F@ck, I ran too far with no water

Triathlon Forum
1

So, I often run without water. Yes, I know it’s dumb, especially when it’s hot. Saturday it was humid, high 80s & I had to do my long run. I got up, took two advil (sore hip lately, again, I know, not the way to address the issue) and headed out the door.
Aside from the advil, none of this is abnormal for me, I often run before breakfast but prefer to run after I’ve eaten & digested but had no time.

I was moving at a comfortable clip feeling great (7:20s, steady). I stopped twice for a very brief “sip” of water, but carried nothing with me other than 2 Powergels (since I skipped b’fast).

I finished the run (14 miles), walked 2 short blocks from the park to my apt to cool down, stretched a bit. Into my apt, weighed myself (down 5 lbs, no shocker there) and showered.

Out of the shower I had a bagel and creamcheese that my wife picked up while I was running. I had a tall glass of water and 2 glasses mixed with some Cytomax stuff I picked up at an expo the weekend before. Then I peed.

I expected bright yellow & knew in half an hour as I drank more, I’d be getting back to clear.
This time it was pink-ish red. My heart skipped a beat.

I’ve never had health issues, never take Rx meds, rarely get colds, sick, etc.
So it was a BIG SHOCK to see what I can only assume is blood in my urine.

Needless to say I continued to drink & monitor things and the next time I peed (half an hour later I forced myself) I was back to faded yellow and eventually clear.

I kept myself well hydrated the rest of the weekend and Monday evening I did a quick 7 miles in the park and carried a bottled water on an old fuel belt that I hate (it rubs). I drank it down and filled it up again and drank it down again. Two full bottles during the run. After the run, I weighed myself, only down about 1.5 lbs & pee was pretty clear. No sign of blood.

Anyway, anyone ever have this happen?
I’m still a little freaked out but I “seem” to be fine.

Ug, I ALWAYS tell the people I coach to drink plenty of fluids on the run (or ride, or swim) and never eat advil before a run or after a long run (tylenol is better from what I’ve read). I guess I need to start taking my own advice.

2

I got up, took two advil (sore hip lately, again, I know, not the way to address the issue) and headed out the door.

NSAIDs + dehydration = bad for kidneys. While I don’t know if this the cause of your hematuria (blood in urine), it is best to avoid a situation like that with NSAIDs.

FWIW…

3

It’s more common than you might think, and the no water is only somewhat to blame. It’s caused by trauma to the bladder over a long sustained run, and an empty bladder will contribute to this. You don’t necessarily need to drink (although it’s not a bad idea), just don’t pee before you run.

Do a google search for “running hematuria”.

John

4

Thanks guys!

Very freaky.

5

I’ve had blood in the urine 2 or 3 times over the years. It never persisted, so no problem.

For what it’s worth, I’ve done 20 milers in worse heat than that without water. And you only lost 5 lbs? Doesn’t sound like hydration was abnormal.

6

Can’t believe you ran that far without fluids and only lost 5 pounds. I consumed over 100 oz in 2:45 and still lost 3 pounds. 124 pounds pre run. It was sunny, high 80’s - to low 90’s, muggy and high dew point.

Not discussing the complication as they are probably already mentioned.