Hey TrueZoneCoaching community! Coach James here.  Today, let's talk about something that's crucial for all athletes - hydration!  But not just any hydration, we're diving into the world of sports drinks.

 You've probably heard of isotonic, hypertonic, and hypotonic sports drinks. But what's the difference? 

Isotonic drinks contain similar concentrations of salt and sugar as in the human body. They quickly replace fluids lost by sweating and supply a boost of carbohydrate. This makes them the choice of most athletes - they help maintain your performance during endurance exercise. 

Hypertonic drinks have a higher concentration of salt and sugar than the human body. They provide a high level of carbohydrate which makes them more suitable for after exercise to top up muscle glycogen stores. If they are used during exercise, they need to be used in conjunction with isotonic drinks to replace fluids. 

Hypotonic drinks contain fewer carbohydrates than the human body. They quickly replace fluids lost by sweating. They are suitable for athletes who need fluid without the boost of carbohydrate. 

Remember, the choice of drink depends on your personal fuel needs, the type, and duration of the activity, and your sweat rate.

Always listen to your body and hydrate accordingly.  Stay tuned for more tips and tricks to optimize your performance. And as always, keep running and stay hydrated!