Yesterday after the Sole Runners hill interval workout, Patty, one of the runners I coach, said she heard that she might be shortening her lifespan by running marathons and half marathons. This made for an interesting discussion and had me looking for more information.

First of all I am not a doctor, so I am not giving medical advice. Second, I think this is a pretty involved question. Here are my thoughts followed by an interesting post by the “Sock Doc” Dr. Steve Gangemi a chiropractic physician. I’ve been following him for the past year and I think he’s a reasonable and smart guy. With all that said, do your own research, always listen to your body when you are out there training and be safe.

My view: We are all individuals with different make-ups from genetic, physiological, mentally, emotional and spiritual. There is no “One size fits all” answer but some general guidelines. Everyday you take your life into your hands by the choices you make. What works for someone else may or may not work for you. And, we are all going to die someday of something. Find what works for YOU.

Am I shortening my lifespan by running marathons, half marathons, ultras, triathlons and other “crazy” events? Maybe but I try to be smart with my training. I teach ChiRunning because I believe technique makes a big difference. Because I work with so many newer and former athletes, I get to run slower than I would as a weekend warrior, which keeps me aerobic and is easier on my body. Nutrition is another story, and super challenging for me. I love good tasting foods like chocolate, pizza and beer. I still eat my veggies but I struggle being the athlete making great nutritional choices. I generally “Listen to my body” but I am a competitive guy that succumbs to pier pressure. Sometimes I push too hard. Then I have to look at the other stresses in my life: Career, relationships, family, money and so on. So my answer is “Maybe” and I am ok with my choices. Plus, I am a work in process.

I post my Garmin data frequently so you can see my heart rate, speed and times. I want to “Walk my talk.” I use technology in my training but I also listen to my body. Like I said, “This is a pretty involved question.” That’s me. I coach my athletes to do the same, listen to their bodies and be safe. I hope to live the rest of my life in a healthy state.

I just touched the surface and didn’t give you some answers based the research because the Sock Doc’s post addresses it. Think about how you train and your lifestyle choices. I suggest being a little easier on yourself but be consistent. Be safe and have fun.

Sock Doc Training Part V: That Marathon May Kill You?

“A marathon or any event for that matter can be a very stressful to the human body if not prepared for properly, and especially if an unhealthy diet, training, and lifestyle factors are too much for the body to bear. High caliber long distance athletes and sports icons have died, perhaps as a result of their running and other factors.

Jim Fixx, the author of the 1977 best-selling book, The Complete Book of Running, died of a heart attack at the age of 52. Fixx is credited with popularizing the sport of running and demonstrating the health benefits of regular jogging. His autopsy revealed that atherosclerosis had blocked three of his coronary arteries by 70% or more. This lead to the belief by many that running was not as beneficial as once thought. However, Fixx was genetically predisposed (his father died of a heart attack at age 43 and Fixx himself had a congenitally enlarged heart), and had several lifestyle issues – he had a stressful occupation, just went through a second divorce, and was overweight and a smoker before he began running.”

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Train Focused, Steve Mackel – Endurance Athlete Coach