Caution... Danger Ahead!

I guess I would consider myself a fairly experienced runner. I only started running in '03, but I have run quite a fair amount and read just about everything I can find on the topic. But I almost made a big mistake on Sunday because I was stubborn and there is no other way to say it... really stupid and reckless. So here is the story and I hope it helps my friends to avoid what was a pretty scary situation.

I had been in northern Michigan since Thursday night golfing with 20 of my buddies and having a great time. We played some absolutely beautiful courses (not particularly well!), ate some great food, and just enjoyed each other's company. We've been doing this for a few years now and it is great to get together as we mostly all have kids and are so busy. I was up early Sunday morning and at my parent's place in West Branch just before 10 in the morning and just itching for a long run. The temperature was already in the low 80s and very humid. I, for some unknown reason, did not seem the slightest bit worried and my runner's mind was focused on the distance and not really the logistics of the run itself. I had planned on a 20 mile run down some old trails that are completely empty this time of year. They go for miles and miles back into swamps and woods and the scenery is truly amazing. I had planned for an easy 8 minute pace, but found myself pushing into the low to mid 7s as my competitive nature kicked in. In no time, I had seen 5 deer and numerous types of birds. I was even amused by all the turtles on the trail and thought how I would love to bring one home for Aidan. At around 8 miles out I was still feeling great, but for the first time started to notice how hot it was. I had drank just about half of my water bottle and continued onward. Those 2 miles from 8 to 10 made all the difference because instead of turning back, I continued farther into the woods. By mile 12, I was back at that same point but still 8 miles from home and just about out of water. I had not seen one car or one person in the hour and half I had been running. My pace had dropped into the mid 8's and I was stuggling to keep cool. 5 miles from home I started to feel really hot and started alternating running and resting in the shade. I was breathing really hard and the rest breaks just weren't cooling me down anymore. With about 2 miles to go, I still hadn't seen a car, but at least I was out of the woods and on a road that had some car traffic. But not this day. I did manage a couple more drops out of my water bottle and was finally about a mile from my parent's cabin. I am absolutely positive that last mile was more difficult than even my toughest marathon finish and I was relieved to get inside and get something to drink. I almost immediately got very dizzy and nauseated. I decided to lay down for a while with a 2 liter mix of gatorade and water at my side. After about an hour and half, I really didn't feel better, but had gotten down some more fluids. At this point, I started vomiting profusely, but did actually have enough energy to get in the shower. The cold water felt good on my skin, but I actually had to sit in the tub as I was weak and dizzy. I made my way out of the shower and climbed into bed wrapped in a big beach towel. It literally took me 2 and half hours to get enough energy to climb out of bed and call Donna and tell her I was on my way home. After about an hour, I felt well enough to eat a little food and take in more fluids.

You know, it is kind of funny because I read both Tom and Amy's (The Runner's Lounge) posts about the dangers of running in the heat. I even posted a reply about a young runner from Virginia who died of heat stroke. But I guess I never even considered the risk to myself and that is a very dangerous, stupid thing to do. I just feel fortunate that my body allowed me to get back to safety before it imploded (or would that be exploded). I hope I learned my lesson Sunday and I hope anybody who reads this will respect the heat and humidity and run safely.

Desert Leader by Hamed Saber on flickr