It’s 98◦ outside with a heat index of 110◦! Should I run?
Sometimes we have to make choices. I love to run. When I get up at 5:30 a.m. and pull on my running clothes, I want to get outside. I want to run past the lake and over the boardwalk. I want to see the sunrise and hear the birds and feel the soft breeze on my skin. I don’t want to step onto my treadmill and watch TV while I run. It’s just not the same.
But…sometimes, I just need to be sensible. A year ago I was signed up to run in the Beaufort Road Race. (It’s coming up again this Saturday, and I’m registered again.) On Thursday last year, I went out for a short (2 mile) run to rest up a little for the race. It was about the same heat index as it is today. I felt fine on my run despite the heat.
A couple of hours later I was sitting at my desk when suddenly the room started spinning and I felt nauseous. I was alone and every attempt to reach for the phone sent me into spirals and vomiting. I finally managed to call for help. I was transported by ambulance to the hospital where I was immediately hooked up to IV fluids and eventually diagnosed with heat stroke.
On Saturday, July 2010, I ran the Beaufort Road Race and won my age group.
I’m still running, but now on days like today, I step onto the treadmill in my air conditioned bedroom and run. I drink lots of water before and after my run and I make sure that one glass of water after the run has potassium and electrolytes to replenish those very necessary nutrients. Running is good for me but we all need to know how to care for ourselves and when to back off and rest.
Wish me luck on Saturday!
Comments (11)Subscribe to CommentsComment