Water is a vital macronutrient that has many important functions. It helps to regulate body temperature, transport nutrients to your cells and it also acts as a solvent and a lubricant for your joints. There are different ways to get water other than the obvious, which is to drink water. You can get water from eating fruits and vegetables, such as an apple or cucumber or watermelon. Also, you get water as a byproduct of metabolism. Metabolism refers to the chemical processes that occur in the body that provide energy in useful forms and assist in vital activities. Basically stated, it’s how your body breaks down food and how your body provides energy to carry out daily activities. You might be wondering why I am writing all about water and its importance.
Well, on Saturday February 25, 2017 I ran a half marathon (13.1 miles) in Colchester, CT and I did not hydrate enough before the race. I was feeling strong coming into the race, because I am training for my first ever 30-mile obstacle course race that is on a mountain, and as you can imagine I have been running many miles and I am very accustomed to distance running. I came into the race hoping to finish in an hour and a half to an hour and 40 minutes. Well, that is exactly what didn’t happen. I started off the race feeling strong, running a 6:30-7 minute a mile pace and thinking to myself, “I can definitely keep this pace up for the rest of the race and I will definitely hit my goal!” Well around mile 5, there was a sudden change of events. I started to feel lightheaded, nauseous and weak suddenly. All I could think about was getting water. As the miles began to pass I became weaker and weaker. I even stopped to walk at some points, which is very unlike me! I started to become very upset with myself because I knew that I could perform better! I started to think negative thoughts like, “You’re slow and you’re never going to be able to complete the 30-mile race if you are struggling with a half marathon!” I was also angry at myself for not hydrating properly and following my own advice. As I continued to struggle through the race I became more and more angry with myself. I finally cross the finish line with a time of 1:58. I remember seeing the finish line and having the feeling of relief come over me. I came across the finish line and I started saying “Water, water!” My dad went to the car to get my water bottle and I chugged a liter of water in a very short amount of time. My stomach was in knots and I did not feel like myself at all! I usually feel very tired but pumped after I run and after this race I just felt wiped out. I got a post-race massage and then we went home. I immediately took an Epsom salt bath, which I fell asleep in because I felt extremely drained after racing. My stomach was still in knots and I was extremely dizzy. Suddenly, I began to vomit up everything I ate before the race and after. This is dangerous because I burned over 1,200 calories during the race and I lost all the food that I had in me. My dizziness and lightheadedness worsened and my energy levels plummeted even more. After some time passed I felt I had to go to the bathroom and there was blood in my pee (I know too much info!). This condition is called Hematuria and it can happen when running long distances. This condition is a sign of extreme dehydration and I have never had that happen before and I was concerned. I started chugging water by the liter and I eventually started to feel better. I never want to feel that way again! As an athlete water is very important! When your body lacks water it cannot perform. I usually drink 2-3 liters of water a day, because after running and sweating it is very important to keep your fluid levels up. Finally, after reading this post I hope you don’t make the same mistake I did no matter what level you are at. Hydration is key for everybody from regular people to extreme athletes.
Kristina Petit
Nutrition and Fitness
Lesson Learned!