Why Electrolytes Matter for Endurance Athletes

---

Spring means one thing for runners: race season. With the Toronto and Vancouver marathons happening this weekend, thousands of athletes are gearing up to push their limits—and hydration is one of the most important (and overlooked) pieces of the performance puzzle.

Whether you're lining up for 42.2K or cheering from the sidelines, understanding the role of electrolytes in endurance sports can make the difference between hitting the wall and hitting a new personal best.

Why Electrolytes Matter

When you sweat, your body loses more than just water—it loses vital electrolytes that are essential for performance and recovery. These five electrolytes each play a unique role in keeping your body functioning at its best:

1. Sodium

The MVP of hydration. Sodium helps retain fluid, supports nerve function, and maintains blood pressure. It’s especially critical in endurance sports to prevent cramps and hyponatremia (low blood sodium).

2. Potassium

Essential for muscle contractions and preventing cramping. Potassium works alongside sodium to regulate fluid balance and support proper nerve signaling.

3. Magnesium

Known for supporting energy production, magnesium also aids in muscle recovery, nerve function, and reducing fatigue during long efforts.

4. Calcium

Not just for bone health—calcium is needed for muscle contractions, including the most important one: your heartbeat. It also helps coordinate communication between muscles and nerves.

5. Chloride

Often overshadowed, chloride plays a key role in maintaining fluid balance and helps form stomach acid, which is necessary for nutrient absorption—something your body needs to do efficiently before and after a race.

Fueling with WakeWater

WakeWater Electrolytes deliver all five of these electrolytes in meaningful amounts, with zero sugar and clean ingredients—making it a perfect pre-race primer or post-race recovery solution to rehydrate and restore what your body lost.

However, during the race, we recommend something that also includes carbohydrates to help replenish glycogen stores and keep energy levels steady through every kilometer. Electrolytes are key, but your body also needs fuel to keep moving forward.