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Safety Tips in a Marathon/Triathlon

Safety tips in a Marathon/ Triatholon

Apart from the obvious problems associated with intense sporting performances (such as overtraining, injury, burn out and exhaustion) there are less obvious, but highly as important hazards. In relation to long distance event such as marathons and triathalons there are others factors at work which can not only affect performance but more worryingly safety. Some of these harmful conditions include:

• Hypothermia. (Low body temperature)
• Hyperthermia. (High body temperature)
• Dehydration.
• Heat stress and UV exposure.

Most of these conditions are the product of the environment and activity relationship. By being aware of these conditions athletes can take necessary precautions in order to decrease or even stop the incidence of these conditions. Most of the conditions are associated with temperature regulation, therefore by managing and maintaining temperature these conditions can be handled. Methods such as appropriate clothing to nullify cold/heat and also wind chill, maintain fluid levels, sun safety and minimising time spent in water. In relation to dehydration fluid levels must be maintained throughout the workout, the athlete should also be sufficiently hydrated prior to an event and try to replenish/re hydrate immediately after, this includes water and for long events sports drinks (replenishing electrolyte levels). Heat stress and UV exposure are also associated with temperature, mainly heat, by using a suitable sun block and other sun safe measures UV radiation (sunburn) can be decreased/managed. By using these sun safety measures (slip, slop slap etc) heat stress can also be managed. By managing these factors correctly, performance will not be hampered by environmental or other external factors, therefore leaving the only limiting variables as ability, training and motivation!