Indy 500 Mini-Marathon

[Mara]

I don't know if you have heard, but there were three participants in this year's mini who suffered cardiac arrest. One man died. He was 33 years old and a race veteran and had trained for the race. He had a diagnosed, but largely ignored, aortic valve problem. The saddest part is it was his wedding anniversary and he and his wife have 2 young children.

Apparently, his valve gave out and his heart decompressed. He was not revived despite collapsing in front of the advanced life support cart. He was on mile 9. Indications are that the valve problem, the heat and humidity conspired on this day.

Please be careful out there, runners. Even if you think you can make it and you have trained. You cannot control the heat. Stay hydrated. Stop if you need to. Better to live than get a finish time.

 

[tommy]

Mara,

Thanks for the warning. It reinforces my plan to take it easy over the summer.

I had heard about the problem at Indy. Did not know that the person that died had valve disease. There were several cardiac arrests, with all but the one being revived. Very sad. The race officials "red flagged" the race and turned all of the timers off. There was some sharp criticism of using the hot, banked Indy race track so far into the race.

Thanks again.

 

[Mary]

This is why I swim

This is why I swim

Mara and Tom,
That's one reason why I swim. In the summer, the water can get warm enough that it is uncomfortable, but for the most part, I don't have to deal with heat and humidity.
I'm going to send all you runners swim caps so you can get started.
Mary

 

[Les]

Most U.S. Marathons are in the fall...thus you have to train during the summer months. Early morning runs, coupled with common sense about fatigue and hydration will get you through just fine. I don't have exact figures, but I think it would be safe to estimate more people drowned or had fatal heart attacks in the U.S. last Saturday than those who died during running events. Point being...nothing is guaranteed 100% safe...Just be smart and listen to your body!

 

[Mara]

Yep- just be careful out there, that's all I'm saying.

Tom-
you're right the times were suspended. Very sad.
I play soccer with several runners who did the 500 Mini and said the track was not that bad. In fact they thought it was "cool" to go around the whole 2.5 mile oval instead of just a small portion.The heat did not slow down the elite runners. I think part of the lesson is to train smarter and stay hydrated. Know your limits. Don't let ego get in the way of safety.

More updates as they appear in the local news.

Good luck runners! train smart, stay safe.
-Mara