The Headache Cure
Dimity McDowell
After my two-Nalgene-bottle a day experiment last week, I was definitely hydrated. My body was functioning like a hose: water in, water out. I was psyched to thrive on my 80-minute run. (And, just as importantly, after it, since, among other things on this Saturday, I had swimming lessons to go to, flowers to plant and a bathroom to clean).
I ran well, came home, ready to get on with my day. And then I felt another please-no-please-no headache coming on again. I couldn't believe it: my urine had been basically clear for five days. What else could I do?
Fortunately, somebody is smarter than I am about training: my coach, Ivana Bisaro of Carmichael Training Systems. After telling her about my headache last week, she nonchalantly suggested salt accompany my copious amounts of water. "Just eat some pretzels, or drink some watered-down recovery sports drink," she mentioned, as if she was telling me to warm-up before I run. (In other words, a no-brainer.)
I should--and do--know that, but my brain is full of things like how I'll get Amelia to open her mouth on her first dentist visit, not the importance of salt in relation to hydration. Plus, I'm not a pretzel fan and acidy sports drinks make me want to hurl.
Fortunately, I found a perfect solution: nuun, gently sweet, sugar-free tablets you drop into your water bottle. As they fizz and dissolve, they release all the electrolytes (sodium and potassium, mainly) a sweaty, marathon-training mom needs. With my head pulsing, I tossed a tablet in my water bottle and drank it quickly. It was as if I had taken five super-duper Advil: my headache disappeared instantly. Of course, I had other headaches to deal with that day--namely, Ben's incoming molars--but vicarious ones are much easier to manage when you don't have a real one.
Dimity, just know that you are an inspiration to both runners and slugs. (Like me). You're amazing!
Thank you Thank you! I also get headaches and I always think how could I, I am so hydrated. Now I know. I am going to try the little salt trick! Sweet.