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CAPITAL TOP STORIES
Heat warnings alter exercise routines
By SHANTEE WOODARDS, Staff Writer
Published October 09, 2007
Joe Shafran used to brag about the time he ran in Washington in temperatures reaching 104 degrees with a heat index of 120.
And there was another time when he continued to run even though the temperature dipped below zero. But that was back when he was in his 30s.
Now 80, Mr. Shafran, also known as "Jogging Joe" in his column for The Capital, is much more cautious about his jogging weather and advises other runners to pay attention to the thermometer.
"I've run many marathons at a younger age, and at a younger age you can do many things you can't do at an older age," said Mr. Shafran, who often runs in Annapolis.
For example, when the temperature's over 80 degrees or a Code Orange is declared, "I take the day off. There are times when I cannot run for an entire week (because of the heat). It's not the end of the world."
Mr. Shafran's advice comes on the heels of Sunday's LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon, where nearly 300 runners had to be treated for heat-related illnesses.
One man - a 35-year-old police officer - died from a heart condition that was unrelated to the weather, according to media reports. By 10 a.m., temperatures had reached 88 degrees, and the heat caused organizers to end the marathon at 11 a.m. The previous record high for the marathon was 84 degrees in 1979.
In Annapolis, the temperature reached 89 degrees yesterday and the air quality was a Code Yellow, which indicates a moderate health risk for anyone who's sensitive to air pollution. Another Code Yellow was set today, and the temperature is expected to reach 85 degrees, with a slight chance of thunderstorms. Officials at the National Weather Service predict the rest of the week will be cooler, with highs of 79 degrees tomorrow and 68 on Thursday.
The county Health Department encourages everyone to take precautions in the hot weather, especially young children, the elderly and anyone with chronic illnesses like heart disease or diabetes. Alcohol and caffeine, including iced coffee drinks, should be avoided in muggy weather.
Children and pets shouldn't be left unattended in the heat and everyone should try to limit outdoor activities from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., said Elin Jones, a spokesman for the health department.
Of course, the fall is an unusual time to be sharing heat-related precautions.
"This time of year, we don't usually expect to release that information," Ms. Jones said. "We had the information (posted) and took it off the Web site."
Harvey Becker likes to run outdoors daily, but that depends on the weather. He won't run as often outside if it's too hot, or he'll alternate his workouts with some other form of exercise. These days, he's taking kickboxing lessons.
"Anything over 90 is too hot," said Mr. Becker, 61, of Annapolis. "If it's really warm and I can't get a run early in the morning, then I'll go over to Quiet Waters Park and run (in a shaded area)."
Still, Mr. Shafran would rather run outside.
"There's nothing like getting out in the wide open and just running," he said. "It's good for the spirit."
The Associated Press contributed to this story.
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