Hydration Practices of Long-Distance Trail Runners Competing in Connecticut (CT) During COVID-19

Abstract Objectives The purpose of this research is to assess and compare the self-reported hydration practices of long-distance trail runners during an intended long training run (LTR), an intended event, and during an actual event during COVID-19. The hypothesis is that hydration practices are inconsistent between these three scenarios and runners sometimes consume more than intended during an event. Consuming more fluids than intended may lead to exercise-associated hyponatremia (EAH). Methods Cross-sectional pre- and post-survey design. The setting was the Macedonia Trail Race was in Kent, CT and the Angevine Farm Trail Race was in Warren, CT. A total of 26 (of 310 registered) eligible runners from one of the events volunteered to be participants. The pre-race survey assessed intended hydration practices of training and a possible event. The post-race assessed the actual hydration practices of the race. Main outcome measures were hydration practices, including strategies and volumes during a LTR, and intended event, and the actual event. Awareness and knowledge of EAH, and the understanding of an effective hydration plan were assessed. Results There was a strong correlation (0.91) between intended volumes before the LTR and the intended event. When comparing volumes consumed during the event to the intended event, the correlation was moderate (0.52). Moderate agreement (64–85%) was found when comparing the hydration strategies in the intended and the actual events. The comparisons were statistically significant when measured by the Kappa statistic (P < 0.05). Runners reported drinking according to thirst an average of 30% across the three scenarios. This study found that 50% of runners reported knowledge and awareness of EAH, while 62% felt they had a solid understanding of an effective hydration plan. Conclusions In this study, long-distance trail runners reported differences in hydration practices when comparing an intended LTR, an intended trail event, and an actual trail event. Drinking according to thirst is the recommended hydration strategy to prevent EAH, in lieu of a personalized hydration plan. This indicates a need for ongoing education on hydration practices and EAH. The primary limitations of this study are self-reported data and small sample size due to COVID-19. Funding Sources None