In the last week of March, a marathon took place in Seoul. Mr. Lee, a participant in his 40s who aimed to complete the race, suddenly collapsed just 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) from the finish line.
After being rushed to the hospital, he was diagnosed with sudden cardiac death, leaving his family and friends in shock. Although his record shows no significant medical history, he had recently been experiencing fatigue and chest discomfort. While exercise is generally good for health, there are crucial facts you need to know before lacing up those running shoes.
Marathon running is an intense endurance sport that pushes your body to its limits. It dramatically elevates your cardiovascular function quickly, putting your body under much more stress than usual. Long-distance running, in particular, can be tough on your heart and blood vessels, not to mention the impact on your muscles and joints. Anyone with pre-existing health issues must get a thorough medical check-up before taking on such a challenge.
First things first, if you have a heart condition or have previously suffered from a myocardial infarction or angina, marathons are a big no-no. Pushing your already stressed heart through hours of intense exercise could lead to life-threatening complications like arrhythmia, heart failure, or cardiac arrest. Even if heart disease runs in your family, getting an EKG or echocardiogram before hitting the pavement is smart.
Got high blood pressure? You’ll need to be extra careful, too. Intense exercise can cause your blood pressure to skyrocket, which is especially dangerous if you have weak blood vessels. You could be risking a stroke or other severe cardiovascular disease. Many runners who collapse during races are experiencing hypertensive emergencies. If your blood pressure is well-controlled with medication, you might be okay to participate, but getting your doctor’s green light is essential first.
People with diabetes aren’t off the hook, either. Energy-intensive activities like marathons can cause your blood sugar to plummet dangerously low. If you’re on insulin or blood sugar-lowering medications, you’re at high risk for hypoglycemic shock during the run. This risk is even greater for morning races when you start on an empty stomach. If you have diabetes and still want to run, you’ll need to monitor your blood sugar like a hawk and fuel up properly. And please, don’t attempt long solo runs.
If you’re dealing with joint or spine issues, marathon running can be a recipe for disaster. Existing problems like knee cartilage damage, herniated discs, or plantar fasciitis can get way worse from the repetitive pounding. Running with poor form for hours on end? You could end up with joint damage that’s tough to bounce back from. If this sounds like you, consider swapping the marathon for lower-impact cardio like walking or swimming.
Here’s a group that often flies under the radar: middle-aged folks who haven’t exercised in years. Jumping straight into marathon training can overwhelm every system in your body – muscles, heart, lungs, and even your ability to regulate body temperature. Without proper preparation, you’re risking dehydration, heat stroke, muscle rupture, or even cardiac shock. To safely tackle a marathon, you need at least 2-3 months of consistent training to prepare your body for running.
And let’s not forget about temporary health setbacks like anemia, electrolyte imbalances, or infections. These might seem minor, but they can seriously impact your performance and safety during a marathon. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking, “I’ll just tough it out and finish.” That mindset could land you in the hospital instead of crossing the finish line. Marathon running isn’t just about willpower – it requires serious preparation and an honest assessment of your physical condition. If you dream of conquering those 42.2 kilometres (26.2 miles), start by tuning into what your body tells you.
