This post is going to seem off for so many different reasons, first and foremost it is almost a complete about face from my usual post topics ( But to be fair, while writing this post I am drinking some high powered Gyokuro, so it can't be that far off right?), while secondly I should note take all nutritional recommendations in this post with a grain of salt. The second thing because while I understand how to be healthy, I do not know the ins and outs of nutrition.
So this past year I have been focusing on getting myself back into shape, its been a slow and steady process but has really taken off when I started to run, and motivate myself with races. ( The big one on the horizon is I hope to do the Borgess Half Marathon on May 5th). As such I have to start training now if I want any hope of finishing in a somewhat decent time. That included today's work out a 3 mile run.
My findings this past year are that tea helps me both preform better and recover better form exercise. While it does not replace water ( it does help hydrate you to some degree though). It wasn't until recently I really started putting two and two together. I thought it was the energy boost that was most helpful, but that contradicts the fact that, I often ran worse when I drank a lot of tea shortly before a run.
Then recently I decided to google nutritional facts for many foods I eat on a regular basis, and just for laughs I looked for facts on tea.
The real surprises are tea contains:
- Potassium -- Possibly one of the best things tea has in it to help someone recover, as I find after exercise I feel I most need to replenish my lost potassium levels.
- Calcium
- Zinc
- Manganese
- B1, B2, and B6 Vitamins -- (On a side note this might be part of the reason people claim tea is a hangover cure).
- Folic Acid
- Phenolic Acid
Looks like a rather nice set of nutrients. Sadly I am sure they are not in abundant levels, and definitely do not replace eating healthy foods, but if you are looking for a way to help yourself hydrate, recover, and enjoy something you love, make tea!
Source on Nutrients: http://suite101.com/article/nutritional-content-and-benefits-of-tea-bags-and-loose-leaf-tea-a348832
I also had another site I double checked it against when I first was looking, but I can not find that site today, I will post it if I find it again.
5 comments:
Hi Adam,
I also drink tea and run. Last year I ran my first half marathon. But I've been trying to avoid drinking tea before and soon after running.
My concern is that running itself is a work load on your heart as well as drinking tea (at least to my knowledge).
So combining them doesn't do good for the heart.
What do you think?
Pavel,
I definitely am more and more against tea, or coffee shortly before running now. Now I am not sure what you mean by soon after running, but I think 45+ minutes after running should be good. I have to feel like I have cooled down and calmed down enough to enjoy the tea.
Adam,
yep, I wasn't clear enough. In my case, I wait for at least 1.5 hour. Just in case.. Probably, I'm too paranoid about my heart :)
Though I'm not sure that it actually helps/changes anything.
I also drink tea and run. I will run a half-marathon 2nd of March...
I must say a particularly appreciate the tea I drink after running. And more again the first tea in the next morning. If I run on Sunday morning, I really like my Monday (early) morning sencha when I wake up ; I always feel so good, calm, peaceful, body and mind.
Adam Yusko,
Have ran many full marathons, even more half marathons. Some advice, don't drink too much liquid (including tea) before running very long distances- its the #1 cause of death among marathon runners. As a general rule you shouldn't drink strong tea before or after running. Mild tea is okay if in moderation. The 1.5 hours break is safe.
If you love to run and drink tea, this competitive marathon that combines them both is a must:
http://mattchasblog.blogspot.ca/2008/05/marathoning-with-tea-running-boseong.html
Great post Adam. Keep it up and good luck with your training.
Peace
Matt
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