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2013 HEART EXPO:Bundle up for a cold morning at 2013 Heart Run and Walk

By NEWSChannel 2 Staff

Story Created: Mar 1, 2013 at 3:18 PM EDT

Story Updated: Mar 1, 2013 at 3:30 PM EDT

Running in America's Greatest Heart Run and Walk is quite different from training for and running in the Boilermaker Road Race, because for Heart Run, it's generally freezing outside.

While different rules apply to dress for this weekend's events, pretty much the same rules apply to hydration - as much as you may need it in the morning. Just because it's a liquid, that beloved cup of coffee will not hydrate you. In fact, it will do the exact opposite.

"It all depends what you're used to," said Race Director Jim Stasaitis. "I know some runners, have a cup of coffee, go out on a run, whatever. Walkers, I mean, if you're not used to walking in the morning, depends. There's not a lot of Porta-Johns out there. Coffee with caffeine is a diuretic, so it'll go through your system faster."

You should drink water because that's what your body needs to stay hydrated.

Also, make sure to dress in layers for the cold, because the key is comfort. You can take off layers, but you can't put them on if you don't have them.