Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend - (Page 29) Medical Information The following information is courtesy of the Medical Director, Dr. Rick Csintalan. Kaiser Permanente® Medical Stations will be located along the course approximately every 3.5 miles. With proper training, you should be prepared for the physical demands of the Half Marathon. Nevertheless, you may suffer cold or heat stress, or become dehydrated. The following can help you prepare for a safe and enjoyable race: Fluids The old adage of “drink as much as possible” has fallen by the wayside in recent years in response to actual marathon experience, as opposed to lab studies conducted in environments that cannot be correlated to actual conditions. It has been found that overhydration (hyponatremia) can actually be more dangerous than mild dehydration due to electrolyte imbalances. Hyponatremia occurs from overhydration during marathons, and is possible for slow runners (more than 4-hour marathons) to get too much fluid. Look for the following signs and symptoms: feeling lightheaded, dizzy, or “puffy,” or experiencing headache, nausea, vomiting, severe muscle cramps or confusion. Proper hydration is an individual responsibility, but here are some guidelines for marathon participants: • Drink enough before the race so that your urine is clear to light straw colored (this will vary per person) • Limit fluids to approximately 4-6 ounces every 15 minutes during the race • At least every other water stop, you should have some form of electrolyte replacement (PowerAde, etc.) • Drinking approximately 16 ounces of electrolyteenriched fluid is appropriate after the race Supplements • Performance enhancing supplements, and even some basic vitamin supplements, can be dangerous around race time • Avoid medications containing ephedrine compounds. Ephedrine can significantly increase core body temperature, blood pressure and heart rate and can cause irregular heartbeats • Vitamin supplements (Vitamin A,C,E…) can alter urine color so be wary of hydration status if taking these supplements • Caffeine and other amphetamine-like compounds containing pseudophedrine, such as Sudafed and most sinus and cold preparations, taken within 24 hours of race time can also raise core temperature and increase blood pressure and heart rate and should be drastically limited during this time Pain Relievers It is common to have some soreness, muscle and joint aches before and after a marathon but some precaution must be heeded: • NSAIDS such as Ibuprofen (Motrin and Advil), Naproxen (Aleve) and Ketoporphren can affect the body’s electrolyte regulation systems, especially sodium, and increase the risk of hyponatremia. They can also increase local edema and should be avoided 24 hours before and 48 hours after the race. After that time they can be a potent pain reliever • Acetaminophen is generally regarded as safe before, during, and after competition • Narcotics – these should be avoided within 48 hours of race day due to harmful effect on performance, perception, and mental status 29
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