Stay Healthy By Running in Marathons
Fun runners taking part in the 2006 Bristol Half Marathon (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
With the advent of 21st century, Marathon sports sprung to popularity. Pick up the statistics, and you will know how the number of Marathon runners and finishers have mushroomed across the globe over the years. An Egyptian ran the first marathon after they won a battle, running for a complete twenty-five miles before reaching the destination.
While earlier, the event only attracted the hardcore trainers and athletes who wished to race the clock or other racers, marathon running has now also exerted a pull on people with a gentler approach. These marathon runners usually run either to complete the target for the finisher’s medal or to raise funds for a charity. Strangely, most of them do not come from an athletic or running background. This lack of traditional training schedules or programs among the marathon entrants can serve as a drawback. As a result, health becomes a significant factor in the marathons. Because without a fit body and good health, many of these marathon participants might just break down, not even making to the beginning line, forget the finish. For years, major speakers have debated and discussed the effects running a marathon can have on the human body. While some like to favor this, others go on opposing it.
A crucial thing to remember before participating in a marathon is that it is not meant for amateurs unless it is just a small cross-country run with some charitable purpose. It is a sport that needs patience, maturity , perseverance and persistence. Apart from possessing all these personality attributes, a marathon runner must also train and practice for around six months before getting into the first marathon. Like other activities, this too demands training, correct build and skill for the same.
Marathon sports can boost your health if you run it correctly. Otherwise, it can bring severe or sometimes even fatal consequences. Read on to learn the three ways in which running a marathon can affect your health.
Creating Your Aerobic Potential
Marathon running encourages your muscles, tissues and cells to efficiently use the oxygen from your bloodstream. Gradual training and improved aerobic capacity assist the marathoner in training his muscles and the smart utilization of the energy. Such an energy balance strengthens the immunity and other metabolic activities, thereby promoting good health.
Endorphin Release
Due to increased aerobic capacity, marathon runners usually release higher quantities of Endorphin in their body system. Endorphin is the basic and the most effective component which the body employs to combat pain and uplift positive thoughts and rejuvenation of mind. Even after the marathon, the Endorphin release remains in the blood stream for some time thereby promoting feelings of pleasure, excitement and satisfaction among the participant.
Prevents Diseases
When a marathon entrant is not trained or accustomed to sporty lifestyle, then he or she is more likely to face cardiovascular problems on account of not so healthy body system. This would be actually true for any sport or exercise. But if the mind is in your prime and can readily cope with the marathon stress and your body is trained enough to combat the race, then marathon running can actually aid in strengthening the lungs and heart by forcing them to work up till their full potential. In this way, marathon sports can provide the organs with an opportunity to function more effectively and better. Furthermore, on account of a smoothly functioning organ system, the body keeps on receiving the continuous supple for essential nutrients as needed to continue the run.
Due to these reasons, health is given utmost importance in marathon sports. Because this is such an activity that can either build or break your health at extreme levels.
Author Bio:
Eva Leo has been an active participant in marathon sports since seven years at http://www.steinmetzgaboronemarathon.com/ . She has been a national level athlete and holds a recognition in the same. Apart from being a fitness fanatic, she enjoys cooking and walking with her here dogs.
Category: Health
