Day 96: Preventing hypothermia; 10th state – W. Virginia; tomorrow-Pennsylvania
by Dr. Dennis Godby | TheRun.org on October 20, 2011
This morning on The Run in eastern Ohio (about to cross into West Virginia), we are focused on preventing hypothermia! It is about 40 degrees, wind blowing at 20-35 miles per hour, and continuous rain, which are the most ideal conditions for not being able to stay warm and can be potentially dangerous. Hypothermia is more of a concern for exactly these kind of conditions, but also because the day entails 30 miles, and many breaks, which is when they can cool down pretty severely. Normally, when people run near home, they run 5 to 10 miles, for example, then come home and take a hot shower. In this case, the shower doesn’t come until the end of the day (if at all), because we have to find water from a tap for the RV.
We are really focusing on making sure they get enough hot fluids, like soups, teas, etc, enough calories in general, as food warms the body, take off wet clothes, especially socks. They will change socks every time they come in and out of the RV. they are wearing synthetic clothing from Mizuno, so they should be in great shape re clothing. They are also running together today, which will help them to feel support, and they can be observant with one another if any one of them begin to shiver uncontrollably, or show other signs of hypothermia.
A little while ago, the three young runners made it safely to Wheeling, West Virginia, our 10th state on the 16 state journey; they were cold, wet, and hungry – but completely fine. As I type away, they asked me if they could buy some food. I asked, them, looking around at the food on the shelves – “what do you want, a baked chicken, or a pie, or cookies, or ribs,” Isaiah said, “YES! All four sound great!” He probably would have said yes to pretty much everything I suggested! It feels so good to be ravenously hungry from intense exercise, and then be able to eat all the food that you need to satisfy that hunger.
8,000 calories of food per day doesn’t prepare itself, or come inexpensively – that is what some of the money we are raising in The Run goes for – food, and speaking of money, laundry is another expense, esp. in this kind of weather – there is a lot of wet laundry!
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Claudia Kehler October 20, 2011 at 7:55 am
Sending you warm thoughts and Sacramento sunshine!
See you in New York.
Bradley Speaks October 20, 2011 at 4:55 pm
Pleasure meeting you gentlemen in the Wheeling Kroger.
Godspeed through Pennsylvania and enjoy your time in Pittsburgh. (21stcoffee.com)
Wish my wife and I were more able to offer hospitality on your way, but hotel rooms do not lend themselves to home cooked meals very easily. I look forward to following your run from wheeling.
Peace be with you and with your feet.
Dr. Dennis Godby | therun.org October 21, 2011 at 5:26 am
It was an incredible pleasure to meet you last night! Thank you so much for your amazing generosity! I also very much appreciate you taking the time to write your comment tom my blog! With people like you in this nation, it should not be too long before our dream is realized of a healthier nation!
