Safety Tips

HEAT: After a painful four mile run at lunch today, I went back and found an old post from last year in regards to heat. Considering we are in the middle of a brutal heat wave I thought this was worth repeating.

Last year in Runner's World there was a sad but interesting article about running in the heat. It was about Kelly Watt, a young runner about to attend William & Mary. He was running alone doing a familiar route on some nearby trails. He did not show up for dinner that night. The police called his parents that evening with bad news that he had been found unconscious from a heat stroke. After what appeared to be three days of recovery in the hospital, Kelly's body finally shut down.

I know we have provided several tips for exercising in the heat, but it needs repeating, so please review them again.

1. Stay hydrated! Before, during, and after your runs and rides. A cup of water 10 minutes before exercise is not enough. Exercising without fluids does not make you stronger.
2. When possible don't run or ride alone.
3. Always let someone know when your are going out. Tell them your route, and when you should be done.
4. Take an ID and if possible carry a cell phone.
5. Last but most important. . . listen to your body. It is sometimes smarter than your head.

You never expect the worst, but you should always plan for it. Think of it like "athletic insurance." You don't want to have a problem and think "I wish I had. . ."

SNAKES: One other word of caution. Tim and I ran through Battle Park on Sunday. During the run a baby copperhead snake struck at Tim. It came up short of his leg, but still was a small scare. If you are running on trails or through grass, keep your eyes open, and stay to the middle of the trails.