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Running at a Worldcon? Who would do something as nutty as that?
Our toastmaster, Charles Sheffield, has told me there aren't any two groups as mutually exclusive as runners and science fiction fans. He's very nearly right. It's too bad in a way. I think many SF fans would enjoy the benefits of greater physical activity.
But, this isn't really an advocacy piece. I'm writing for those of us who will exercise at Bucconeer.
Bucconeer will be held in Baltimore, a southern US city in early August. People who run outdoors must be prepared for very bad weather. It will not be as hot and humid as Orlando was in 1992, but it could very well be miserable. The key to running in Baltimore in August is to run early in the day. I plan to head out for my daily run between 8 and 9 a.m. This will enable me to complete my six miles before breakfast—and more importantly, before the heat, humidity, and air pollution build up to unhealthy levels.
You may actually see joggers out in late afternoon traffic with temperatures in the 90s. For those of you unfamiliar with the southern United States, this is not a good idea. Between the air pollution, heat, and humidity, running later in the day is likely to do you more harm than good.
There is a lovely park—Druid Hill—only one stop away from the convention via the subway. I plan to use this park early in the morning. I will be posting notices inviting people to join me on my daily run. I'll be easy to spot. Just look for the thin guy with too little hair wearing a t-shirt from some race. Walk up to me and say "Hi—I'd like to go running with you."
What if you don't want to get up that early in the morning? I recommend picking a hotel that has a swimming pool and/or indoor exercise facility. Baltimore and Bucconeer are lucky to have more than one that fits the bill.
I look forward to seeing you at Bucconeer.
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