Last fall was one to remember. Not only it was scorching hot, but also it rarely rained. While many sports teams practice during the fall, they also have to adjust to practicing in hot weather. As athletes such as Michael George, cross-country runner and senior, keep last fall fresh in their minds, they use it to prepare for practicing for this upcoming fall season.
George constantly battles heat while running during the cross-country season. According to George, the cross-country season ranges from the summer to the end of fall. George said that it is exceptionally warm during most of the season and, as a result, affects him while he runs. George said that he has not really thought of heat as a big issue at first but eventually learned that it can be a danger when dealing with it while running.
“I learned a lot about running in heat,” George said. “Heat can really cause harm.”
In addition, George said he takes many preventative measures while running in excessive heat. Some measures that George takes are running in the shade as much as possible and drinking around 16 ounces of water per 90 minutes. He said he prefers to run in the morning since it is cooler and with a partner to make sure someone is there in case of emergencies.
“I still want to get a solid workout without sacrificing myself (against heat),” George said.
George is not alone. According to an August 2012 article on NPR.com, the University of Conneticut’s Korey Stringer Institute, named after the late NFL offensive lineman died from a heat stroke in 2001 during practice, says that many athletes have to go through practices in hot weather. The institute also tests athletes for heat-related illnesses. The article said that getting proper hydration and rest are important while practicing in hot weather. By doing so, it will reduce the risk of getting a heat stroke or other heat-related illnesses. The article states that drinking too much water can be a hazard since it can lead to water poisoning.
Like George, Nathaniel “Nate” Thompson, football player and junior, also has to practice during the hot season of fall. Thompson emphasizes on the importance of hydration while at practice. He also uses his two-minute break to rest and hydrate in order to get prepared for drills.
“(Heat) makes you realize that you need to hydrate on your own,” Thompson said.
Along with athletes, coaches also have to take precautions when preparing practices with blistering heat. Mark Ellington, head coach of the women’s cross-country team, is one of the many coaches that have to prepare for hot weather practices. Ellington said he advises his runners to run in the shade more often to protect themselves against the heat. Ellington said that he reduces distances for practice on really hot days so it’s easier the runners are close to the locker room in case of emergencies.
Like George and Thompson, Ellington emphasizes on hydration. Ellington said that safety is his main priority and he wants to keep all members of his team safe.
“As I complete nearly all workouts with our athletes, I consider what I may be experiencing and am sure to communicate with athletes as we are working out.” Ellington said. “I also work to remind athletes and their parents about how to best prepare for the heat and how to deal with it once we are completing workouts in it.”
While athletes like George and Thompson strive to get better in the fall, they also have to prepare against practicing in the heat. George said that he wants to get better but he does not wants to push himself too hard.
You need to be safe when doing an activity in the heat. Just make sure you listen to your body,” George said.