Water and salt

Water and salt, but not to be confused with salt water. For the majority of my adult life as a woman, I’ve worked hard to not retain water. I drink 6-8 glasses a day. I watch my sodium intake. And truth be told, I’ve even been known to soak with epsom salts the night before a big event. When I retain water, it’s not a pretty sight. Cankles make an appearance, my jeans fit a little snugger and I get a little cranky.  

But starting this week, my eating and drinking habits have changed because I need to retain water. I’m making sure to drink eight glasses of water a day and at least two drinks with electrolytes. Personally, I’m going with Gatorade G2 Natural. Starting Thursday, I’ll be drinking 4-6 ounces of water every hour I’m awake until Saturday morning. The big change though, is my salt intake. I’m eating salt like I’ve got a sodium deficiency. And it’s weird. I’ve never put salt on so many things in my life, and I feel like my arteries are yelling at me.

But I think it’s working. I’m already beginning to lose sight of my ankles, and at the doctor this morning, I weighed an extra six pounds. My doctor reminded me it was water weight and not to let it affect me mentally. Yeah, that’s easier said than done. But retaining water is working, and I keep reminding myself this is part of my training and preparation for Saturday. 

Men, this post won’t make much sense to you, but ladies, I know you feel my pain. Ah, the sacrifices we make in the name of diabetes research. 😉 I’ve done lots of reading and listened to advice from lots of athleticly-experienced friends. Retaining water for a long ride is vital. Retaining water for a long ride in the desert is survival. So here goes. If you see me and my cankles along the way, be sure to smile and wave. 😉 

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