The most common situations that athletes run into dehydration troubles are:
- More than 1 training session per day.
- Competitions held in hot and/or humid environments; if the athlete is coming from a colder climate, the impact is even larger.
- Competitions of long duration such asmarathonsandtriathlons(specifically half and full ironman distances)
Signs and Symptoms of Dehydration
- Dizziness, confusion, lightheaded
- Dry lips, mouth and skin
- Physical and metal fatigue
- Decrease pace and performance
- Darkened urine (one of first indicators because the kidneys are very sensitive and they will let you know!)
- Increased body temperature, HR and RPE
Another major factor that can impair performance ishyponatremia. This metabolic condition in which there is not enough sodium (salt) in the body fluids can be caused byover-hydratingand/or hydrating withonly water,which can flush electrolytes from your body. Electrolyte drinks such as Nuun are perfect for pre-event or during the day hydration as they contain sodium but without much of the un-needed carbohydrates many sports drinks have.Some signs of hyponatremia -
- Nausea and vomiting
- Headache
- Confusion
- Loss of energy
- Fatigue
- Restlessness and irritability
- Muscle weakness, spasms or cramps
- Seizures
- Unconsciousness
- Coma
Drink fluids throughout the day and before/during/post workouts.Maintaining a good hydration status on a daily basis by staying a step ahead of dehydration is the best approach. Waiting until you are thirsty to drink fluids is too late - you are already dehydrated and you'll find yourself constantly playing the game of catch-up!
Each day try to consume halfyour body weight (in pounds) in liquid ounces PLUS what you sweat out in training.For example, if you weigh 150 pounds, you should aim to consume 75 ounces of water or electrolyte drink per day plus losses that occur during workouts.
Sweat Rate
- Average sweat rate is typically 1 - 1.5L of fluid per hour (32-48oz), and 500 - 1,500mg of sodium per hour
- Sweat rate will depend on several factors such the environmental conditions (temperature, humidity); genetics; and the athletic conditioning of the athlete.
- Sweat rate can be determined by a simple "sweat test"
- Take body weight before a one-hour moderate intensity bike or run.
- Record the amount of liquid consumed during workout, and weigh yourself again after the workout.
- Calculate the weight change and remember to add in the amount of liquid consumed during the workout
- Every pound is equal to 16 oz of fluid
- Most people's sweat contains about 500mg of sodium per 16oz. Very salty sweaters can have up to 1000mg or 1500mg per 16oz of sweat.
- As a very general rule of thumb, during long walking or running events, you should pee a minimum of every 2.5 hours to ensure you are staying hydrated.
The majority of your fluid requirements throughout the day to maintain health and hydration should come from water or electrolyte drink like Nuun. For those individuals training for extended periods of time (~ 1 hour +), water may not be the best rehydration approach. As you've learned above, electrolytes are lost in sweat, most importantly sodium and potassium, and these will not be replaced by drinking plain water. Choosing a drink with electrolytes, such as Nuun, will provide your body with these vital electrolytes, and you'll have more rapid rehydration because of it. During workouts, hydration needs can be met with the use of a carbohydrate/electrolyte drink such as the PowerBar Perform drink.
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