kaburns1214 Mentor Group 2012 Part 2 - CLOSED (Page 20)

Two thoughts / question for everyone today:

1.  Its Boston Marathon today.  Temperatures are predicted to be in the high 80s (about 30 degrees higher than normal).  Over the weekend the BAA took the unprecedented action of allowing runners who regsitered for the 2012 race to defer their entry to 2013 because of the weather conditions.  Thoughts?

2.  I swim every Monday morning at the same pool.  There's always a guy there who has the worst body position in the water that I've ever seen.  Even with a pull buoy his legs are dragging after him at a 45 degree angle.  He's truly dragging an anchor.  He works really hard and does all these eloborate sets with pull buoys, paddles and fins when in reality doing a few body position drills would result in a huge increase inspeed.  Should I say anything to him?

1.  Play the cards dealt to you.  I guess I don't get the point.  And if it's warm next year??  If you have the ability to BQ you should probably have the ability to adjust your plan due to the weather conditions.

2.  I'm no expert in swimming so I wouldn't say anything.  You probably should though.  I know I would appreciate someone with a trained eye giving a few helpful suggestions if I was in his shoes (so to speak because if he's wearing shoes in the pool he has other issues).

1. Seriously???  That's stupid!  80 degrees is not that bad.  No deferral!

2. I would appreciate a strong swimmer offering me suggestions, but not everyone would be as receptive.  Tough call.

Happy Birthday Carrie!

As for Boston, I don't think they should get to defer to 2013. Adjust your run according to the conditions. Granted I've never run that distance, but I run every summer in hot temps, I don't see 80's as  that hot.

Kelly, I'd greatly appreciate tips from someone who knows what they are doing. If you offered to help the guy for a few minutes, I'm sure he'd be grateful. 

I think the issues at Chicago from a few years ago have all RD on notice.  My guess is that the lawyers got a hold of the BAA and told them to take every measure possible so that if something does happen, the BAA can show that they acted with reasonable care.

Its interesting because there's not a lot of case law out there about wht exactly the standard of care is for race directors, coaches etc. and without using an abundance of caution, I think there is the possiblity of sucessful claims.

1. Agree with Scott, play the cards dealt to you.  There is nothing else to qualify for, so just run the race safely and they should put alot more stations on the course.  Deferring will mean there will be alot of people that won't be able to do next year.

2. I would only offer advice if they guy talks to you or asks.  So get him to talk to you ... then its OK to say, "I noticed all the work you put in, if you just do ...."

I do get the injury thing, but while it is more likely to happen in a hotter race, it can happen in alot of races as people push themselves.  I think we have 1 death per year (unfortunately) at Chicago, at least the last few years.

A friend of a friend did Chicago as the last 26.2 miles of his 100 mile race .... he looked ragged, how can't you with 100, so nobody questioned him during the race.  He finished the race, then went into complete kidney failure multiple times, needed dialysis, almost died multiple times as his organs were shutting down.  He is fine now, but a huge price to pay ....

1.  I don't think deferrals should have been offered.  A warning about higher than normal heat, yes.  It's April.....the weather is a crapshoot.  So, will there be tighter qualifying standards because they have to let the 4,000 people who think 80 degrees is hot race their race next year (when conditions may be exactly the same)?  I don't know.  Weak.

2.  I wouldn't say anything to the guy.  Many people can't handle criticism or unsolicited advice.  You could always strike up a conversation with him, and guide it in that direction.  I'm a loner though, so I might not be the best person to ask!

1. The other thing is they are also giving more time to finish this year which they said comes out to a 2min/mile extra on your pace that you can play with. I agree as well for play the cards you are dealt. You do it every day you train. Some days are better and some days are worse.  I also agree it is more of a legal move as well though, you can never be to careful in this sue-happy world we live in.

2. I agree with most about striking up a conversation with him and then working it in as you can as a precaution. I am one of those people that will definitely listen to you and try anything out. Especially because I am a beginner and always believe I am because there is something I can always learn. 

The year I did Louisville was one of the hottest years, people were passing out all over the place.  I don't see them allowing deferrals for IM.  And wouldn't that be a greater risk?

I don't know, I certainly don't want to see anyone die or end up seriously injured due to temperatures, but as an endurance athlete you need to be prepared for any condition.  And dial it back if necessary.  I don't agree with deferral.  Cancel the event if it's that much of a risk.

Happy 11th 29th birthday Carrie!!

1. What happens happens and you have to adjust your race plans accordingly...that's what were all taught to do from the beginning. Im sure many of us have had swims canceled or raced in obscene cold or heat.  I am interested to see how everyone fairs...they start it so late in morning and I heard that over 600 races are over 65..ugh!!

2. It's a tough call.  I used to row and I cringe everytime I see people using the erg wrong. But I've had friends try to help people with their position, etc.. only to get a very rude earful.  I see the same people most mornings and there's one woman who always swims in the shallow lane has a horrible catch but seems perfectly happy to swim 45min every day.  Another guy (I call him slappy) because he slaps his right hand down on every stroke sending splashes in my directions when I'm doing kickboard stuff...you can hear him as soon as you enter the pool...Slap, Slap!  

1. As far as Boston goes Race the Race!!!  what is it was -20 would they have deferrals?

2. Test the water strike up a conversation and see how that goes.

Unsafe conditions.  Having to slow your pace and/or up your hydration due to 80* temps doesn't fall into that category BTW.  Maybe I live in Texas and am jaded, but hell it will be 90+ at IMTX.

Lightning, torrential downpours, meteor shower, etc.

I think it's a good idea that BAA Medical Directors issued an extreme weather advisory.  It publicly sends the message that due to the 'extreme weather' they are taking steps to encourage runners to 'race' safely.  As a Dr. they have an obligation to due so.  Just as a legal representative has an oblication to say - Say nothing...  Will the runners follow good advice (see below).  The forecast is for a high of 86.  I have been training in 30-40 degree weather and cooler.  86 would probably kill me if I went out to PR that course on that day.  I just read an article on how cell protein coagulates at 106 degrees, like egg whites in a fry pan.  For most people from the northern climates, 86 is hot in April.

Definately talk to him.
You are considering a career in coaching.  Perhaps Level 2 someday.  You have to be able to communicate to 1000's of people.  Most of them will be in need of good coaching advice but may not have the best listening skills.    It's a good opportunity to practice casual coaching.  Do you lead with your CV or approach your new friend with casual advice and the best intentions?

x2.

Maybe if the heat index were 110 or something I'd complain, but I am used to racing in heat and humidity (race season for me is April - October).  

Can you imagine the uproar if the Boston Marathon was shortened to a HM.  LOL.