DEHYDRATED IN TENERIFE

Finished off my reduced mileage week of training in Tenerife with a few 4 to 6 mile runs, which was really enjoyable.

The first day of this last week of training happened to be the best day of the whole week with temperatures which must have been at least in mid 20s, if not higher. Planned to do a 20 mile run and to carry about 6 kgs. The intention was to take some water with me and then buy some more in Las Galletas, so put a 10 euro note in my bag. The first problem was before I left the apartment when I realised that the bottles of "still water" where actually sparkling water - not the best for when out running. Used my Nunn tablets (electrolyte replacement) in the bottles and set off. I hadn't even got down the first flight of stairs when there was an explosion and the top flew off one of the bottles under the pressure from the sparkling water. It would be the one that was lying horizontal and so all the contents spilled down my shorts and leg and onto the stair well. A quick replacement with tap water and set off again.

I did not drink enough as I started the run - I don't think I realised quite how hot it was as the first few days had not been brilliant. Got to Las Galletas and discovered that I hadn't put the 10 euro note in my bag! Started to eke out my water supply. The first bottle lasted me for 10 miles - the following day which was much cooler it lasted for just under 5 miles! By this time I had run from Palm Mar across the nature reserve, through Las Galletas and out to Golf del Sur. Turned round to head back home and had to discipline myself not to gulp all my water supply but to ration it out. After 15 miles my energy levels were seriously depleted and I had to start walking. At 16 miles I phoned Cherith to ask her to come out to meet me with some water as I was literally down to my last mouthful! By this time I was near the lighthouse and so decided to head back directly to Palm Mar. Fortunately I bumped in to some people I know and they kindly let me have some of their water, and shortly after Cherith arrive with a large bottle of water. What a relief.

When I got back to the apartment I drank 1.5 litres of water and three cups of tea before I started to feel as if I was getting adequately rehydrated. A major lesson learned and if I don't remember it I won't even be finishing the 1st day of the Marathon des Sables. Also when I got back I found the 10 euro note was in my bag all the time - but in a different pocket! Another lesson, as I also "lost" my contact lenses the same way last year in the Arctic. I know I won't have the need for any money but I do need to make sure I am totally organised and know exactly where everything is in my bag. It's going to be tough enough without making it more of a problem by not being 100% organised.

Recovered enough to do three more runs on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday before the shock of returning to UK weather. Finished the week of with my long walk day, although did this as a run / walk with 15 minutes of walking followed by 5 minutes of running. Did a total distance of 36 miles, covering most of the Fylde Coast bringing the weeks mileage to 80 miles, as planned. So despite the hiccups a successful week overall.