Estimated Read Time: 3.5 minutes
We’ve all been there: a Friday night celebration or a Saturday dinner with a few glasses of wine, followed by a Sunday morning long run. You feel "okay," but your GPS watch says your recovery is poor and your heart rate is elevated.
Have you ever wondered what is actually happening inside your blood during that "sluggish" Sunday run?
Alcohol is a diuretic, but more importantly, it interferes with the hormone (ADH) that helps your kidneys manage water. This leads to lower blood volume. Lower blood volume means your heart has to beat more times per minute to move the same amount of oxygenated blood to your running muscles.
Your liver is the MVP of your long run—it stores and releases glucose (energy). However, the liver prioritizes breaking down alcohol over everything else. If your liver is busy processing last night's drinks, it’s less efficient at fueling your "kick" at the end of a 20km run.
Even two drinks can spike your Cortisol levels and disrupt your REM sleep. This prevents the release of Growth Hormone, which is essential for repairing the micro-tears in your muscles caused by training.
At SuperRun, we aren't here to tell you not to have a drink. We are here to show you the data. Monitoring your Liver Function (GGT/ALT) and Cortisol can give you a clear picture of how your lifestyle and your training are interacting.
Understand your body's limits. Track your liver health and recovery markers with our RunBase Panel.
Disclaimer: SuperRunLabs provides health information for educational purposes. For concerns regarding alcohol consumption and health, please consult a medical professional.
