Month: May 2016

J.P. Morgan Chase Corporate Challenge (05.26.2016)

Yesterday was one of my most favorite Corporate days of the year . . . it was the 40th Anniversary of the Chase Corporate Challenge & my tenth year of participating!

This is the corporate event that every year brings together a large group of my colleagues so that we can hang out, catch up, & get a run / walk in too!

Overall this was an awesome race . . .

• More time with a group of my favorite colleagues!
• Shenanigans!
• All of my gear worked fabulously – especially my Orange Mud Hydraquiver Vest Pack 2, my Trail Toes, my Honey Stingers, my Tailwind, & Shower Pill!

Here area my key “take aways” from this race!

THE GOOD: Sub30 5K 

This race is race is unique, because it is not a standard race distance. This course is ~3.5 miles, but because of how many people there are – 27,000 people from 680 different companies filled Grant Park – the mileage is always more than that due to weaving in & out of people.

My goal for this race (besides running for the first time in the last couple of years instead of being “The (Bag) Watcher”) was to shoot for a fast 5K. I wanted to see if I could record a sub30 minute time . . . AND I DID!

I recorded a 27:52 5K time . . . my fastest 5K time to date! I’m uber excited & thrilled that I performed so well even with less than ideal conditions (i.e. it was HOT, HUMID, & CROWDED)! ❤

THE BAD: Feeling HOT, HOT, HOT!

Summer made an appearance last night. Temperatures were in the mid / upper 80s at 7pm. And the temperatures were even higher in the Chicago tunnels.

It was brutal.

In the last quarter of a mile of my 5K – while I was still pushing for my sub30 – I broke out in chills.

I knew then that I would need to stop running as soon as I could & try to cool myself down, because “cool moist skin with goose bumps / chills when in the heat” is one sign of heat exhaustion.

As much as I wanted to get a sub30 5K – I didn’t want to injure myself.

Obviously, I did end up reaching my goal, but I did walk / run the remaining portion of the race to cool myself down & focus on hydration.

Everyone should listen to their bodies & understand the warning signs for heat exhaustion.

Per the Mayo Clinic (Heat Exhaustion):

Heat exhaustion is a condition whose symptoms may include heavy sweating and a rapid pulse, a result of your body overheating. It’s one of three heat-related syndromes, with heat cramps being the mildest and heatstroke being the most severe.

Causes of heat exhaustion include exposure to high temperatures, particularly when combined with high humidity, and strenuous physical activity. Without prompt treatment, heat exhaustion can lead to heatstroke, a life-threatening condition. Fortunately, heat exhaustion is preventable.

Symptoms:

Signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion may develop suddenly or over time, especially with prolonged periods of exercise. Possible heat exhaustion signs and symptoms include:

• Cool, moist skin with goose bumps when in the heat
• Heavy sweating
• Faintness
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Weak, rapid pulse
• Low blood pressure upon standing
• Muscle cramps
• Nausea
• Headache

If you think you’re experiencing heat exhaustion:

• Stop all activity and rest
• Move to a cooler place
• Drink cool water or sports drinks

Contact your doctor if your signs or symptoms worsen or if they don’t improve within one hour. Seek immediate medical attention if your body temperature reaches 104 F (40 C) or higher.

Complications:

Untreated, heat exhaustion can lead to heatstroke, a life-threatening condition that occurs when your body temperature reaches 104 F (40 C) or higher. Heatstroke requires immediate medical attention to prevent permanent damage to your brain and other vital organs that can result in death.

Please take care of yourselves . . . you only get this one life to live!

AND THE UGLY: Death.

It happens for more often that you would believe, but every time you stress your body you run the risk of encountering medical issues.

I have witnessed runners collapsing on courses more than I ever thought that I would. I have even come to the aid of some of these collapsed runners. This is why I always run with my cell phone now. 😦

Last night, a 39 year old male participant collapsed during the race & later died.

Please everyone – listen to your body. Stop when you need to. Get your routine physicals. And always hug your loved ones – none of us know when our last day will come. 😥

SUMMARY:

Another fun night spent with my colleagues & a new distance personal best. I am excited to see how I will perform at my next 5K – especially in cooler temperatures.