This is a post from an experienced athlete regarding dehydration; - TopicsExpress



          

This is a post from an experienced athlete regarding dehydration; it happened to him it can happen to ANYONE. PLEASE READ-drinking more water because it is so hot out can HURT YOU!! What? Read... IMPORTANT Please Read: Hyponatremia is a condition that occurs when the level of sodium in your blood is abnormally low. Sodium is an electrolyte, and it helps regulate the amount of water thats in and around your cells. In hyponatremia, one or more factors — ranging from an underlying medical condition to drinking too much water during endurance sports — causes the sodium in your body to become diluted. When this happens, your bodys water levels rise, and your cells begin to swell. This swelling can cause many health problems, from mild to life-threatening. I experienced this today. On mile 105 of a two loop ride of the HIM course my body decided it had had enough and abruptly stopped working. After a short ride in a real ambulance to University Hospital and 3 liters of saline IV I feel great. Heres my teaching point. Im experienced. I was hydrating and taking salt stick tabs. However, all the great tasting ice cold water I drank at the Hot Shops rest stop - and carried in my bottles - flushed out the electrolytes faster than I could replace them. To be honest, I was actually doomed after drinking extra ice water before we left the Boathouse parking lot for the second loop - I felt great and was riding strong. Why worry? At mile 90 I saw the tell tale signs - crusty build up on my kit, heavy thirst, and a drop in energy. I knew what was happening, but it was too late. I began popping salt tab caps and sipping electrolyte drink. By the intersection of Jackson Hwy I knew I had to pull over and regroup. I dismounted, and felting light headed. I sat down and consumed a GU. Then rolled on my side, and puked a few times (lots of water). An off duty EMT saw me, assumed the worst, called an ambulance, and offered assistance. Then a couple of nice ladies stopped to help, a sheriff (he thought Id been hit), Sandy, Carrie and Tony (thanks for taking my bike and gear). I knew exactly what was happening to my body and why. I though I had done everything right. However, todays conditions were dangerously different than past rides so my nutrition strategy failed. The Doctor said I did everything right after I realized what was happening to me. I stopped. repeat, I stopped. This helped me stay in control - even though I felt like crap. I never experienced cramping, high heart rate, or stopped sweating. I was heading toward heat exhaustion, but not heat stroke. That would have happened at the other side of the bridge if I had pressed on. He said lots of younger and less experienced riders simple drink more and try to ride through it. Bad idea - and yes, this is mostly a guy thing. Heat is dangerous. It can injure. It can kill. Your hydration plan must be flexible and adaptable to the conditions. In the South cool early morning rides can turn dangerously hot and humid by mid-morning. Also, adjust your training plan as necessary. Ride slower and take more frequent stops. Ride in groups. Use the buddy system. Talk to each other about hydration. Monitor performance and behavior. Carry a phone and ID on your body. Remember, too mush water can be as dangerous as too little. Take it all to heart, STs; PLEASE! Train safe; race hard and safe; have fun! ~NinjaT
Posted on: Mon, 28 Jul 2014 12:39:51 +0000

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