A Moscow Marathon judge, candidate for master of sports in cross country skiing, and Sportmaster PRO expert Viktor Savetnikov spoke with socialbites.ca. He disputed claims about beer being beneficial for restoring water and salt balance after a race. He did acknowledge that a non alcoholic beverage could help rehydrate, but he emphasized a more precise approach to hydration that does not rely on alcohol at all.
Savetnikov noted that while large beer producers often sponsor racing events, that sponsorship tends to promote non alcoholic drinks. Such beverages can contribute to restoring fluid and electrolyte balance in the body after intense exertion. The expert stressed, however, that alcohol should not be part of an athlete recovery plan, especially after strenuous racing or during heavy training blocks.
The Moscow Marathon official pointed out that alcohol and running form a tricky combination. In the careers of professional athletes, a strict routine is common, and many avoid alcohol during challenging training periods. The goal is to preserve performance and reduce the risk of dehydration, impaired recovery, and potential negative effects on conditioning.
Active hydration is important both before and during training sessions. In long distance events, the body can lose a significant amount of water through sweat. When this happens, blood thickens, which increases the workload on the heart as it works harder to pump thicker blood through the circulatory system. This physiological change can contribute to fatigue and may impact endurance during the race.
Along with fluid loss, electrolytes such as magnesium, potassium, and sodium are depleted. When salts are not adequately replaced, muscle cramps can occur and performance can suffer. Savetnikov highlighted that replenishing water and salts lost during exercise is essential for recovery after a run. A practical choice is to drink an isotonic beverage that contains a balanced mix of water and electrolytes, designed to mimic the body’s natural fluid balance and speed up rehydration after exertion.
The discussion also touched on how athletes should manage caffeine intake. A former marathon official warned about the potential risks of consuming coffee before a run. Caffeine can have a stimulating effect and may influence hydration status, gut comfort, and performance for some runners. For many, the best approach is to consider caffeine use carefully and time it to suit training and competition demands rather than relying on it as a routine pre run ritual.
In summing up, Savetnikov recommended a proactive hydration strategy that centers on water intake before, during, and after exercise, paired with electrolytes when needed. He suggested prioritizing non alcoholic hydration options and using isotonic drinks to replenish both fluids and essential minerals. The emphasis remained clear: alcohol has no place in a serious athletic recovery plan, and sensible hydration supports steadier heart function, steadier blood flow, and better overall performance during long runs.
Non alcoholic beverages, properly chosen, can be a solid component of post race recovery. They help restore the blood’s watery composition and restore mineral levels without introducing the risks associated with alcohol. By maintaining a consistent hydration routine and choosing isotonic solutions when necessary, runners can sustain energy, support muscle function, and promote quicker recovery after demanding races.