I just wanted to share my Helvatia experience with all so as to help others avoid the mistake that I made yesterday. I ran a little over half of the race feeling pretty good, even dealing with the hills without much of a problem. However around mile 8 or 9 I started feeling really fatigued and a bit lightheaded. Instead of listening to my body like I should have, I kept pushing it, focusing on my goal finish time instead. I ended up finishing (but barely, and definately not at my goal time). I was weak, dizzy, couldn't walk in a straight line, was a bit delusional, and felt nauseous. It turns out that I was SEVERELY dehydrated. Thankfully, there were parametics on site in the stadium who were able to get to me quickly and treat me with an IV. I was pretty close to a trip to the ER. It was extremely scary. I have never felt like that before and it is not a fun way to finish 13.1 miles.

It turns out that although I thought that I was drinking enough during the race (yes, I used my hydration system and some of the aid stations), I clearly wasn't. But more importantly, I don't think that I drank enough fluids and electrolytes the night before and certainly not enough the morning before the race. I'm generally a big water drinker, but I tend to have to use the bathroom a lot because of it, which is annoying on long runs. So, I purposely don't drink as much as normal before I run. BIG mistake. Lesson learned. It is not only better, but safer to have to stop and use the port-a-potties frequenly than risk dehydrating yourself. Even if you think that waiting in line for the port-a-potties slows you down, dehydration slows you down more. Take it from me.

Hope everyone stays safe and keeps hydrated! I know I will!