By Angie Bicker
Lifestyle Editor
June 24, 2009 09:36 am
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I live to work and play hard. I like pushing myself to the limit physically when it comes to running. I am always reaching for a higher goal than the one I initially set for myself. But, as I learned over the weekend, sometimes you can push yourself too far.
As the Quad-City Times Bix 7 approaches, I try to run in the heat a little more each week to prepare myself for the sweltering heat in July. When I started running six years ago, the heat didn’t bother me at all. I could run during the hottest part of the day and not be affected at all. Now, that I am closer to my mid 30s than my mid 20s, the heat and I don’t get along so well anymore.
Last year, I became overheated during one of my runs and was on the verge of passing out at a relative’s home. Needless to say, I scared them to death. I am very grateful that they were there to help me. I thought that incident was a fluke — guess, again.
This past Saturday I ventured out to run five miles through my hometown. Unfortunately, the temperature soared a lot higher than I thought. By my third mile, I was hunched over in the middle of the road trying to get my breath. A local resident, Celia (I hope I spelled your name right), opened her door and yelled out to me to see if I was OK. She initially thought I was just tying my shoe. She offered me a glass of water, which I gladly accepted. After a few moments, I became very light headed and started feeling like I was going to pass out again. So, Celia welcomed me into her home to cool off. It took a lot longer this time for my body to recover from heat exhaustion.
A local EMT also came to her home to take a look at me. He gave me some valuable advice — run during the early morning hours of the day or closer to dusk when it is cooler. He also said I should try splitting my long runs in half to catch my breath and to rehydrate myself. And then those dreaded words came out, “Since this happened once, you are more susceptible to it happening again.”
That sentence scared me.
Like most people, I have the “it won’t happen to me” attitude. But this time, it did happen to me. Our bodies aren’t as tough as we think they are. I’m glad I finally learned this lesson before it was too late.
Since the temperatures have been unbearable this week, I have been running on my treadmill in the basement. This is a better trade off than being a vegetable because I didn’t have the common sense to listen to my body.
I believe God sent Celia to help me on Saturday. Without her help, I probably would have blacked out and landed on the pavement for who knows how long. I am so glad she was there. She also said anytime I need a glass water, to just knock on the door. I think I might just take her up on that offer. I want to encourage more people to help others like Celia helped me — you just might be their saving grace.
Here are some valuable tips from the Iowa Department of Public Health to stay healthy during hot and humid weather.
n Drink non-alcoholic, sugar-free fluids like water. If possible, avoid caffeine and other soft drinks. Cool beverages can help keep the body’s temperature normal.
n When temperatures are high, drink two to four 8-ounce glasses of fluid an hour to stay hydrated.
n Salt and minerals can be lost through heavy sweating and can be replaced with sports drinks for athletes and salty foods. Bananas also help to replace potassium lost in perspiration.
n Wear loose-fitting clothing.
n Pace yourself; start slowly and increase activity. If your heart is pounding and you feel out of breath, stop.
n Take frequent breaks.
As I work to reach my 350-mile goal and training for the Bix, I am going to take better care of my body. I love running — and want to be healthy enough to continue what I love doing for many more years to come.
Angie Bicker is the lifestyles editor with the Clinton Herald. She has been with the Herald since 2001.
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