If you read the CNN story, you would think, "Wow, record heat. People should not run in high humidity when it's 89."
However, there have been plenty of marathons hitting those temperatures with that kind of humidity. I should know. I ran one in January. The Walt Disney Marathon had the same exact conditions. Hot, humid, 89 degrees, record heat for that day in Florida, and an overwhelming sense of I really needed a new hobby while running.
Look, I'm not an expert runner. I'm barely a novice, but I've run a lot of races. I've read reports on the race running out of water and Gatorade at the SECOND water stop and then on. People were going for many miles without getting any liquid. As a point of comparison, I ran this evening (85 degrees, no humidity, but it was dark) for 10 miles and I sucked down about 42 ounces of water I carry with me. It's basically the size of a Super Big Gulp. These guys got nothing in the sun for more than that distance.
The above link has the real story. Here's a snippet from someone talking about his wife:
"I just listened to the news as they declared adequate supplies. According to my wife stations 2-9 had nothing. She was in the 5:30 pace group. The first Gatorade she saw was mile 11.1. Also, my daughter volunteered at the 11 mile aid station. She said they ran out of water and cups. Eventually they located more water and cups, but not until thousands likely went by desperate for hydration. My wife also reported seeing people standing in line in Lincoln Park for drinking fountains...and even people forced to desperation drinking from decorative fountains."
If I can beg a favor, could you please digg this story right here
The good news is my friend Patrick did finish the race in 4 and half hours, but I'm sure he has some stories to tell.
