Originally Posted by rockmuncher
A recent study has found that some athletes are putting themselves at risk of becoming hyponatremic (insufficient mineral salts to function) by drinking too much during long, hard exertion. It also found that it didn't matter what was consumed, the risk still remained. For more info goto
http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/6/6_1/1179.shtml
A very poor article. The issue is a lack of electrolytes (Calcium, Potassium, Magnesium, Sodium) and not over hydration. Anyone who exercises more than an hour or two with out replacing electrolytes has managed to stay ignorant of how to hydrate. The information has been available since at least the mid 60's because that's when I became aware of it to support my jogging.
The worst that can happen to you if you drink too much fluid containing the proper ratios of electrolytes is that sluggish feeling.
Too bad so many folks like those marathoners don't read books before they do extreme sports. The WEB is a poor substitute for in-depth treatment of a subject.
Al