Drink Running?

The Impact of Alcohol on Running Performance.

- Dr Naras Lapsys

Alcohol use is widespread in the runner’s realm. Whether it is for relaxation or celebration, runners often consume alcohol without much concern for its short and long-term effects on performance and health. Although some forms of alcohol have been shown to demonstrate health benefits, its impact is no greater than the benefits associated with regular exercise.

With respect to the effects of alcohol and athletic performance, it is the position of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) that:

“Psychomotor skills are adversely affected by acute alcohol consumption; maximal aerobic power as assessed by VO2max is minimally influenced with acute alcohol consumption; acute alcohol ingestion is not associated with improvement in exercise capacity and may decrease performance levels; acute alcohol ingestion will not improve and may decrease strength, power, local muscular endurance, speed, and cardiovascular endurance”

Impact Prior to Running

The ingestion of alcohol prior to running is not common. Nevertheless, upon its consumption, blood alcohol levels increase rapidly, and side effects occur soon after. Central nervous system activity is depressed, leading to compromised motor skills, decreased coordination, delayed reaction times and impaired balance. Even small amounts of alcohol consumed before running may lead to a decrease in performance. Its impact may be due to slowing of the citric acid cycle, inhibition of gluconeogenesis, and increasing levels of lactate. Furthermore, the body preferentially metabolizes alcohol, thus altering the metabolism of carbohydrates and fats, which are the preferred energy sources during endurance exercise.

Alcohol's Impact After Running