Marathon Fatalities And Heat Stroke

I read about this today and wanted to make a comment briefly about running a marathon. Today three people died, one after completing the 13.1 half marathon and the other two (at the time I read) was unclear if they were doing the half or the full marathon. All three died of (an apparent) heart attack at the time I read this story.

It's a sad somber reminder that in any event, or any sport where you push yourself to the limits that this can happen. But it can. One thing I always do before and after a marathon is get a check up. Make sure my system is in good working order. It's a nice piece of mind for me to go into an event where I'm pushing myself hard that I know my body, at least from what the doctors can see at the time, is going to be o.k.

Now is it fool proof? No. But rates for fatality at a marathon are actually very low. Only 1 in 100,000 runners die in a race and half of all deaths occur in the last mile according to stats released by the Free Press. While weather was not figured to be a condition of this Detroit Marathon, weather can be a huge factor in DNF's in a marathon.

In 2007 the Chicago marathon was held on October 7th. The weather that day was already 73 degrees Fahrenheit at the 8 AM gun time, and rose quickly to 88 Fahrenheit by noon. The high temperatures were accompanied by 86% humidity. A 35 year old male runner collapsed and died during the race. Of 300 runners treated for heat related problems, about 50 of those people were hospitalized. My coaches have always told me to figure that your body temperature will be 20 degrees hotter than it is outside so to dress for that. So if it's 46 degrees when standing still or walking, figure once you start running your body temperature will rise and will get up to 66 degrees. As you can tell in Chicago with 88 degree weather, their body's were at a 108 temperature.

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center heat stroke is the most severe form of heat illness and is a life-threatening emergency. It is the result of long, extreme exposure to the sun, in which a person does not sweat enough to lower body temperature. It is a condition that develops rapidly and requires immediate medical treatment.

What are the symptoms of heat stroke?

The signs of heat stroke symptoms may include:

headache
dizziness
disorientation, agitation or confusion
sluggishness or fatigue
seizures
hot, dry skin that is flushed but not sweaty
a high body temperature
loss of consciousness
rapid heart beat
hallucinations

If you do suffer from heat stroke or see someone who is try to or get someone to

Get the person indoors
Remove clothing and gently apply cool water to the skin followed by fanning to stimulate sweating.
Apply ice packs to the groin and armpits
Have the person lie down in a cool area with their feet slightly elevated

Intravenous fluids are often necessary to compensate for fluid or electrolyte loss. Bed rest is generally advised and body temperature may fluctuate abnormally for weeks after heat stroke

How can heat stroke be prevented on race?

Drink plenty of fluids during outdoor activities, especially on hot days. Water and sports drinks are the drinks of choice; avoid tea, coffee, soda and alcohol as these can lead to dehydration.

This really goes back to one central core theme of this blog. Listen to your body. Your body knows when something's up. Don't be afraid to take two or three cups of water at a station. I always have my fuel belt with me in case I start feeling dehydrated between water/Gatorade stations.

It's a tough thing and scary as a runner when you hear about running related deaths. And we pause and feel for the families of these people. But if you are a new runner you should know, like in any sport, there's always a risk even if it's a rare or small one. So when you train you are not just training for mileage. You are also training yourself to understand your body and how to listen to it correctly. The latter I believe is the hardest training of all. You have to know how and when you should listen and when you can push on. It's a delicate fine line, but remember stay healthy. If it means you have to slow your pace to get to the end, do it. If it means you have to stop at a fueling station or medical tent during the run. Do it. Trust me when I say this: NO ONE WILL THINK LESS OF YOU (besides it's not about them it's about YOU!).

If you are here you are probably not a professional runner or an "Elite" runner (aka going for prize money) so remember you are doing something only (from what my friends have told me) roughly 1% of the population on earth ever does. So while all your months of training have led you to this point, don't throw caution to the wind. Seek help if you need it, that's why it's there.

Be safe, listen to your body and happy running.

(As stated earlier in blogging I am not a doctor however these are tips and advice I've learned from others so please consult with doctors or the on site medical staff if you have any questions regarding health related issues)