Marathon training and the hobby of running marathons is such a great pastime. Yet, here are so many misconceptions about the health risks posed by long distance running and marathon training. As a runner of over 15 years I have heard hundreds of times that we were not made to run long distances. I am looking to dispel these myths once and for all
The single most common statement I hear about training for a marathon is this - our bodies are not made to run long distances. The ironic part of the statement is it is often made by individuals who are quite incapable of attempting this feat because of their fitness levels.
The second most common misconception about running and marathon training is that it is bad for your joints. In fact, the exact opposite is true. Running long distances increases blood flow to your joints and increases cartilage repair. The most common issue that leads to joint problems is being overweight; and running fights obesity.
I have also heard that running causes the heart to enlarge. That is also untrue. Marathon training has substantial cardiac benefits including lower blood pressure and increased efficiency. A healthy runners heart has to work less to move the same amount of blood.
Marathon training has a high rate of minor injuries. However, this is most often due to improper techniques in training and does not necessarily imply that the marathon training itself is bad for you.
Running injuries are often due to two distinct factors. The first is increasing mileage too fast without giving your body time to adapt. This results in temporary and usually quick healing injuries.
The other set of injuries I see as a coach are due to inadequate flexibility. No stretching enough and not keeping your muscles limber and loose will cause a minor pull.
Marathon training requires time and a slow, gradual, increase in mileage. Improper training that leads to injury doesn't mean this sport is unhealthy.
Marathon runners are considered some of the healthiest individuals on the planet and have the medical numbers to back it up. So next time someone tells you that running is unhealthy, consider the source and get out and run anyway.
The single most common statement I hear about training for a marathon is this - our bodies are not made to run long distances. The ironic part of the statement is it is often made by individuals who are quite incapable of attempting this feat because of their fitness levels.
The second most common misconception about running and marathon training is that it is bad for your joints. In fact, the exact opposite is true. Running long distances increases blood flow to your joints and increases cartilage repair. The most common issue that leads to joint problems is being overweight; and running fights obesity.
I have also heard that running causes the heart to enlarge. That is also untrue. Marathon training has substantial cardiac benefits including lower blood pressure and increased efficiency. A healthy runners heart has to work less to move the same amount of blood.
Marathon training has a high rate of minor injuries. However, this is most often due to improper techniques in training and does not necessarily imply that the marathon training itself is bad for you.
Running injuries are often due to two distinct factors. The first is increasing mileage too fast without giving your body time to adapt. This results in temporary and usually quick healing injuries.
The other set of injuries I see as a coach are due to inadequate flexibility. No stretching enough and not keeping your muscles limber and loose will cause a minor pull.
Marathon training requires time and a slow, gradual, increase in mileage. Improper training that leads to injury doesn't mean this sport is unhealthy.
Marathon runners are considered some of the healthiest individuals on the planet and have the medical numbers to back it up. So next time someone tells you that running is unhealthy, consider the source and get out and run anyway.
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