This is post I wrote back in January 2014, just 5 months after starting my blog. I only had a few readers back then, so I thought I would share this again because I think it always applies! Well, except that I’m not training right now. However, balancing health and life always applies, right?
I haven’t been talking much lately about wine, although I thought it would be a part of the focus of this blog. I have found that I typically have much more to say about running and training than I do about drinking wine.
drinking wine in compression socks and compression shorts. perfect recovery plan.
Even though I haven’t talked about drinking wine, I typically enjoy a few glasses 3-4 days a week. During my “off-season” I was less concerned about when or how much I would drink. Now that I am training again, I am a little more careful about enjoying too much before an important training session.
I try not to let training take over my life. I really enjoy having a few glasses of wine after a long day of work, or a few beers out on the weekend. I thought I would share some of my tips for training while still having a life.
Plan your training around your life, and your life around your training
Most of the time I will have a set training plan in place, but if I know I have something to do I will adjust my plan. For example, when I was traveling over the holidays I had to move around my long run to days where I had more time. I made sure that the days when I had to run on a treadmill that they would be shorter runs, so I didn’t lose my mind. If you have more flexibility with your social plans, plan to go out the night of a tough workout, before a rest day, or before a day when you can run later in the day if you are tired. During my training for the Baltimore Marathon I was taking rest days on Thursdays, so on Wednesdays my husband and I would share a bottle of wine. It also gave me something to look forward to during other training days.
Drink water
Whenever I am drinking alcohol, I am always drinking water also. If I am going out to a bar I bring a bottle of water in my bag so that I don’t have to carry around a drink and water. This really helps with feeling ok the next day. But really, just drink water all the time.
Make running your social activity
If you want to hang out with a friend but need to get a run in, see if they will join you. Or get your run done in the morning so you have the evening free. When my sister comes over I make her foam roll with me.
We tried running together once, but it ended with a broken finger
Know your own limits
I know how I will feel the next day after 2 glasses of wine versus 5 glasses of wine. On another note, I have also found that running is a great way to get rid of a hangover. If you know that drinking will impact your next day’s workout, save the drinks for another day. Or move your run to another day.
Final thoughts
My husband and I have joked that if we drink throughout our training cycles, that the actual race day will feel easier when we didn’t drink the night before. I’m sure there are different views on this, but do what works for you. For some races I had some drinks the night before a race, and I don’t think it made a difference. However, if its your goal race you are probably not going to risk doing anything that can jeopardize your performance. Remember- you’re doing this because it’s fun! Don’t let training take over your life.
And on that note, I am about to go enjoy a glass of sauvignon blanc:)
I had to laugh when I read this because I NEVER go out to bars anymore. And there is NO WAY I could drink 5 glasses of wine these days. It’s amazing the different 2 1/2 years can make. I still stand by my view that moderation is key, as it is with most things.
How do you balance training/health and other parts of your life?
Do you drink alcohol while training for a race? What about the night before a race?
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it’s such a good idea to share older posts! I try to go back and see what I can reshare too because we always have new readers and especially from when we first started, those posts totally got lost and no one saw them! you know I can’t drink much but I know I used to sometimes be able to have two or 3 glasses of wine – now I certainly couldn’t without passing out or throwing up lol. actually the one time I did have 3, I did throw up lol
My tolerance for alcohol changes alot, but usually I know 2 glasses of wine is plenty for me. I like drinking at home where I can control the portion sizes of my wine- sometimes a large second glass of wine is too much.
5 glasses is a bit much! I think I could handle 3 with some food, though. 🙂
5 would definitely be too much for me these days. I may be able to handle 4 if its over a really long period of time and Im also drinking water.
For me it might be 1 versus 2 glasses of wine! I haven’t looked at my old non recipe posts in so long! I have no idea what I said back then. I bet my training would scare me though lol 🙂
My training posts from a few years ago are so intimidating to me right now! How did I run 60 miles a week plus take yoga and take body pump?!
I enjoy a glass of red almost every night after dinner. I have also learned that moderation is key, and my limit is definitely two glasses! It doesn’t affect my training, and it gives me something to work towards every day. 🙂
Moderation is definitely key! I love just having 1 glass a few days a week, then every once in a while I have a little more:)
I am very much a moderate drinker: I usually have a glass of beer or wine each night but 3 drinks is too much! So while I still indulge during training I limit it. I had a ginger beer before my half PR which was fine, but I think other than something so light I prefer to skip it the night before a race.
I have had a beer before half marathons but I don’t think I have had anything before a full. Im sure 1 glass would be fine but I figure I’ll have plenty after the race:)
I love that you re-posted this! It’s such a good reminder! I typically don’t change my diet much when I’m training, except I’ll work hard at drinking more water which inevitably leaves less room for beer and wine! I usually have wine on the night before a race. It’s tradition, and it reminds me to not take the race too seriously because life is about balance!
I think having enough water is the key. I don’t feel the effects of drinking the night before a run as long as I drink enough water and don’t go overboard.
I think not letting training take over your life is the best tip of all! Too many people get obsessive and throw life out the window and it’s so silly – especially when it’s something you CHOOSE to do!
Exactly!
I totally agree that it’s all about balance. We all have those things we love to do and should find a way to make running work with it, but you’re right knowing your limits is key! Sometimes running even balances your habits – like eating ice cream!!! I’ll drink during training, but generally don’t indulge before a race. Love that your old post still holds true today!
Definitely! I think running can help us to cut back on some of our other habits like drinking, but its also good to remember to enjoy ourselves!
I am also a frequent wine drinker, and I agree that hydration is key both when drinking and when training for something. These are great tips!
Yep, exactly! If I have enough water I don’t even notice the effects of a glass of wine the next day.
Too bad that drinking wine can’t count as carb loading. 🙂 As someone avoiding carbs I have found that having wine on my cheat days helps me balance my training and diet with stress relief and sanity.
The more I train the more I learn about balancing life, work and training! I have come to accept (slowly) that I can’t do it all and be realistic with how much time I have in a day. But making running a more social experience definitely helps! Especially when you can go out post-long run or hard workout and celebrate with your running buddies.
I think 1 or 2 glasses while training for a race is still ok as long as you know your own limit
I run and workout everyday. I dont get a grip on wine so it s not hard for me to take alcohol out of my drinks. But i enjoy 2 or 3 glasses of red wine at the weekend. It doesnt affect much my workout. Just make me get sleep easily!
Social life and training balance is one of my favorite topics. Thank you for writing this interesting and useful article. I just want to add that good planning is an important step for getting the balance, but then we should strictly follow the plan, if not, everything will be chaos.
it’s such a good idea to share older posts, I think 1 or 2 glasses while training for a race is still ok
thanks for sharing
Absolutely we should balance the training and life! So I think several glasses of wine or anything that can make you feel better are just fine. Btw, the idea of sharing the previous posts inspired me. Thanks for sharing!
i think its ok to drink some wine sometimes. But the important thing to me is keep your life and your workout balancing
Absolutely we should balance the training and life, Thank you for writing this interesting and useful article
Definitely true! Running is kind of hobby and habit to me, I never let it affects my daily like. I think I can handle both of them well. The idea of repost old article is great, Lisa. Thanks for sharing.
I love the idea of running, training while still enjoying our hobbies. One of the most admirable thing is that you can control yourself, you know what is the best for your training and body. Hope you can still keep balance of training and drinking.
although occasionally I drink wine, I do not like it so much so I only drink little and it do not affect my training, but I really enjoy beer, and I used to drink a lot, but I usually drink it in the afternoon with friends while my training in the morning.
I usually work out with my buddies and we also apply in races together. I think it’s a good way to balance my social life and training. And wine plays an important role in my life whenever I get stressed or lack of sleep. Thanks for sharing!
From the very beginning, I wanted to workout for a nice body. I forget that training is also about improving your fitness and especially mentality. Therefore, my results was not as good as my expectation just until I realize thing I mentioned above. Now I don’t focus on any direct goal, just see training as a part of my life, a daily routine and have fun with it, and of course, my performance is increased significantly.
Thanks for sharing such an inspiring perspective. Keep it up!