Vacation Safety: Coming 'round the mountain

Megan Roth

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I just returned from a mini-vacation with my college roommates and I’m proud to say, “I survived” (barely, but I did).

Fortunately for us, we had tons of fun and all came back unscathed; however, on my return flight I saw not one, not two, but three individuals in wheelchairs due to accidents that occurred on their own weekend getaways.

No lie, folks: one gentleman broke his ankle skiing, another tore cartilage in his knee while snowboarding and a twenty-something lady broke her femur (in two spots) and mangled her ankle (I chatted with her for a bit and found out she ended up spending three of her four vacation days in the hospital – ick…not my idea of a good time).

Of course, we were in the mountains, so it’s not uncommon for visitors to be active on their weekend getaways.

It’s great, really – there were people jogging, mountain biking and rock climbing everywhere as we drove into the mountains. As we neared the resorts, appearances took a turn and there were skiers and snowboarders everywhere.

Yet, as great as those activities may be, each comes with certain risks in terms of injuries and potential threats.

For example, jogging or mountain biking on rocky terrain obviously increases one’s risks of falling and sustaining injuries; thus, don’t take the road less traveled. You want to stay in an area where you can easily be seen or discovered in the event that you sustain an injury and are unable to move for help.

Also, dress properly for such activities; I was shocked to see numerous bikers without elbow/knee pads (some even went without a helmet). Uh-uh, people – not smart.

Wear protective pads and a properly-fitted helmet; also, dress in bright colors (think road construction orange or fluorescent yellow) so you may be easily spotted by both cars and other bikers alike.

Similarly, you want to dress in bright fashions if you’re running. Mountain getaways provide an excellent opportunity for hiking or jogging on scenic trails; however, the fact that you can see the world for miles from those trails doesn’t necessarily mean the world can see you.

Dress appropriately (as if it’s 10 degrees cooler than it really is), wear bright colors, carry water and a granola bar (or other small snack) and avoid running such trails after dark.

Also, remember that you’re at a higher altitude, which inevitably affects your ability to run as far (the air’s thinner, making it more difficult to breathe). Adjust accordingly.

Five years ago when I was on vacation with my family and went out for my morning jog in the mountains – let’s just say it was not how I wanted to start my day. I was training for a race at the time and had been running almost daily for months. This particular day I was really struggling but couldn’t stop as I had to meet the mileage marked per my training schedule. I pushed and pushed until I eventually could barely stand – let alone run.

I couldn’t figure out why I was struggling: I was well-rested, ate the same breakfast I ate every day, guzzled water and was using the same form. But something wasn’t right: a few miles into my run I was shaking and gasping for breath so badly I couldn’t even stand up. I had to be picked up and taken to a doctor, who explained I overexerted myself as I simply wasn’t taking in enough oxygen.

Darn altitudes. Speaking of altitude, don’t forget the dangers that start at the peak and work their way down. I’m talking ski and snowboarding injuries, which occur frequently and can put a kink in your weekend getaway in more ways than one.

But that’s a whole issue in and of itself. For now, it’s back to reality for me (I’m just thankful I get to walk into my office this morning without a cast…)