Racing Tips From Valley View Hospital:
by: Ben Peery, MD
Emergency Medicine/Valley View Hospital
24 Hours participant

click here for Training Tips

Have tips you'd like to share? Email them here: mary@24hoursofsunlight.com.

Racing Tips

1. Bring plenty of dry socks, and multiple changes of clothing. It is difficult to get dry between laps if you are attempting to use the same clothes. We found it much easier last year to change into new shirts and socks, and certainly helped us warm up faster.

2. Shower between laps. Again, warming up quickly is critical.

3. Don't linger at the timer tent between laps. Get warm, hydrated and rested between laps, and do it quickly.

4. Bring hairdryers for drying out your boots between laps.

5. Get into a routine of hydrating and refueling between laps. Eat and drink something substantial that will adequately replace the protein and carbohydrates you burn through. Electrolyte drinks are great. Gels, "goos" and bars are all excellent sources of fuel. Bananas, peanut butter sandwiches and, light soups are also good choices. Supplement with the same food or electrolyte drinks that you trained with before the race. Make sure and "test" all of the food/fluids you plan on ingesting during the race well in advance of race day. Some of those supplements can cause gastrointestinal distress when you first try them. You do not want to find that out at 2 AM.

6. Watch for dehydration. Symptoms include cramping, nausea, dizziness. These are also symptoms of high altitude sickness. Report severe headache, vomiting, increasing shortness of breath or worsening cough to the EMS staff immediately. There is EMS medical care available at the base and at the top of the climb. Ask questions if you are not sure of your symptoms.

7. Know your limits. Don't push yourself over the edge with a blistering first lap and be worn out for the second. This is a long race. Remember the tortoise and the hare.

8. Bring a camera. Completing this race is a great achievement and should be captured in all of its glory.enjoyable.