Thanks for electrolyte information!

Thank you very much for all the information addressing electrolytes and endurance athletes. The most recent such post titled "A Tale of Five Electrolytes", January 28, 2010, can be found here (i hope): http://blog.firstendurance.com/2010/01/a-tale-of-five-electrolytes/

Due to my own naiveté about electrolytes (and many other things) I developed hyponatermia in an unseasonably hot 50 mile race about five years ago. I was an average endurance athlete who had participated in a few ultras events over the years, in a variety of different sports. I was, with a few exceptions, a happy middle of the pack competitor.

During the fateful race when my electrolytes got out of whack, I made a million small mistakes that lead to a large problem. Unfortunately, the first responders and the ER Docs treated me for dehydration thus creating one rather sick me. Five days later I was released from the hospital and returned home with my ever supportive husband.

Shortly thereafter, I began to research what happened and why. I was quickly struck by how little I knew about electrolyte intake and imbalances during endurance events. Although I did use Hammer Nutrition products, I never took the time to actually figure out exactly how much electrolyte mix to add to my race day drink, how many or which pills to take or when to take them etc etc. In retrospect my lack of knowledge caused me to ignore warning signs experienced in this race and others. After my big outing to the hospital, I kept running, biking and skiing, but I stopped racing.

Recently I decided to train for another 50 mile running race. With the help of web designer Sterling Okura and First Endurance sponsored ultra runner Karl Meltzer, I landed at the First Endurance web page and blog. After reading the blog posts and comments about electrolytes (and everything else), I sent an inquiry email asking for more information. Robert immediately called me and after a long, informative and helpful chat, I am relieved, happy and excited to give First Endurance products a try. My goal: no more hospital visits. If I have issues in training or races, I will contact the First Endurance folks and it sounds like they will work with me to improve the situation.

Although there are no guarantees in this world, knowledge, the willingness to share that knowledge, and fantastic customer service will hopefully take First Endurance and me a long long way. Of course a great product and training will help too. THANK YOU!