1998, St. Louis: At 6:00am it was already 80 degrees and 80 per cent humidity. I knew this 10K was not going to be a "normal" race. As I walked to the registration table, I was already sweating, the scorching heat rising from the asphalt roasted my feet while steamy air filled my lungs. My thoughts drifted to an article I read about Charles Crowe, a seasoned race walker, who collapsed half-way through the Bix 7 and died from heat stroke. Almost 50 other Bix participants were hospitalized due to heat stroke.
My strategy began to take shape as I pinned on my number: take 2 gulps of water and pour the rest down my back at each water stop; maintain a slow and steady pace; and walk, if necessary. My goal was simply to survive the heat, and cross the finish line … without vomiting.
The starter’s gun fired. Competitors began dropping out just after the first mile marker. At mile three runners were going off course and leaning against buildings in the shade. By mile four I was passing sick runners and alerting course EMTs. I continued with my strategy. As I entered the chutes, I had to watch my step, there were a lot of sick runners – slipping “hazards” covered the street. I felt drained but my “heat index” strategy worked for me. I not only
survived but I ran (tortoise-style) the entire course and, most
importantly, I didn’t get sick!
I grabbed some water, went in search of shade and passed an older runner. He was leaning against a fence while a woman dabbed at his face with a tissue (??) ... it was NOT sticking to his face. The man wasn't sweating!! I ran around the corner to an ambulance and told the EMTs I thought a man was in trouble. He, and several other runners, left the race in an ambulance. Fortunately, as far as I know, all the heat stroke victims recovered.
Unfortunately “Back of the pack,” elite runners, and walkers alike can suffer heat stroke. When faced with intense heat and humidity, I plan to protect myself as much as possible so I will be running until I am so old I can’t.”
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