By now, many of you have heard about Jerry Johncock (aptly named). If not, here’s a summary:

This past weekend, Jerry, 81 years of age, ran in the Twin Cities Marathon. At mile 21, he said he had a blood clot that was preventing him from urinating. Not carrying a catheter at the time (go figure, we carry just about everything else), he borrowed and used one from a spectator (who just happened to have one). After inserting the borrowed catheter, Jerry completed the race and finished first in his age division. After the race, there was controversy over whether he was going to be disqualified because he left the course.

OK, this story perplexes me in so many different ways.

• I’m all for runner’s being mental and crazy in some of the things we do, but putting your health on the line just isn’t one of them. A blood clot and the first thing you can thing of is how can I go on? Sorry, but that’s just plain reckless. There’s a line and it’s been crossed. There’s always another race…go get help.
• Sharing a towel (not gross) – drinking out of the same glass (a little gross) – using somebody’s else’s catheter (huh?). I’m sorry, you using that? Mind if I stick it inside me? Do I need to expand?
• He left the course to insert the catheter in his Johncock (I’m sure nobody wanted to see that on the course). He reentered the course and did not take an advantage in the race. Race officials wanted to disqualify him. I’m sorry, an 80 year old man has a blood clot, uses a catheter and finishes the race. Anybody else think the controversy is centered around the wrong thing?

With the recent deaths of long distance runners in big name races, I would think USATF would focus on runner safety before $225 in prize money. We run because we enjoy it and have fun. Nobody should have to mimic Pheidippides and actually die at the end of the marathon.

Fall is officially here. While some of us have races coming up soon (good luck to the Portland and Twin Cities Marathon runners this weekend), others are currently training for winter races. Gone are the dog days of summer and here are the cooler temperatures of fall. Depending on where you live, you’re either in the perfect running conditions or about to enter the more difficult weather conditions. Here are a couple of things to remember:

• With the cooler temperatures you absolutely need to dress the part. Trading out short sleeves for long and shorts for tights/pants is common place but don’t forget the gloves and hats. I usually find gloves at a 99¢ store because there are plenty of times when you get hot and have to ditch the gloves instead of carrying them. If your temperatures are moderate, look at getting a running headband that covers your ears. You’ll find that you won’t overheat while wearing a hat. A simple rule of thumb is to dress so you’re just a little chilly when you step outside. If you’re warm, you’ve got too much on.
• Hydration. For those of us used to running in extremely hot temperatures (i.e. Las Vegas, Phoenix), remember that you won’t need to drink as much water. While hydrating is still important, you’ll find you don’t need as much as you did in the summer. For those of you in the snow, try to keep your liquids out of direct contact with the elements. Try putting a layer of clothing over your bottles or packs.
• Don’t let the elements cancel a run. Yes, that 20 mph clipper out of the north may be barreling down on you – but as long as there are no extreme health risks (below zero temperatures and wind chill) have fun with it. I always find challenging elements a fun test of what you can do in them. As an added bonus, it’s always fun to see the reactions of others when you tell them what you just did.

It may take a little while to grow accustomed to the new weather patterns but keep putting one foot in front of the other and before you know it, you won’t even notice (OK, that’s a lie but it won’t be as hard).