Race Hydration and Hyponatremia

Consumed excessively, water is deadly.

The Everest Challenge demands precision attention to hydration and food, with the most serious (and possibly life threatening) challenge being hyponatremia.

Electrolyte replacement

Hyponatremia(also known as water intoxication) is a loss of too many electrolytes— everything starts shutting down. Every year in the Everest Challenge, riders end up with an IV in their arm, so pay attention here.

People can and do die from hyponatremia, so don’t enter the Everest Challenge or any extreme sport under hot and dry conditions unless you’re sure you understand it, and plan ahead how to eat and drink.

If you test your luck with even more water, you will impair your mental function, the most likely result of which is a crash leading to severe injury on a descent. Alternatively, seizures or brain damage are other fun side effects.

Tip: if you suspect hyponatremia and have no other recourse, lick your arms and legs for the salt content— it worked for a friend of mine exceptionally well, so he walked out of the emergency room (the incompetent fools at the emergency room would have let him needlessly suffer for many hours, all he needed was some salt).

Carrying enough water

See Water Bottles For Cycling.

Carry 2 liters of water for hot rides— standard bike bottles impart a nasty taste, and ~100g can be saved over standard bottles

My experience

My 2004 Everest Challenge was a hot one. I consumed about 2 gallons of fluid that day (mostly diluted Accelerade), and I was careful to scarf an appropriate number of Endurolyte capsules at every water stop. As well as Gu energy gel @AMAZON (skip the flavors, get plain).

At the end of the first day, I had consumed 2 gallons of fluid. There were 1/2" high salt crystals growing out of my helmet straps (wish I had taken a photo!), and the local wildlife was running after me to lick legs.

Recovery the first day is crucial— fluids and appropriate food, and plenty of rest.

Don’t end up feeling like this!