[LookiLoo]

Why's my face so salty <img alt="confused.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/confused.gif"> Particularly after my longish runs....of course it doesn't happen in the pool, and not when I'm on the trainer as I'm soaked with sweat....but anything over 8 miles on my run I come back with that nice little salt ring, bleh.<br><br>
What does it mean - am I eating too much salt? Am I just a salty sweater so I should eat more (I would love that!!:banana<img alt="smile.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/smile.gif">...someone enlighten me please!<br><br>
I should add that anything over 7-8 miles I carry my fuel belt with half water half gatorade, and once I start getting up around 9 + miles I'll start popping sports beans or something like it~

 

[jroden]

How's your diet? I find that if I go out to dinner (a rarity for me) that I will tend to sweat more salt the next day. I have raced with people over the years who are just salty sweaters, perhaps it's what they eat or just genetics.

 

[LeftRightRepeat]

It means that, out in the fresh air, water evaporates and leaves the salt behind. Certain weather conditions (breeze, low humidity) exacerbate the issue. No biggie.

 

[LookiLoo]

Yabbut, it's enough that the people in my running group tease me <img alt="blush.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/blush.gif"><br><br>
jorden - We actually tend to be pretty careful about salt in our house as dh has blood pressure issues, but I know I'm probably eating higher sodium foods when I eat out - I'll have to keep track of my timing on eating out before long runs.

 

[jroden]

I don't think it matters unless you are having cramping problems

 

[Stitcher]

My running hat has a salt ring on it after it dries out from my sweaty head.<br><br>
I think that if I were to run without a hat, I'd be super salty, too. As it is, the hat gets a lot of it.

 

[3chilipeppers]

I've heard that if you have the salt, then you probably sweat more than average OR lose more salt than average. It isn't a problem until you run a long distance. If you notice cramping, then you may need extra salt. That's what happened to my BIL in his marathon at mile 23. He did have the salt deposits on his face. My running partner did too as well as DH. I didn't have any. I can feel the salt, but I don't see it. I am not a heavy sweater, though, so that may be why. Of course, as mentioned above, the salt won't dry on you unless it is dry or windy out. If it is humid, the sweat never dries, so you see the salt.<br><br>
Also, the longer you sweat, the more concentrated the salt becomes in your sweat (BIL who is a med student told me this). When you first start to sweat, the salt concentration is the same as in your blood, but the more you sweat the more salt there is. So, it makes sense that you would need more salt the longer you run, even if you are continually taking in sports drink.

 

[RunningForT3]

I'm the same, Heidi.<br>
The important thing is that you need lots of electrolytes to replace the lost sodium.

 

[Boyerdavea]

I have the same problem. I sweat like a pig, when I am running. Even when it is 30 degrees out I have sweat dripping from the bill of my hat. Salt stains all down the side of my face.

 

[Yo Mikey]

That's why they put electrolytes in sports drinks, to replenish what you expend. Short events (training/races) you can simply take in the sports drink but once you start longer events, you need to insure you take in electrolytes in drink or supplement form. Electrolytes (sodium) are especially important when training or racing in the heat as your sweat contains spent salts.<br><br>
My example, I take in ~ 800 mg to 1.2 gm per hour in the form of S-Caps. I can't stand Gatorade...........<img alt="razz.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/razz.gif">ukeleft:

 

[QuixoticNotions]

I sweat a lot and have very salty sweat. After runs on GA summer days, I have visible salt all over. I kinda like it <img alt="smile.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/smile.gif">

 

[Figbash]

Salt deposits are perfectly normal after a long run and serve as a reminder of just how important it is to include some sports drink as part of your hydration routine.<br><br>
Those stalactites on your ear lobes are more than just a fashion statement. Their purpose is to enable electrical impulses to and from cells in your body, controlling everything from muscle contraction and extension to nerve impulses to blood pressure and organ function. Without them you would cease to exist.<br><br>
The main electrolytes to be concerned about are sodium and potassium both of which are easily replaced by sports drinks. I've weighed myself before and after runs and found that I lose roughly a liter an hour in the summer and only slightly less in the winter. On runs longer than an hour I'll alternate between water and sports drink for hydration.<br><br>
Tom

 

[Tithers]

I have sensitive skin...salt burns my eyelids.<br><br>
I was salty after Sundays 8.4 miler.