One thing I like about doing different Ultras like the UU 24hr insomnia ..is it teaches you a huge amount about your body and the importance of nutrition and fueling. Admittedly running 24hrs on a 500 mtr loop requires a lot of different planning and preparation training wise something which Ill look in to more. Fortunately for me all races are learning curves ..I dont look at not finishing as a failure but more as a lesson in what went wrong and how can I put it right !! Want went wrong in Insomnia I believe was a mechanical failure early on in my ability to fuel properly ..I only use the fuel I train with all the time ..this provides me adequate energy but also valuable electrolytes .. if you fuel correctly with the right fuel you do not need to use salt tablets and or electrolyte drinks ..contrary to popular belief your body doesnt actually absorb electrolytes that efficiently on their own especially during exercise. During the first 3 hours of the run it was hot and l although that normally isnt an issue with me as I heat train all the time ..it became an issue as I wasnt absorbing fuel properly ..not sure why yet or what caused it ..may have just been one of those things ...but this caused an electrolyte imbalance in my body which i felt in my muscles straight away as they started to spasm while I was running ..it took several hours of careful running and concentration on getting fuel in to correct this and sort my stomach out but I believe the damage was done ..by midnight 12hrs in to the race my muscles and joints in my legs just were not functioning properly and were incredibly painful although I felt strong and had plenty of energy .. I know my body and this shouldnt have happened as I had only cover about 90km and I have run further and faster and not had any issues before ...naturally there was the option to use pain killers but this actually causes more issues and can do more harm if you dont know what the issue is ...so this is something you have be careful with ..... I prefer to listen to my body and I know I shouldnt have to use them unless for an extreme emergency .. So this is a lesson learned on the importance of fueling correctly ..its not just about energy its about electrolytes ( vitamins and minerals ) ..and using the correct fuel and the right amount will keep the muscles and the body functioning correctly...and you have to remember as well your stomach can only handle a certain amount of nutrition after a while ..hence the importance of keeping what you put in it simple and effective ... the extreme pain in my muscles today is acute damage done not by the running alone ..but by the imbalance during !! stay healthy ... :-)
Posted on: Sun, 14 Dec 2014 09:49:10 +0000
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