There are a plethora of factors affecting the stress and well-being of Homo sapiens in our civilization. They include, but are not limited to, pandemics, global heating ,economic inequality, authoritarianism, AI and nuclear threats. But, the subject of this essay is hydration which is personally easier to control .
Hydration is the process of causing the body to absorb water while dehydration is the absence of sufficient water in the body. A loss of about 2% of bodily fluid results in the body being unable to function properly. And , the earliest signs of dehydration affect both cognition and mood . Dehydration also negatively impacts short-term memory, attention and vigor. Other signs of dehydration include dark yellow urine ,weakness, low blood pressure, dizziness and confusion. Inadequate fluid intake also causes heat related illnesses, including heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heatstroke
Children and older adults often do not have as many resources to manage the negative effects of dehydration. Additionally ,people with neurologic conditions are already compromised. Some aspects of the brain's functions suggest that the risk of dehydration and heat illness can be magnified, which means exacerbating existing conditions. Also people with MS should avoid heat illness.
If dehydrated, catching up can be difficult, especially being active on a summer day. Perhaps drinking 4 to 6 cups of water daily, but that also can vary. A few suggestions, avoid exercise during the hottest parts of the day, wear lightweight clothing that protects you from the sun's rays, stop or slow down what you're doing, get in the shade and make sure of access to fluids .In addition sports drinks include carbohydrates and electrolytes that replace minerals lost through sweat and are best for exercise sessions lasting longer than 60 to 90 minutes. Also, watermelon ,strawberries and grapes are good fruits to help with summer hydration. Be careful because prescribed medications, which are diuretic ,deplete fluids.
Moreover, different ways to remain hydrated are applying cold wraps, wearing cooling garments, drinking cold or icy liquids, having a fan blowing during exercising , swimming as water dissipates heat and it is also easier to move weakened muscles in the water.
In order to qualify for a lottery pick In the Western States 100, I had to run a 50 mile trail run in 10 hours based on my age of 62. At about 25 miles or so into the Helen Klein 50 mile run, I developed stomach problems probably related to my mixing too much Gatorade powder into my water bottles. Luckily, Joan Giniel , one of my pacers, suggested that we walk as she was supplying me with ginger. My brief discomfort vanished, and I finished the qualifying run in plenty of time.Thank you Joan.
Later, while training for the Western States 100, Chris Turney., a Western States alumni, introduced me to William Emerson, a Western States contender. I talked with him about hydration and told him that I was going to use a Camel pack. After dinner, we went into the kitchen with the Camel pack and filled it with water. He demonstrated that filling that container took too long as time was a crucial factor in the run. Convinced, I then planned to carry 4 water bottles mixed with Gatorade and made sure to fill each at the aid stations. Additionally, I wore lightweight clothing and a hat that protected the back of my neck. Unfortunately I could not avoid the sun except when I was running at night. I remember a quote by Charlie Gabri. "Run like a turtle and drink like a fish."
I remember years ago, when Tony and I ran in the Santa Cruz Mountains to the Pacific Ocean. What stands out about this run was there was an absence of water at one of the aid stations. And ,because of that fact , I didn't run an additional loop because I was concerned about hydration. Tony ran faster and didn't have an issue with hydration on that loop.
Another time I was competing in the Quicksilver Ride and Tie. Unfortunately, we had a late start that morning. DavidDe La Rosa, a terrific runner, was my partner. During that first loop I pushed my horse Gypsy because I wanted to stay up with Tom Johnson( multiple Western States winner ) and Rufus. Schneider (a good runner and high school track coach ). They rode Samson, a Tevis Cup winner . We stayed near that team on that first loop. However, Gypsy tired from her hard work. On the remaining loops,Gypsy had difficulty so I had to make sure she was able to finish as so many horses got pulled that morning.Despite my mistake, we came in third.A young team of women came in second.
Currently I am working out on alternate days at the Ironworks gym .There are fans located in different parts of this establishment, I make sure I frequently drink water during my workout . And,at the end of the workout with machines and free weights, I make sure that I drink before I get on the treadmill for an additional workout.. When done, I hydrate again . On alternate days , Linda drives the golf cart and I run ahead, making sure that we both hydrate during. However, each morning,before exercising, for the last 25 years or so, my breakfast consists of fruits, vegetables ,green tea ,MCT oil, yogurt and whey protein powder for my smoothie making sure I'm starting my day right .
An article titled "The Good: Getting in Shape, Charity Fund-Raising. The Bad: Blisters, Existential Crises" referred to first-time marathoners entering the New York City Marathon was found in the September 2, 2025 edition of The New York Times . I was curious to see if this article addressed hydration in any way. It did not. Numerous speculations can be made. I won’t speculate. However , hydration is an important factor in running a marathon.
In essence, hydration is a significant component for completing extraordinary goal competitions and well-being while dehydration is a stressor. Keep yourself and your animals hydrated. Despite having limited control in this civilization, there’s not a rational reason for dehydration.Life consists of cognitive choices.
Reference
Brain and life . June/July 2025. American Academy of Neurology
0 comments:
Post a Comment