When you think of ultimate fitness goals, running a marathon will often make it to the top of the list.  We often think of this activity as being right up there with climbing some of the highest peaks in the world.  After all, it represents being able to run for a long distance and a long time.

Marathon running is a great sport and can be excellent exercise. It takes a substantial amount of very specific training.  After all, running a marathon – particularly if it’s the full length – is no small achievement. That said, even with the most careful efforts in terms of fitness and nutrition, it may not be everything you think it is in terms of your wellness.

Should We Run?

Running a marathon puts immense stress on the body and can also prove to be detrimental to your health. That said, is this stress inevitable?  Should we be giving up on these goals altogether? Or should we give it up?

The answer depends on how much you love it and what you’re doing to prevent these problems from occurring.  Get to know the risks of running a marathon so you can better decide if this sport is for you.  It’s also important to know about them so you can take specific actions to prevent these issues and keep going uninjured.

Swollen Joints in the Leg

If you are not prepared for running a marathon or if you have weak bones, you may develop swelling in the joints. Do keep in mind that a deficiency or a lack of preparation are not the only reasons for swollen joints. Even if you are healthy and fully prepared for the marathon, it could take a toll on your health. In most cases, the swelling is a result of overworking the joints.

Possibility of Heart Attack

Running a marathon is stressful not only for your joints but also for your heart. Your heart supplies fresh blood to your entire body. In normal cases, the heart functions comfortably. However, when you run in a marathon, the heart has to work extra-hard to maintain a steady blood flow.

For people with a strong heart, this may not be a problem. However, individuals who have the slightest cardiac problems can get a heart attack. The best approach is to get yourself checked thoroughly before competing in a marathon. Only if the doctor clears you for running should you participate.

Muscle Strains and Sprains

There is a limit to how much strain the human body can bear. Not every individual is cut out for bearing extreme stress. Running a marathon requires extensive training; and even if you are fully prepared, it can be stressful.

One of the many reasons why marathons are damaging to one’s health is that they can cause muscle strains and sprains. In some cases, the injuries are quite minimal and heal easily. Nonetheless, there are times when the muscle strain or sprain is intense and may even require surgery. This can cause problems for you for the rest of your life, and you should take care not to overexert your body.

Excessive Bloating

Running a marathon requires extra nutrition that cannot always be gained through food alone. This is why runners use supplements to keep their energy levels up during a marathon. Most supplements are excellent, but there are others that cause bloating. The trick here is to use different supplements, months prior to the event, to see which ones suit you best.

Lack of Preparation or Precautions

One of the major reasons marathons can be bad for your health is lack of preparation. Certain participants have conditions that require them to take certain precautions. If they do not, it results in complications.

Be sure to get a thorough checkup prior to participating in a marathon to ensure you do not encounter any issues along the way.  Let your doctor know your intentions to for running a marathon and be sure to discuss all the training you’re doing in preparation.  Let your doctor know both about your physical training and the nutrition changes you’re making to your diet in order to support your performance and muscle building and preservation.

Pay close attention to the advice your doctor has to offer.  If you’re not sure why the changes have been recommended, ask questions.  That way, you’ll be able to prime your body for your big day and avoid illness or injury.