Is marathon running unhealthy?

[Anonymous]

My husband has run many marathons, not sure how many but probably around 20. He's decently fast, but not crazy (he's also 42).

The training is so key. His first one he almost collapsed (and was much younger then) - he didn't have enough electrolytes and someone gave him a salt packet as he sat wobbly after finishing.

But yes - the training. His knees crack when he stands. He has had multiple bouts of plantar fasciatis (sp?) and also is mentally destroyed if he can't run for a bit (sickness, minor injury etc). I often worry that it's too much and have secretly been happy there haven't been any during COVID. He still runs, but not at such an insane level.

[Anonymous]

I think running on marathon for 'fun' or to have the accomplishment of having run one is fine/good. Its a big undertaking and a big accomplishment to have done it and if its something that interests you that training for it and doing it is probably really rewarding/awesome.

But I do think that the people who are really into endurance training of all stripes, multiple marathons/ultra marathons/iron mans etc, really sacrifice a LOT to do it and to me it seems like is unhealthy in some way. If they're doing it right physically and training then do they have a healthy home life? If they have a healthy home life are they training enough? If they are somehow managing to do both are they happy mentally? I don't know, there are only so many hours in a week and endurance training requires a LOT ff them, something's gotta give there.

[Anonymous]

Train properly and manage your nutrition and you'll be fine OP. Like a previous poser said, 1/2 marathons tend to be a sweet spot for many in terms of accomplishment and the limits of their physical abilities. I would strongly encourage you to start there and then see if you want to make the jump to a marathon 6 months later

[Anonymous]

Doesn’t seem like a good idea to me. I don’t know why people do it. I’d rather train hard to run 100M in a great time. Kudos to people who like distance running but it’s so boring, bad for your joints, enlarges your heart, and nobody I know who wanted to lose weight did. But if it gets you moving, go for it.

[Anonymous]

My relative who ran many marathons for years needed both feet operated on multiple times by age 60 and now can’t walk two blocks without pain.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think running on marathon for 'fun' or to have the accomplishment of having run one is fine/good. Its a big undertaking and a big accomplishment to have done it and if its something that interests you that training for it and doing it is probably really rewarding/awesome.

But I do think that the people who are really into endurance training of all stripes, multiple marathons/ultra marathons/iron mans etc, really sacrifice a LOT to do it and to me it seems like is unhealthy in some way. If they're doing it right physically and training then do they have a healthy home life? If they have a healthy home life are they training enough? If they are somehow managing to do both are they happy mentally? I don't know, there are only so many hours in a week and endurance training requires a LOT ff them, something's gotta give there.

+1

I used to row competitively and trained a LOT - and have also run one marathon, and too many halfs/10Ks to count. Anything requiring that much training is going to be tough to sustain in a holistically healthy way for anyone with substantial work and family obligations.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think running on marathon for 'fun' or to have the accomplishment of having run one is fine/good. Its a big undertaking and a big accomplishment to have done it and if its something that interests you that training for it and doing it is probably really rewarding/awesome.

But I do think that the people who are really into endurance training of all stripes, multiple marathons/ultra marathons/iron mans etc, really sacrifice a LOT to do it and to me it seems like is unhealthy in some way. If they're doing it right physically and training then do they have a healthy home life? If they have a healthy home life are they training enough? If they are somehow managing to do both are they happy mentally? I don't know, there are only so many hours in a week and endurance training requires a LOT ff them, something's gotta give there.

+1

I used to row competitively and trained a LOT - and have also run one marathon, and too many halfs/10Ks to count. Anything requiring that much training is going to be tough to sustain in a holistically healthy way for anyone with substantial work and family obligations.

As the first poster said, I don't see the harm in running one marathon to meet a goal. It's a lot of training, but doing it once isn't going to cause irreperable harm.

I have run one marathon. My experience bore out a previous poster who said high volume running increases risk of respiratory infections. When I was running long distances I got colds more often than normal and got bronchitis for the only time as an adult. I think the stress on my body did wear on my immune system. But I'm still happy I did it, even though I exercise in other ways now. It is certainly healthier than sitting on the couch.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think running on marathon for 'fun' or to have the accomplishment of having run one is fine/good. Its a big undertaking and a big accomplishment to have done it and if its something that interests you that training for it and doing it is probably really rewarding/awesome.

But I do think that the people who are really into endurance training of all stripes, multiple marathons/ultra marathons/iron mans etc, really sacrifice a LOT to do it and to me it seems like is unhealthy in some way. If they're doing it right physically and training then do they have a healthy home life? If they have a healthy home life are they training enough? If they are somehow managing to do both are they happy mentally? I don't know, there are only so many hours in a week and endurance training requires a LOT ff them, something's gotta give there.

+1

I used to row competitively and trained a LOT - and have also run one marathon, and too many halfs/10Ks to count. Anything requiring that much training is going to be tough to sustain in a holistically healthy way for anyone with substantial work and family obligations.

As the first poster said, I don't see the harm in running one marathon to meet a goal. It's a lot of training, but doing it once isn't going to cause irreperable harm.

I have run one marathon. My experience bore out a previous poster who said high volume running increases risk of respiratory infections. When I was running long distances I got colds more often than normal and got bronchitis for the only time as an adult. I think the stress on my body did wear on my immune system. But I'm still happy I did it, even though I exercise in other ways now. It is certainly healthier than sitting on the couch.

Fair - I think the PP and I were talking about running marathons/Ironmans as a lifestyle, not a one-off. I'm proud of the one full I ran, too, but I also have no need to make them a habit.

[Anonymous]

I’ve run 2 full marathons. Both were injury-plagued. But apparently I’m not smart, because I’m planning another one this fall. I have the chance to run NYC Marathon, I figured I should do it while I’m still able.

This will probably be my last full, although I’ll keep doing half’s. I’m hoping since I’ve lost about 10lbs from the other ones I’ve done, and an more fit in general (I’m more into strength and cross training), and am planning a less intense training schedule, I’ll limit injury.

In general, unless you really love distance running, do 1 if you want to get that accomplishment, then stick to shorter distance races. Half’s are perfect for me, still a challenge but not anywhere near as grueling.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm a runner and I have done both full and half marathons. For me, the best thing about running a marathon is having run a marathon. I do not think it was good for me; I do feel I was pushing my body in an unhealthy way (this could be the opposite for other people, I know). The truth is that I did not enjoy the full marathons and did not feel well after the race, so I don't do fulls anymore.

The half marathon distance is perfect for me, and I feel great after finishing. I also regularly do 10k and 5ks. But I am a self-indulgent creature and I run because it feels good and keeps me in shape. Full marathons don't do much for me in either of those areas.

I second this as a regular HM and 10k runner. The distance is long enough that the training keeps you in shape, but short enough that if you are well prepared it isn't hard on your body. The key is to ramp up very slowly and at the slightest hint of injury to take the time off to fully recover. I would also recommend working with a physio to address the underlying causes of injury if you're dealing with any pain, which are frequently imbalance or weakness in one muscle group over others.

[Anonymous]

I regularly run two marathons per year and I have remained very healthy and I’m now in my 50’s. My knees are fine and I have never gotten respiratory infections from running.

Ramping up slowly is important as is listening to your body. Proper nutrition is important too. Lots of protein and carbs and water. Sunscreen to protect your skin and being fitted for good running shoes. Use a training plan for beginners to get started.

I feel my best mentally and physically when training for marathons and it’s my “me” time. I like how my body looks (I lift weights too) and feel confident.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm a runner and I have done both full and half marathons. For me, the best thing about running a marathon is having run a marathon. I do not think it was good for me; I do feel I was pushing my body in an unhealthy way (this could be the opposite for other people, I know). The truth is that I did not enjoy the full marathons and did not feel well after the race, so I don't do fulls anymore.

The half marathon distance is perfect for me, and I feel great after finishing. I also regularly do 10k and 5ks. But I am a self-indulgent creature and I run because it feels good and keeps me in shape. Full marathons don't do much for me in either of those areas.

You sound like me!

I've done a few, but I did them all before I had kids. I had all the time in the world to train. I'll never have that back, and like you, I get all the joy from a half-marathon with half the damage.

Of course marathon running is not unhealthy, but it requires a lot of training and shouldn't be taken lightly. I got a checkup before I ran my first one just to make sure I didn't have any underlying issues.

[Anonymous]

I think anyone can run a marathon and I don't think it is dangers as long as you don't have any underlying health issues and train properly. Training properly includes building mileage up over a long period of time and having a good running base before starting a specific marathon training program. I do think it is a good idea to cross train and to do some strength training to prevent injuries. I also think some people are better built for marathons than others.

[Anonymous]

Personally I wouldn’t and don’t think they are heathy. The training leading up to them plus the race itself is ..a lot of running. Too much of a good thing. The repeated movement over long term puts a lot of stress and strain on the same points. Plus all that outdoor sun exposure is bad for your skin.

I think the best way and safest way to exercise is doing a variety. This keeps you for over straining any one area. I like doing a mix of runs (some long, some sprints), stair climbing, HIIT classes, Pilates, yoga, and weight training

[Anonymous]

There is physical health and mental health. I think you need to consider both when you think about whether an activity is healthy. Regularly running marathons is probably not the best thing for your physical health. But I'm guessing people who run/train for marathons do it for the mental benefits as well. If you are not enjoying the training/race aspect, then you shouldn't do it. There are better ways to maintain physical health.