Thursday, March 31, 2022
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Physician shares secrets to Bridge Run success
One of the secrets to finishing the Cooper River Bridge Run is good preparation that happens long before the race’s 8 a.m. start.
Dr. Heather McIntosh, a surgeon with Roper St. Francis Physician Partners Orthopaedics, said two important keys to success are hydration and sleep.
“We find that there are more people in the medical tent that have IVs from passing out and needing to hydrate,” McIntosh said. To avoid dehydration during the race, “take to time to stop and drink water where it’s available.”
She also suggested wearing shoes that are a half size larger than your normal size because your feet will slide back and forth.
“But don’t wear brand new shoes,” added McIntosh, because wearing a new pair for a 6.2 mile walk/run can cause a range of injuries, from blisters to shin splints.
She encouraged Lowcountry residents to participate in healthy outdoor events such as the Cooper River Bridge Run.
“It is important to get back to normal activities post pandemic,” she said. “The key is to have fun and to do your best to be healthy.”
A few additional recommendations from McIntosh for a fun and safe race include:
- A good night’s rest before the run
- Good nutrition
- Stretching before and after the run
All three local TV stations have featured McIntosh talking about Bridge Run preparations. You can watch the segments on Count on 2 and ABC News 4.