More about hyponatremia

This post is almost entirely about running. I've written before about my trouble with hyponatremia. Hyponatremia is a condition commonly described as "water intoxication," although I disagree with that description. The condition is a low level of electrolytes (mostly sodium) in the blood. Certainly, it can be caused from drinking too much water, and diluting the sodium level. But it can be caused in another way, too. For endurance athletes, especially those who sweat a lot of salt, the condition can occur while drinking appropriate amounts of fluid, but not replacing the electrolytes sufficiently. I suffered from this condition on a number of occasions before I knew what was wrong. After completing a hard marathon in warm weather, I once again found myself throwing up. A fellow runner handed me a bag of potato chips and said, "Here. Eat these. You need salt."

He then went on to explain the condition to me and all the symptoms fit. First, I notice that my hands swell. Then I may notice that my belly feels full (and may even slosh), while I feel thirsty. Then I get lightheaded and out of breath. If I don't stop, I usually start throwing up, and am forced to stop running, or even walking.

The same runner suggested I take an electrolyte replacement called Succeed! while running. I was cautious initially, afraid to take too much. I'm not sure what I was afraid of, but it took me awhile to realize that there is little risk in taking too much. So, I increased my intake to one capsule every 45 minutes to an hour. I also ate a salty snack, such as Frito's, along with something sugary. Skittles was my sugar of choice. That worked well for a few marathons, but then stopped being as effective.

I've now settle on fewer Succeed! capsules, only taking one every four miles or so, depending on the weather. At my slow pace this translates to about one a hour. But I'm consuming more energy gels than before--usually about four, roughly at miles 8, 14, 18, and 22.

I haven't gotten any faster (Darn it all!), but I'm finishing feeling good.


As for the other two major areas of my life, the tutoring business is steady. We expect to get calls when grades come out next week.

The writing is going slowly. I THINK about writing often, but seldom get my fingers on the keyboard. I'm vowing to change that, though. I'm determined to make some progress this week.

My state count is 26, and my total marathon count is 40. Here is my tentative schedule for the next few months.

2/3: Ocala Marathon in Ocala, FL
2/10: Gasparilla Marathon in Tampa, FL
2/17: Lost Dutchman Marathon in Apache Junction, AZ
3/2: Sarasota Grouper Marathon in Sarasota, FL
3/29: Ellerbe Springs Marathon in Ellerbe Springs, NC

4/6: Spirit of St. Louis in St. Louis, MO
4/27: Oklahoma City Memorial in Okahoma City, OK

5/4: Flying Pig Marathon in Cincinnati, OH
5/18: Delaware Marathon in Wilmington, DE
6/7: Governor's Cup in Helena, MT
7/26: Jay Mountain Marathon in Jay, VT
8/17: Humpy's Classic Marathon in Anchorage, AK



For my tutoring service, visit http://WiseOwlTutoring.net.

For more information about my writing and editing, visit http://BettieWailes.com.