This past week the city I live in, Milwaukee, hosted its “Rock ‘n Sole” event, a half marathon and 10K race that is sponsored by the largest musical festival around, “Summerfest.”
The temperature was 85 degrees and the humidity was high. But runners are used to this and so they manage to get through it. That is, if they remain hydrated.
What was supposed to be a day of fun and fitness turned into medical emergencies as more than 20 runners had to be taken to a hospital. All required IVs for hydration. There was an additional 50 runners who needed medical attention at the event for heat-related problems.
What was the cause? Hydration stations had run out of water and cups and no medical aid was available on the 2.5 mile-long run across a bridge. Some of the runners actually collapsed, unable to go on and while some did manage to finish, the race had to be stopped early.
Apparently the first hydration station had neither water nor cups. The second station did have water but no cups, so runners had to try and swallow water dumped into their hands. You can imagine how much (or should I say how little) managed to get in.
Officials of the race took full responsibility and admitted they had not planned very well. They admitted they just didn’t have enough water available and I am sitting here thinking, “How in the world is this possible?” How could you not plan for enough water?
Keeping hydrated while running is vital, especially if the weather conditions are hot and humid. Heat rash is the mildest complication that can develop. Heat rash shows up as red bumps that will generally go away once a person gets into a cool area. Medical attention is rarely needed.
Heat cramps are another mild type of heat-related injury where the person experiences muscle spasms and pain. Even though this isn’t considered to be a serious injury, it is still a warning sign that the person needs to get out of the heat and get hydrated.
Heat exhaustion is more serious, with symptoms ranging from fatigue to headache and nausea. Getting out of the heat and hydrated is important. But the most serious is heat stroke, where the person’s body temperature rises and there can even be a loss of consciousness. Left untreated it could be deadly.
If you plan on doing any exercise outdoors during the hot summer months, be sure to stay hydrated. Keep plenty of water on hand.
Related Articles:
The 10% Rule for Running Doesn’t Prevent Injuries
Burning Calories with Stair Sprinting
Photo by Pink Sherbet Photography in Flickr