Hart's Histories – Recreating the Middle Ages in the Modern World

Episode 1:

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected many hobbies greatly, and the hobby of medieval re-enactment is no different. Unfortunately, but wisely, the event “Road to Rouen” had to be postponed until June 2021. The fire and passion this event inspired in our groups throughout the Midwest and the Northeast were extraordinary. In order to keep that passion alive, I envisioned a virtual 14th Century Round Table to bring those groups together and foster further discussion, education, and inspiration in the months leading up to the rescheduled event. With the help of Duke Laurelen, Duke EikBrandr, Sir Crispin, and Baroness Gianna Nicole Vettori, this vision recently became reality. In the first episode, special guests Dukes EikBrandr and Laurelen of the Middle Kingdom discussed “Vision and Breathing, OR not in a Bascinet” and “Building Period-Appropriate Arming Garments” respectively. Their presentations were absolutely fantastic, providing both in-depth knowledge and practical application. Be sure to subscribe to our Youtube channel as there will be an episode about every four weeks covering both martial and artisanal subjects. Enjoy!
The 14t Century Round Table Episode 1

Every fighter of every art all has one enemy in common, one that can end a day quicker and more brutal than any shot from another fighter. Of course, I am speaking about dehydration. Dehydration can cause a good day to end a lot quicker than one would want it to, merely because without proper hydration, the body will shut down, and not be able to continue with what you want it to do. And at least in my martial art, that being the Society for Creative Anachronism, the out of doors event season is quickly coming, so knowing more about dehydration is key to enjoying your time on the field.

Even mild dehydration causes a detriment to athletic performance. In fact, studies show that “…decrements in physical performance in athletes have been observed under much lower levels of dehydration, as little as 2%. 38 Under relatively mild levels of dehydration, individuals engaging in rigorous physical activity will experience decrements in performance related to reduced endurance, increased fatigue, altered thermoregulatory capability, reduced motivation, and increased perceived effort. 40, 41.” (See Water, Hydration and Health, by Barry Popkin, Kristen E. D’Anci and Irwin H. Rosenberg [Inline citations theirs.])

14th Century Round Table

Dehydration: The Common Enemy