Stay hydrated...

About five years ago, I made the mistake of not drinking enough fluids before racing around Scottsdale, Ariz., in 110 degree dry heat. After a 5km struggle, I collapsed at the finish line suffering from heat exhaustation. I was rather hysterical. Had a splitting headache. Couldn't see clearly. It was awful.
St. Petersburg, Fla., is not 110, but 85 is still jarring when coupled with humidity. So all week I'm on a strict fluid intake regimen. This means lots of water. LOTS of water. I will be striding through the finish line...not falling across it.
Five days!