When A Cooldown Is Undesirable

A matter of degree

Q: I recently ran my first half-marathon. The day was cool, between 40 and 50 degrees. After the race I had my temperature taken in the medical tent. It was 96 degrees. I never got too warm during the race and at times I felt cool. My normal temperature is 98.6 degrees. Tonight. after running five miles at an eight-minute pace, my temperature was 97.6 degrees. Should I be concerned about this lowered body temperature? If so, what can I do to correct it?

C.L.K.
Lincoln, NE

A: In cold weather, lowered body temperature, or hypothermia, is always something to be aware of. Although you may have thought this a problem for skiers or mountain climbers, it actually can be a problem at sea level and in temperatures as high as 50 degrees if the conditions are wet and windy. In severe cases the body's core temperature drops uncontrollably, and without prompt medical attention, it can result in death.

Normal human body temperature ranges from 96.5 to 100 degrees. Mild hypothermia begins at 95 degrees. The initial symptoms of hypothermia are feelings of uncomfortable cold and numbness; then shivering. If shivering doesn't work to raise body temperature, loss of coordination, mental disorientation, and slurred speech soon follow. If you sense any of these early symptoms, get out of the wind to a warm, dry place as soon as possible.

If you continue to exercise to a state of disorientation, you may end up making a foolish decision that will get you into more serious trouble. However, it is possible to exercise safely even in freezing temperatures if you wear the proper clothing, such as wool socks, mittens, and a windbreaker.

New synthetic materials wick sweat away from your body and decrease heat loss. It's very important to wear a hat to keep in the heat produced by the high amount of blood flow to the scalp. If the weather is severe, you may want to cut your disance in half and run it twice, so if you start to feel too cold you aren't so far from home.

As in many other areas, common sense prevails. If you feel chilled during a workout and are unable to warm up, either return for more protection or cancel your workout and start drinking warm beverages, take a warm bath, or cuddle up to your favorite loved one in front of a big fire.

For more information see this article on hypothermia.

About the authors: Carol L. Otis, M.D., is Chief Medical Advisor to the Sanex WTA and a UCLA student health physician. Roger Goldingay is a former professional soccer player. They are married and the co-authors of The Athletic Woman's Survival Guide.

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