Can the heat make you sick?

[rubato]

I ran this evening in a heat index of over 100 degrees. I almost threw up on the run and now feel incredibly nauseous. I only ran 3 miles because I just couldn't keep going. Is this normal? I usually run early in the morning, but just couldn't squeeze it in and I hate my TM. It's been a couple of hours and I still feel sick. I'm just wondering if this happens to others.

 

[cewait]

I ran this evening in a heat index of over 100 degrees. I almost threw up on the run and now feel incredibly nauseous. I only ran 3 miles because I just couldn't keep going. Is this normal? I usually run early in the morning, but just couldn't squeeze it in and I hate my TM. It's been a couple of hours and I still feel sick. I'm just wondering if this happens to others.

You may be experiencing the effects of heat exhaustion and or dehydration. It is necessary to lower your pace in the heat. A good rule of thumb is 15-30 seconds a mile for every 10F above a feal real (or heat index) of 70F. It's hard to judge as you start off as you are capable of keeping up with the heat sheeding needs but then suddenly it can floor you.

Take a cool bath, hydrate and get some electrolytes in your system. Note that if you cannot get your core body temp down after a few hours seek medical attention....OR ... if you stop sweating while under load immediately stop and get help. When sweating stops on the run in these temps it is a sign you have pushed way too far. I would treat the symptom you describe much like a sudden pain in the knee and stop. You body is trying to say I need help - you are baking me.

You can run in these temps but you really need to plan and work into it. If you are used to running in the morning and go out one afternoon in the temps you describe you will have issues. It takes a good 2-3 weeks to really acclimate so you can run in the afternoon in this heat - and even then your pace must be slower than normal to allow the body to adequately shed heat.

 

[bunnyfoo]

I can't add anything to what Coach Charles has said but I hope you're feeling better today

 

[rubato]

Thanks for the info. I did feel better after about 2 and 1/2 hours, but have learned a big lesson.
Thanks Vicky!

 

[cewait]

Heat can be a big issue - glad you are feeling better

 

[Kirsty-Leigh]

Coach Charles pretty much answered the question - but in short - yes!

I went for a bike ride the other day with a heat index of 107, and didn't think much of it (I can bike in much warmer temps than I can run in, so I tend to bike when it's too hot to run). I felt fine the whole time - I did 15 miles - and then I got of my bike when I got home, went to put the key in the door and realized that I couldn't feel my fingers, then I realized everything was going black! Anyway I managed to get inside before I went down, and long story short after a cold shower, lots of liquids, and some protein I felt much better, but it just goes to show that the heat can be really dangerous... I certainly won't be attempting to go out close to midday again.

Glad you are feeling better.

Kirsty

 

[BamaEd1]

It can not only make you sick; it can kill you. Be careful!!!!

 

[John VN]

Heat with high humidity is very dangerous. I learned that lesson back in Jersey many years ago while biking in an organized 100 miler. Now that I am 60yo and live in SW Fl. I rely on my bike computer with heart rate while biking and my Garmin 305 when pounding the pavement. Keeping an eye on my rate allows me to judge how my body is tolerating the distances and effort.

e.g. 2 weeks ago at mile 84 of 116 that day, with temp. being 92 at 2:00PM I noticed a little rise in heart rate with the same effort going into the pedals. Although I was feeling OK I knew it was time to stop and get refreshed with a Big Gulp of Mtn. Dew. It did the job and I actually finished the ride at a faster pace. About a month earlier the temp was a little cooler and earlier in the day and I had no problems biking 122 miles.

I haven't hit the warning signs yet when walking my longest at 17+ miles or running my longest at 8+ miles but then again the efforts have not been as high compared to biking.

I think a heart rate monitoring device can be very helpful when exercising in unfamiliar conditions.