Another Endurance Sport Tragedy

During the US Olympic trails in Central Park in 2007, the running world lost Ryan Shay, a gifted runner who was an Olympic hopeful. During the race, Ryan collapsed and died due to a heart condition.

Sadly, another US athlete, Fran Crippen, an elite swimmer, died this past Saturday during a 10K open water race in the UAE. The cause of death was attributed to over exertion. While the family awaits autopsy results, Mr. Crippen was not known to have any underlying health problems that could have caused additional stress to his body.

America is experiencing a growth in endurance related activities. The activities come in many forms but revolve mainly around cycling, swimming and running. Biathlons, triathlons and races for runners are spouting up all over the country. All these activities come in various levels so that a wide range of participants can find an event for their ability. With Fleet Feet Sports Mahwah being a running specialty store, it's only natural that we see and speak to many runners.

We welcome the growth in running and enjoy sharing our experiences and listening to the experiences of the runner's who shop our store. Running provides countless health benefits, as well as enjoyment that can last a lifetime.

Running's growth has also has sparked a growth in the participation of endurance events such as the marathon and half marathon distances. This growth too, is welcome, but Mr Crippen's death reminds us of the caution that needs to be taken when one decides to participate in endurance events.

• Always seek the advice of a physician before you begin training for an endurance event. Your physician knows your health history and can alert you to any potential problems you could encounter.
• Be honest with yourself regarding your ability. Rome wasn't built in a day and endurance events take time in order to train for them in the proper fashion. A marathon may be your goal, but before attempting that distance, run several races of shorter distances like 5K and 10K. Sounds obvious but you'd be surprised how many folks we see who never ran a step, who want to run a marathon in 4 months!
• Seek a good source of advice. This can come in many forms but, building a relationship with a running specialty store like Fleet Feet Mahwah can be a tremendous asset! Running specialty stores are staffed by runner's whose experiences can be invaluable to you. Most of them have personally gone through just about every challenge there is and they can make your running experience more enjoyable and hopefully accident free. They are also more than happy to help you!
• Join a training program. At Fleet Feet we have "No Boundaries," a beginner 5K program as well as "Running 101" which is a 10K training program. These are both excellent ways to learn how to train, and train smart as well as hard! Plus, you'll make friends when you sign up for a training program that will add to the enjoyment of your training regimen.
• LISTEN to the advice you get! All too often, we hear the horror stories committed by runners training for endurance distances. This ranges from failing to hydrate properly (or at all), eat properly, dress properly and rest. Some even skip several workouts or show up at the event not having put in the proper mileage needed to be trained for the event. You need to be familiar with the symptoms of heat exhaustion, heat stroke and dehydration. Failure to follow proper training advice can spell disaster!
• Finally listen to your body. Your body attempts to communicate with you in many ways. Pain is one of them. If you feel "funny" or are in severe pain or feel "strange" STOP and seek help immediately!

Participation in running, and endurance running events can be fun filled and extremely rewarding. By taking heed of the simple steps outlined above, you'll reduce the risk of falling victim to a severe hardship while training for and participating in your event!