Effects of Marathon Running
November 1, 2011 | Sports
A marathon is considered to be a race between competing athletes run over distance exceeding approximately 43 Km or 26 miles. For any runner to run over such a distance then considerations have to be given to general fitness and health, with not the least consideration being the effect of marathon running on the body.
The main effects will be felt by muscles, bone and the heart. Let us just see what is involved in long distance running.
- General Health. There is no direct evidence that marathon running is either beneficial or not to the body. It is certain that any long distance runner must stoke up on carbohydrates prior to the event to provide the necessary energy, and to ensure that supportive footwear is worn to prevent injury.
- Effect on Bones. Studies have indicated that there is no adverse effect caused to bone tissue by long distance running, and certainly no structural change has been noted in any calcaneus bone mass. Bones are continually being reformed, and it has also been found that lighter forms of exercise actually decrease the degree of bone reformation and cell formation, whereby strenuous exercise like marathon running actually increases such bone development processes.
- Effect on Muscles. There would seem to be no long term adverse effect on the muscles of the marathon runner. Following a race, most competitors will experience some muscle inflammation. Periods of light training again do tend to reduce such inflammation.
- Effects on the Heart. Investigations have repeatedly shown that the heart muscle is not affected adversely, by any healthy runner, who is sufficiently trained to take part in such an event. The case may be different for runners who have an undetected heart condition, but it is not practical to carry out screening of all entrants! The risk for all runners of suffering a cardiac arrest during a marathon have been assessed as being lower than for a middle aged person conducting a normal lifestyle.