I participated in the crazy obstacle race 'The Warrior Dash' this morning for its inaugural event in Mt. Morris, Michigan, just north of Flint. The race has a lot of mud- I mean a LOT of mud- and 9 other 'warrior tests' including climbing cargo nets, shimmying down ropes, and leaping over fire. The atmosphere overall is sort of like an outdoor music festival crossed with a frat party gone awry, and although I can't think of anywhere else I might be able to catch Speedos, Santa Claus boxer shorts, Xena the Warrior Princess costumes and wedding gowns all in the same place, my fun was cut short by an extreme case of heat stroke shortly after I crossed the finish line.
I know I need to drink water when I'm running outdoors, but for some reason I let my daily intake slip in the days leading up to the race. Paired with 90 degree heat, a mainly full-sun course, and only one crappy water station during the 3.3 mile event, my lack of fluid intake quickly turned into a massive migraine headache, body tremors, and an evening puke-fest once I arrived home.
As I write this entry, I am sitting in front of a fan with a wet washcloth over my head, periodically using a freezer pack in my armpits and on my forehead to stay cool. I think the worst is finally over- thank god- but I'm thinking back to recent runs and workouts where I've had similar symptoms only a little less severe as today's. I realized that even though I thought I had a handle on my hydration, I haven't done all that great overall, and I have now dedicated to myself to doing everything possible to avoid ever feeling like this again. Right after I apologize to my poor husband who has had to wait on me all evening.
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