In 2009, I ran a northern Utah marathon, and failed to remember to NOT take my high blood pressure pill on race morning. During the ride to the start, I heard the driver ask us “so, do I wait here until you finish”? Someone told him No.
At the end of the race I felt awful, and the medics quickly invited me into the medic tent. For some reason, I was extremely cold, shivering visibly in my wet clothes despite having a blanket on. I heard one of the other medics walk in and say “what’s the matter with him”? They had taken my temperature with the devices which scans in an ear several times, and were confused by the readings, as they weren’t very low.
The cold and shivering persisted, so finally one of the medics said to me “Here, these girls will hold up these blankets. We need to get your clothes off”. After that, I heard another runner say “I passed out 100 yards before the finish line, do you think they’re going to disqualify me”? I didn’t hear anyone’s response to him.
After a little more time, I was still cold. The nurse came back again and said “we need to take your core temperature”. Thinking it would be an actual thermometer under my tongue, I said OK. Then I learned what “taking your core temperature” really meant. When I got out of there, the doctor said “don’t ever take your high blood pressure medicine on race morning again.
I haven’t since.
Frank has run 103 marathons and 3 ultras. He considers any exercise that is not running to be a waste of time. His running music of choice is Nightwish, though he is also a huge fan of Cher. Frank currently lives with his wife in West Jordan, Utah.
Race Directors Note: Frank is a good personal friend that I have known for many years. We currently run together on a weekly basis, and I have run several marathons with him. Through these many interactions I have heard many of the stories that we are sharing on this blog, and I thought it was about time for the rest of the world to hear them. So I hope you all enjoy Fridays with Frank.
-Andrew
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