Dehydration is no Fun

A couple of weeks ago, I had to have some tests at the hospital.  I was required to have nothing to eat or drink after 10 o'clock in the morning and the test was scheduled for 1:30 p.m.  It didn't happen till almost 4 p.m. and by that time, I was already showing signs of dehydration.

I had to have a needle inserted into a blood vein in my right arm so that I could have an IV drip attached to it, which would allow the doctor to administer some sedative as needed during the testing.  I don't know who felt worse during the insertion of the needle, me or the nurse who was doing it.  I normally have quite robust veins, but the dehydration made them rolly and uncooperative.  She had to make 2 attempts in diffferent parts of my arm, and then when I got into the examining room, a different nurse removed the second needle and made a third stab at me!

Dehydration is a serious medical condition... and I don't think I have experienced it quite that severely before.  I was light-headed, and dry eyed.  My mouth felt like it had cotton balls in it and I had trouble concentrating on anything for very long.  I sort of went from giddy to cranky and back and forth.  And that was after only 6 hours with no fluids, and not doing anything strenuous at all.

I was quite surprised to learn that it happened that quickly.

The Captain and I did a 3 mile run this morning and during the first 2 miles I felt strong and fast and was really enjoying it.  I felt like I was going to beat my best 3 mile time by about 3 minutes today!  And then I hit a wall. 

All of a sudden I was so thirsty I could hardly make myself keep going!  I tried to work up some spit in my mouth, unsuccessfully.  I wanted to stop and walk but kept pushing myself, thankful for The Captain's gentle prodding and encouragement.

I don't pack water on a 3 mile run. I have never needed it on a run that short.  But as I plodded along, I remembered that all I had to drink this morning was 2 cups of cofee, and hadn't thought to have a glass or two of water before we headed out running.  So, really very little fluid for about 12 hours before my run.  Big mistake! 

So the first 2 miles were speedy and wonderful and that third and last  mile was hard and slow, but all said and done, I still beat my time by 1-1/2 minutes - that much wanted PR was the thing that really kept me going.

W3 R34:30 @10/1 W4
stretch 5 minutes

I sat and drank 2 huge glasses of water after we got in the house before I even thought of stripping off my wet gear and stretching...

Lesson learned! Drink some water before heading out for a run.  I won't forget that again.



Have you eve experienced dehydration?

What is the longest run you do without carrying water?