a little too much
An STS event today at Streets of Willow Springs. In the middle of the desert. High of 104 today. I used to be pretty heat-tolerant. But evidently not so much any more. I was scheduled to have a student all day, but instead had a "check out" ride with a PCA licensed guy. I did my run session (in my driving suit...heavy and hot), then hopped directly in his car for his check out ride (our run sessions were back to back). Was feeling hot, but OK. Waited for my next session trying to stay hydrated, and the check out ride guy said he'd like instruction if I was willing...which I always am, as I like to pass on what I've learned in the past.
Took him out as a passenger on my run session, then dropped him off in the hot pits with a couple minutes to go so i could get a fast lap (second session times count, and a passenger adds a second or three to your times...and the track was already slick and slow from the heat). I got the checkered, headed in, got out to check pressures and quickly drink some water, then climbed into his car for his second session.
At that point, I was overheated...I could feel it. The driving suit was killing me. I should have switched to long pants and long sleeve shirt (that is legal for an STS). It also was uncomfortable in his car because i had no headroom and had to duck my head due to my helmet. After about 5 minutes I started to feel motion sickness. I've always feared this would happen when instructing, as I'm prone to it. But in a year of instructing this was the first, and almost entirely due to the heat I think. I tried to tough it out, but after about 15 minutes of a 20 mintue session, I had him pull into the hot pits to let me out. Luckily he was doing fine and really didn't need me in the car to be safe.
I peeled off my suit and tried to rehydrate but it was too late. Once I get nausea like that, it is game over for the day. I got into the shade, sipped liquids, put ices on my neck and head, but my day was done. Well, almost...I had to get home. I sucked it up, packed it up, and hit the road. It sucked. But eventually I hit LA, and dropped over the Sepulveda pass to lower temps. And home sweet home. And a shower. And a couch. And qualifying from the Canadian GP. Dozing on and off during the rest of the afternoon, finally able to eat some food. Now some pasta, then the couch, then bed. Then wake up early and try again tomorrow...