Monday, August 10, 2009

A beginner's error..... shame on me!


Today I got up and headed out to do a 26 miler. It was already 33 degrees (91.4F) with the humidex and there wasn't a cloud in the sky. As the hours passed the temperature kept rising. I was so hot that my shins were sweating.

Usually for my long runs I will do a 20 mile loop and come home to refuel, take a pee break, wash my face, and then head off to complete the distance.

With 2.5 miles left in my 20 mile loop I started really struggling. Really struggling. It got so bad that I had to walk the rest of the way home. I tried to convince myself that once I freshened up I would be ok to finish the last 6 miles. the closer I got to my house I realized that it wasn't going to be physically possible.

I couldn't understand why I bonked like that. Yes, the temperature was much higher than I am used to running in... really didn't think that was the issue. I got on the scale..... I weigh myself before and after long runs to make sure that I am hydrating properly.... the scale was showing that I had lost 6 pounds. Found the problem!!! I realized that I had only consumed 500 ml of water the day before. Ooooopsy!

I plan on doing the 26 miler tomorrow morning and I am going to head out early!!

Gotta run.

3 comments:

cath said...

O. M. G!!! 6 pounds!! i guess you know that's huge...
good luck with tomorows 26 (42k)! you are a star!

Unknown said...

Hi Stacey. I stumbled onto here from realendurance.com.

I know how you were feeling. I lost 10 lbs. after running Mt. Dis this past weekend. Felt like crap the whole time. Now I know why.

Have fun tomorrow and make sure to drink up!

Eric

Stacey said...

Eric

Thanks for stopping by! I wish you a speedy recovery. After reading about your 10lb loss, I don't feel so bad for losing 6! :-)

Cath

This is the first time I have struggled with dehydration. I will do everything in my power to make sure it's the last!