You just never know

I came across the news this morning that yet another tragic incident occurred during an endurance event over the weekend. A Des Moines businessman, Jim Goodman, 46, died during the swim segment of the Hy-Vee Triathlon in Des Moines, Iowa. He signaled for help during his 1500 m swim in Blue Heron Lake, however the "22 lifeguards, five Jet Skis, 12 kayaks and five boats on site at the Hy-Vee Triathlon" were not able to reach him in time. Jim was a mere 150m from the finish of the swim.

Jim's story, similar to the other unfortunate and untimely deaths of endurance athletes we've seen in the news recently, must remind us of a need to take caution when pushing ourselves to our max and also to look out for one another. Stories like this also should make us take a moment to appreciate our own hard work in our lives and give necessary credit to ourselves and to those around us who continue to support and motivate us.

The article indicates that Jim's death was not due to drowning. Further, as reported by his brother, (Jim) "was an avid runner and good swimmer". The article does not specifically indicate the cause of death (as his family and officials still await autopsy results). Jim was the father of three young girls, Natalie, 11; Ellie, 7; and Rubie, 3 and also leaves behind his wife, Lisa.

Is it just me, or has there been an increase in the frequency of such fatal outcomes at endurance events? Is it just the fact that we're simply hearing about it more or are there other similar factors involved here? After doing some googling on the subject, I happened upon this intersting article, "Are Endurance Sports Good for You?", which then led me to this blog, V-Tach which accounts one endurance athlete's struggle to work with his own Acquired Arrhythmia. Both the article and the V-Tach blog are interesting (and relative) in that they explore research relating increased endurance training to the actual deterioration of one's heart. Sounds backwards, right?

Has anyone else read interesting articles/research on this topic? I'd be intersted to hear more about it.

BEAR IT ALL!

I don't know if anyone saw the Grey's Anatomy premiere last Thursday. I can't tell you how many times I gagged watching it! It was gross, but GREAT! Well, I might be the only one who still watches that show, but I couldn't help bringing it up since one of the main story lines has to do with a bear attack (or in the Grey's episode, the ugly aftermath). Coincidentally, the interview below by Runners World is with Johan Otter, marathon runner and bear attack survivor! However his is a story with a triumphant outcome. And darn straight you better believe that being a runner helped Johan survive!

I hope that no one reading this ever finds themselves in such an awful situation. But in our own little way, we're all survivors! Of course we are, we have to be, it's what keeps us coming back for more!

Keep on surviving my dear runner friends.. and stay safe! :)





3:30.. not too shabby. Great Job Johan!

"Safety Never Takes a Holiday!"

If there is one thing they remind us of over and over at RUNNYC, it's that "safety never takes a holiday"! I for one normally feel very safe running in Manhattan and Brooklyn. And I must admit that although I try my best to be on guard, sometimes I tend to drift into that sublime meditative running state when I'm on on my own.. and I'm not always ready for the unexpected. No matter where you are, you need to do your best to be prepared.

A good friend and former college teammate of mine recently sent me this article about a recent mugging in Central Park. So, as a much needed reminder to everyone out there, be alert and be looking out for one another as well.

Also, I think at this point everyone should be running with a Road ID. In the article above, it says that the victim had his cell phone on him but could not speak to the 911 operator. Luckily a few bikers were able to come to his aid and help him out. Having your personal information on you during an unfortunate situation such as this will help medical personnel identify you and contact your loved ones a lot quicker.

Have a great run today... and BE SAFE!!