Running, you love it or you hate it. Anyone who enjoys running has probably contemplated running a marathon. Doing such a marathon is a physical activity and should therefore be very healthy. But how healthy is it really to walk 42 kilometers in one day? We looked it up for you. Read on!
Also read: Drinking too much water is also not good for you: why you should be careful about ‘overhydrating’
Is running a marathon healthy for you?
Although you would think that (enthusiastic) running only has positive effects on your body, the situation is a little different. Yes, running is a healthy physical activity, but it also has its disadvantages. Especially if you decide to train for a marathon and actually run it. Because, 42 kilometers and 195 meters, isn’t that a bit too much to ask of your body?
Attack on your body
Non-runners shouldn’t even think about running a marathon. Still, this bucket list activity is one that more and more people are signing up for. Exercise physiologist Thijs Eijsvogels tells RTL Nieuws about this: “Running a marathon is a great challenge, and certainly the journey leading up to it. The training and preparation ensure that you adopt a healthy lifestyle.” This exercise physiologist has nice words for the activity, but also recognizes the negative sides of a marathon. “If we look at the marathon itself, it is really an extreme effort and an attack on your body. Think of overheating, damage to muscles and joints and in extreme cases it can cause heart problems.”
Health benefits
Why would you choose to run a marathon? According to Thijs Eijsvogels, the health benefits are mainly in the period before the marathon. “You will train more, you will improve your fitness and you will probably lose some weight. In addition, the long-term risks of developing cancer and diabetes, for example, decrease.”
All in all, running a marathon can have many advantages, but if something goes wrong (during training or the race itself), things can really go wrong. Our advice: try to push your limits, but certainly don’t go beyond them. An injury is an injury and sometimes quitting is ultimately better than continuing. If in doubt, definitely consult your doctor or physiotherapist.
