There 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.
Often the most common objection I hear in regards to marathon training is made by individuals who are out of shape and quite incapable of running at all. The statement that our bodies were not made to run long distances is not only untrue, but it is often a statement made to excuse the unwillingness to try.
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.
Injuries are common in marathon training. There is no disputing this notion. However running injuries are not due to the sport being bad for you, and this alone does not mean running is unhealthy.
Marathon training injuries are due, primarily, to two distinct factors. The first is usually a mistake made on behalf of the runner and they increase their total weekly miles too fast, causing injury.
Another common mistake I see is runners not spending enough time stretching and limbering up. Without stretching and proper warm up and cool down you are almost certain to undergo a minor muscle strain.
Marathon training requires time and a slow, gradual, increase in mileage. Improper training that leads to injury doesn't mean this sport is unhealthy.
Some of the healthiest individuals are those that regularly undergo marathon training. So now that you know that it is in fact good for you there are no more excuses. So get out there and do some running.
Often the most common objection I hear in regards to marathon training is made by individuals who are out of shape and quite incapable of running at all. The statement that our bodies were not made to run long distances is not only untrue, but it is often a statement made to excuse the unwillingness to try.
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.
Injuries are common in marathon training. There is no disputing this notion. However running injuries are not due to the sport being bad for you, and this alone does not mean running is unhealthy.
Marathon training injuries are due, primarily, to two distinct factors. The first is usually a mistake made on behalf of the runner and they increase their total weekly miles too fast, causing injury.
Another common mistake I see is runners not spending enough time stretching and limbering up. Without stretching and proper warm up and cool down you are almost certain to undergo a minor muscle strain.
Marathon training requires time and a slow, gradual, increase in mileage. Improper training that leads to injury doesn't mean this sport is unhealthy.
Some of the healthiest individuals are those that regularly undergo marathon training. So now that you know that it is in fact good for you there are no more excuses. So get out there and do some running.
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