In shape or fit is several levels below what you describe. Personally, I find running a marathon near lunacy. You may like it, but it's not healthy in the long run.
> You may like it, but it's not healthy in the long run.
I disagree. Not all marathon runners are made equal. Talking about the long run means an extreme training routine that is consistent through a long period of time.
The vast majority of marathon runners are casual runners, rarely logging more than 40km a week. And after a while most simply stop or reduce significantly their training to casual (in terms of intensity) but consistent training.
AFAIK, most research about negative effects of marathon running is related to professional athletes, who have a career in running. Endurance athletes usually start from a very young age, and peak at around 30-40. That's 20 to 30 years of extreme training. And the key aspect here is oxidative stress, which means they are aging faster. There's also a risk that your heart will change in shape to respond to a greater demand, and that may lead to conditions such as arrythmia.
I think I can speak for most of the amateur athletes I know. We're all well aware of the risks. There's just no point in not taking them.
Got to agree on the lunacy. Legend has it that the first marathoner, Athenian messenger Pheidippides, died after running the 26.4 miles from Marathon to Athens and announcing the victory of the Athenian army over the Spartans at Marathon. But he had a good reason to do so.
I disagree. Not all marathon runners are made equal. Talking about the long run means an extreme training routine that is consistent through a long period of time.
The vast majority of marathon runners are casual runners, rarely logging more than 40km a week. And after a while most simply stop or reduce significantly their training to casual (in terms of intensity) but consistent training.
AFAIK, most research about negative effects of marathon running is related to professional athletes, who have a career in running. Endurance athletes usually start from a very young age, and peak at around 30-40. That's 20 to 30 years of extreme training. And the key aspect here is oxidative stress, which means they are aging faster. There's also a risk that your heart will change in shape to respond to a greater demand, and that may lead to conditions such as arrythmia.
I think I can speak for most of the amateur athletes I know. We're all well aware of the risks. There's just no point in not taking them.