Water
February 19 1996
I just ran my forth race ever. The San Dieguito Half Marathon This Sunday 2-18-96. All four of my races have been this year and 3 of them Half Marathons. Not too bad for a big guy in his 40s who just started running..
My time?.. I will get to that later..
I know runners who have talked about dead legs. I never knew what dead legs were until yesterday.
The course was beautiful. It started at San Diego County Park and looped out into ranch land. The course did not have a level stretch of road.
I had more trouble on the down hills than the up. I would pass people on the up hill and they would fly by me on the down. My quads are still a bit sore from a 15K trail run I did last Sunday.
During the first 2 miles I knew I was in trouble. The weather was great about 60 F & overcast. But I was sweating and running 10m miles not my usual 8.5 to 9.. I just wanted to get to the first water stop. I was thirsty. I knew what I did wrong by mile 5. I was very dehydrated. The water stops were about every 2 miles and I started to drink 2 to 3 cups at each. By the end of the race I was feeling fine. I finished strong with a time of 2:26:07. My other halves have been under 2 hours.
Well, we all learn. I know now. Drink the days before the race, Drink the
night before the race, Drink the day of the race, & Drink during the
race.
(Water not beer)
I guess the only down side of to much water is having to stop for potty breaks.
Update 2/21/96 NEW INFORMATION ON TO MUCH WATER
Suasan Long A Dead Runners Sociticy
Member had firsthand experience with hyponatremia
when her Husband Larry
ran his first marathon and over drank trying to be "well hydrated"
John Meacham
Sitting here with a cup of water.
Getting ready for
a 18K trail run
Sunday. And my first Marathon
LA in two weeks.
Author: John W. Meacham
Copyright (c) 1996