Reverse osmosis water filters are quickly becoming the most popular types of home water filters because more people are concerned about fluoride, pharmaceuticals, and other man-made contaminants in their water. Activated carbon filters are great for most homes, but if you’re concerned about fluoride or pharmaceuticals, you need a reverse osmosis system.

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After reading Born to Run by Christopher McDougall (highly recommended), I was inspired to roll my chair away from the keyboard and hit the asphalt. Nearly a month later, my legs are still sore, but I can easily run two miles now. And next month I’m running in my first 5K race! I’m confident that I’ll be able to finish the race in less than 30 minutes. I won’t win any medals, but it will be a great accomplishment for me.

Because of my new hobby, I’ve been researching hydration for runners. Most people know that you lose a lot of fluid during a long run and must replace that fluid by drinking water. But did you know that you can actually drink too much water on a long run? In 2002, a young woman died in the Boston Marathon because she drank too much water and developed hyponatremia (diluted sodium levels in the blood). So, if you’re a long-distance runner, don’t feel like you have to drink water just because you’re passing an aid station. At the same time, you need to stay well hydrated. So how much should you drink? Just pay attention to your body. Drink when you’re thirsty; don’t drink when you’re not thirsty.

After researching hydration, Dr. Timothy Noakes, MD, author of The Lore of Running, said, “Humans evolved the thirst mechanism over millennia . . . We concluded that if you drink according to the dictates of thirst, your performance will be optimized.”

I’ve noticed that many distance runners carry a plastic water bottle with them. Unfortunately, the plastic bottles pollute their water with toxic chemicals, and the plastic bottles are an environmental nightmare. Even BPA-free plastic bottles contain other petrochemical toxins that leach out, especially when exposed to sunlight and heat.

A stainless steel water bottle is much healthier and more eco-friendly. Stainless steel does not leach chemicals into the water, and you can reuse the washable bottle. And if you drop it, that’s okay. It’s made of steel! To help you hold onto your bottle while you’re running, consider fastening it to your hand with a velcro strap. Some runners strap a bottle to each hand. And remember to pay attention to your thirst!