Disclaimer: I'm about to say something a bit nasty, but I'm sure most can relate.
After going to the bathroom and seeing the color of my urine, I realized why I was so exhausted. I was not properly hydrated.* Where did I go wrong? I've been thinking about this since that day. It's now Monday night and this run was on Saturday morning. Obsessive much? Yes, I am!
*Dehydration causes fatigue because if your body doesn't have enough fluid, it draws fluid from your bloodstream, making your blood thicker. When your blood is thicker, it puts more strain on your heart resulting in fatigue.
I know I hydrated properly the evening before...and the morning of. So, I must have failed properly hydrating myself DURING my run. I have to admit that I usually drink more water than I did this past week. Our friends from Patriot's Landing in DuPont are always out there (rain or shine) on the 3 mile route handing us bottled water. They truly are awesome and put a smile on my face every week. I usually take a bottle and sip on it during the course of the run. I haven't yet mastered the art of running and drinking at the same time, so I usually have to stop to drink. Lately, I've taken a bottle and have practiced drinking on the run. I'm slowly mastering the skill. (Sounds silly, I know). Back to the point. This week, I didn't take a bottle with me because I didn't feel like carrying it. It was cold, windy, and raining. No thank you, I couldn't be bothered with carrying that bottle for miles. BIG MISTAKE!
I did have a small cup of water at the other water stops and had a cliff bar as well. So, I'm sure my issue was not having enough carbs. Side note: I finally have learned how to eat and run at the same time...I know! Silly. But on long runs, it's essential. For those training for the ultra marathon (the 12 miler), I stashed some water and gatorade along our route. Unfortunately, when we arrived at that point, my cooler was gone. Someone took it. Not sure if someone wanted the cooler, the contents, or took it by accident to store for Wear Blue. At first I don't think any of us minded much, but when we headed back to the park, that water was really missed. In reality we went almost 1 hour without hydrating while running. NO GOOD.
I don't think I felt it much during the run because it was extremely cold, windy, and raining. I just wanted it to be over. You don't really feel yourself sweating and I guess the rain prevents you from feeling dry (even dry mouth). However, it was a great learning experience. No matter what the weather, how much you sweat, or how you feel at the moment, you must hydrate.
This is why long runs when training for endurance events are so important. You learn what works and what doesn't work. What you should and shouldn't do/wear. What you feel comfortable with or in and what you don't.
So, I leave you with 2 important things you should know as a runner.
- Importance of Hydration
- Importance of Long runs
Happy running.
Great post Andrea!!! I learned a lot! I basically ran the races I've done so far without any water. Including the Disney Half Marathon. I know... BIG MISTAKE lol Keep practicing the art of drinking and running at the same time hahaha YOU CAN DO IT!
ReplyDeleteThis is the first time I am being really serious about my training. Once you start working on longer distances you have to get the nitch of drinking and eating on your runs. Drinking on my runs is getting easier. Water always use to go up my nose while running, but I'm getting the hang of it lol
Deletei am about to do the Disney Princess Half Marathon this coming Sunday - and my husband was stressing the importance of drinking water last night. it was quite timely that i read your blog. i have done my longer runs without water...and without thinking about it. since Florida is so much hotter than Washington i KNOW that i will have to hit every water station. thanks for the info!
ReplyDeleteThat is awesome Rebecca. Kim is going too, so I'm assuming you ladies are meeting up. Florida is definitely warmer than us and water will be important especially because we aren't use to their weather and you will probably be sweating like a mad woman. I wish you not only luck, but lots of fun. Can't wait to see the pictures.
DeleteOh man. Hydration scares are never fun, and definitely help put a lot into perspective. The only times I can manage to drink and run at the same time is when I have the paper cups I can fold into a funnel-like thing... And that's usually during races.
ReplyDeleteDo you use a handheld?? I LOVE mine, and it even comes with a small pouch for keys/ID. I highly recommend it. :)
I hate running with stuff in my hands. I've tried a handheld (mine had a pouch), but on long runs they drive me crazy. I have a camelbaks...i may start taking them on my long runs, just in case.
DeleteGreat info! I have tried the handhelds as well and I'm like Andi - I don't like having things in my hand while I run. I'd rather stash water (hoping no takes it or messes with it) or design a route that I know has a place with a drinking fountain.
ReplyDeleteI'm going to buy a small table and use that...hoping that will help. I will start wearing my hydration packs...when all else fails, we'll have that lol
DeleteHi there. I am a fellow WBR2R runner now living in Idaho. Found your blog on the wear blue group site.
ReplyDeleteHave you tried running with a fuel belt? I hate to carry stuff in my hands too. If I run with my hand held it's for any runs between 10-13 miles but anything higher I use my fuel belt that has 2 water bottles and it really comes in handy on those long runs.
I plan on running the Capt John Hallett Ultra marathon as well. I am starting marathon training hopefully next week (have an injured shin) for a May marathon and then will use that as my base to jump into ultra training. I look foward to following your journey.