Training and the Average Runner's Heart

Does marathon training have heart health benefits for average runner?

By: Elise Craig
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Citation: Craig, Elise. "Does marathon training have heart health benefits for average runner?" Outdoor Magazine. N.p., April 3, 2014. Web. 18 June 2014. <http://www.outsideonline.com/fitness/bodywork/in-stride/running-good-for-your-heart.html>.

This article explained the heath benefits of training for a marathon for both pro athletes and the common runner. The studies were based around middle aged men because they are the most likely to suffer a heart attack while running a marathon. The studies show that men all suffering heart risk factors like high blood pressure or cholesterol after an eighteen week program all had significant health changes. Bad cholesterol fell by 5 percent, and total cholesterol fell 4 percent. Also triglycerides dropped by 15 percent this is a fat made from excess calories after over eating. They are found mostly in the bloodstream and can increase chances of heart disease and stroke. These benefits can generally be obtained by running at least 25miles every week. The article also stated that all runners not only those at risk will be able to obtain the same benefits. So in other words running can prevent heart problems and you can never run too much.

I felt a strong connection to this article because I believe that it is important to know the benefits of active living, and someday I would like to complete a marathon myself. I will probably not be able to obtain this feet until later in my life and the line about middle aged men having greatest risk of heart attack a little frightening. However I know that as long I train well I will have nothing to worry about as well as decreasing the risk of me receiving heart complications. I also think this article can solve some problems in today's society with an increased amount of obesity and heart risk factors. Rather than attempting to fix our problem using technology we can take a more natural root by taking time out of our lives and going for a long peaceful run. If I think about it this could also save many American's a significant amount money do them not having the same health care. Overall I found this article to be important and interesting.

-Eric Grimminck