Running in the Heat

Running in the Heat

By: Kimberly Klessig, Littlest Tumor Foundation Master's Intern

This past winter, I started as a master’s intern for the Littlest Tumor Foundation. Prior to that, I had been an avid runner and participated in a few 5ks. Running was something that I found as a way to reduce stress and keep a healthy lifestyle. I had been running with a friend on a regular basis, so when my supervisor asked me if I wanted to run in the Green Bay half Marathon, I was both excited and nervous! I decided to go for it! We live once, right?

Commitment is key! I found that finding the time to train, while attending school for my master's degree, while working, and balancing everything else was surely a time commitment! I found that designating time and sticking to that time worked well for me. It also helped to have a workout partner to help motivate and push me to the limits.

A few days before the race, they sent out a weather advisory to prepare runners for the predicted heat extreme on the day of the race. I felt extremely confident on the day of the race that I had been training months for. I made sure to get a lot of rest, eat right and hydrate beforehand.

 On race day, as I was getting ready the morning of and while driving to Green Bay, I had an extreme feeling of exuberance and excitement. That feeling continued as I began the race and all the way through it! The screaming and yelling of the fans along the sidelines, the smiles and excitement of the other runners, and the whole experience brought an adrenaline rush to my entire body, mind and soul. 

Due to the heat, they had houses put out water sprinklers as we ran by. I made sure to run through every single one! As I ran, I concentrated on my breathing and listened to my body when I needed to slow down or stop and drink some water. Each time I passed a mile marker, my friend and I did a fun leap and high five to each other. This was a fun trademark we began during the race.

  I began to get really hot and started feeling tired at about mile 10. My legs started hurting a bit, but really I felt like I could have run forever. As sweat dripped down my face, I stopped and paused a second and took in the moment and feelings I was having. I thought to myself: I am at mile 10, I am almost there, and you can do it! I thought about all the people that can’t run or wish they could run…I thought about Sami and children affected by childhood cancers and other health concerns…THIS little pep talk gave me the encouragement to complete the race!

At 9:35 a.m., due to the extreme heat, the Cellcom Green Bay Marathon’s medical director made the decision to shut down the course for safety reasons for the runners.  I fortunately, was able to cross the finish line! I remember, as I ran across that finish line, the feeling of accomplishment. All the training had paid off and that feeling no one could take away!  It gave me a sense of being, of accomplishment and of true gratification! I encourage all runners to sign up for a race, even if you’re not a runner…try it out, start small…you might surprise yourself!