Quote Originally Posted by Alexandra View Post
I have read that thirst is not a good guide to hydration needs, especially as we get old, and this chimes with my experiences. I well remember when I was trying my best in LDWA events I would not be aware of being at all thirsty during the last miles but the moment I finished I was desperately thirsty and all I wanted was to down glass after glass after glass of squash (not something I would usually like). I remember kind LDWA volunteers offering me food, and my feeling amazed that they might suppose I could eat, when all I wanted was to drink. Similarly, years ago when video cameras were fairly new, especially to me, I had the good fortune at work to be given the use of an editing suite for a day. I was so fascinated by what I was doing, I never stirred from that room all day, and my normal meal and drink times passed unremembered. I think it is easy for runners in the stress of competition to fail to notice that they need to drink, just as it is easy for someone at home and bored to feel they need a cup of tea every 5 minutes.
Amongst old folk admitted to hospital there are as many with hyponatremia - water overload - as there are with dehydration. This is partly due to the "whatever you do keep drinking" philosophy.