did the muskoka race on the weekend; everything went well considering my gross lack of preparation.
my nutrition went well… i think.
i was putting a ring back on 20 mins after the race to find it had shrunk a good 2 sizes. ie: i could barely get it on.
why would my hands swell??
-A
Sodium tends to do that. Oops, I mean too much or too little.
Was it cold at the race?? I swell for some reason when it is cold…
Mine always fits a little tighter after a race.
If you did the whole run “leg” like this. That could cause them to swell.
the swelling is usually caused from salt imbalances and the change in osmotic pressure within your muscle cells. ie: going on full tilt for 2 hours in a tri and the water, salt changes in your muscle cause your cells to hold more water and increases swelling. it is best to leave your ring off for at least a day after a hard race. And never race with your ring on, your hands to swell to much and cut off the circulation to the finger
more likely indicative of overhydration.
i’ve never heard of this change in osmotic pressure in the muscle cells before, and frankly, i’m pretty skeptical. i cannot think of a mechanism that would cause such significant changes - especially in the finger.
what were the conditions like? is it possible that you over drank?
I’ve heard of (and experienced) leg swelling after a long race. I think it’s pretty common…but hands?? never…even in Chistera players 
My fingers swell up quite frequently when I race (and sometimes just in training) and it usually when I race in extreme temperatures. I never wear my wedding band during a race for this reason (that and I don’t want it to fall off when my fingers shrink in cold water swims).
I did a long alpine climb on sunday and my fingers were swelling about three hours into it. For the first three hours I was only drinking water so I took some endurolytes and the swelling almost immediately went away. Keep in mind that they can swell from too much salt as well so you should check your electrolyte balance. I would guess you need some more salt rather than less…
the weather was cool
i sweat like a mofo, but am never caked in salt after a workout
on the bike i drank 18 oz of water that had one tablespoon of endurolytes and 300 calories of maltodextrine powder in it
on the run i downed a cup of water at each aid station and a couple mouthfulls of pepsi.
question for the gamblers:
what are the odds on not enough salt causing the swelling?
what are the odds on too much salt causing the swelling?
I doubt it was too much… Try eating a ham, and you will know what too much is like…