massive hangover, and having no sleep the night before. The body is very good at adapting.

Drink plenty of fluids, and a few solpedeine!!... and good luck!

cfitz

Domer wrote: »

I have often done hellish track workouts.... 8x 400 in 58-60 off 3 mins recovery

A bit off topic, but that sounds like a great session - what kind of times have you raced off of sessions like that?

Jay P

Take those night line things, I think thats what theyre called. Anyway, the do wonders if youre hungover.

Timmaay

I've often trained/done races completely hungover, you feel like cr*p before it, surprisingly ok during the run and just want to sleep after it!
Worse thing I ever did was a hill run at 10 the morning after a serious session (till 5 that morning:rolleyes:), The hill run was horrible, 6inchs of snow at the bottom and 18inchs at the top with a blizzard during it for good measure. I have never fell worse before or since that day during a run. Still, funny when I look back on it.

Domer

cfitz wrote: »

A bit off topic, but that sounds like a great session - what kind of times have you raced off of sessions like that?

It was about 20 years ago when I was in my prime! I was running 1:48/1:49 half mile.

Back then I was built for speed... now I am built more for comfort!!!

cfitz

Domer wrote: »

It was about 20 years ago when I was in my prime! I was running 1:48/1:49 half mile.

Savage stuff. Figures that you were able to them sessions so (hungover or otherwise)!

louthandproud

Maybe I just drink too much when I'm out (not often) but I usually can hardly walk the next day. Running would be totally out of the question, I guess it is different for everyone. Still, I couldn't see how anyone could recommend drinking followed by running the next day, every bit of literature I've read on running advises strongly against it.

Not to say it can't be done, but some people go out and enjoy 5-8 pints on a big night out others 15-20 plus whatever shots etc. So it is very definitely a sliding scale, age has a big bearing too (be warned those of you in your 20's, it gets harder).

Bottom line I'd say is avoid at all costs,, if you can pull it off, fair play, but it can't be good for you.

rdunne

you can drugs in boots that you take during the nite. cant remeber the name, but i have used them before. help a wee bit

Peckham

epo addict wrote: »

I was groomsman at a wedding back in September and was drinking from early till 9am the next morning. Left the hotel with no sleep, drove home and had a shower. I was in no state to compete in a 5k cross country

Sounds like you were in no state to drive home - I'd be more worried about that part of your story!