Is Running a Marathon a Health Risk?

Running tip: Always carry an ID with you when you run. Road I.D. is a great option, but a driver's license or any identification card will do. You just never know what might happen out there.


Did you guys hear about the report that came out today saying that marathoning is a health risk because it stiffens the arteries, thereby stressing the heart? Basically, the study contends that running is VERY good for you - to a point - then it can be dangerous. Despina Kardara, author of the report states, "The cardiovascular system is like a sports car engine. If you do not use it, it will decay, but if you run it too fast for too long, you might burn out."

Take a look at my Examiner article about this study and let me know what you think. Does it change your mind about running long distances, or do you think that this is just one random study that does not apply to you and that the odds are in your favor?

I'm of the opinion that the benefits of running far outweigh the risks. I tend to live my life doing what I love, rather than fretting about every little thing that could happen. This especially applies to something like running that is so advantageous both mentally and physically. I truly don't think I'll die running a marathon. But, I will always go for yearly physicals and blood work and continue to take care of myself in a responsible way. These days it seems you can find any statistic to support or undermine what you do, eat, or drink. Everyone has to find what works for them.

And, to those of you who asked if the paparazzi follows me around me house since I have so many pictures of myself doing odd things, the answer is "yes." I have a paparazzi comprised of my two children who have their own cameras and are bored. That's why I have tons of memories like this (yes, indeed that is me dancing in a French maid's costume. Go figure):

Random pool shot:

Doing what moms do:

Taken by my husband, 'nuf said:

Can't I get some privacy? I mean EVER?

Drinking: H2O

Now You're Just Teasing Me

I should be grateful that I went to the doctor yesterday and he told me I could run. I am seven weeks out from my stress fracture. This is what I've been waiting for, right? Yep, except that I had no clue how gradual it would be re-introducing running to my repertoire. As in:

3x per week, go out for 20 minutes, walk 4 minutes, run 1 minute, repeat

You know it and I know it. It is complete torture to a runner to be taunted with running one minute at a time. One minute!!! Are you kidding me? That's a bad joke. That's like letting Jamoosh, Vanilla and my husband watch only the first three seconds of this video. It's just an unfair tease.

It continues from there. I won't really be running until the end of December. Can't start training for any races until January. My advice to you: never get a stress fracture. It sucks. It takes forever to get on your feet again. If you have to get a stress fracture, get one in your finger or your cheekbone. That way you can still run.

Don't get me wrong. I see the big picture. I know I will be back soon. Just trying to be patient.

I made my son go with me today on my walk/run. Here I am before we left. I am smiling because I am going to run. For. One. Stinking. Minute:

I just wrote another article. This one is most appropriately on the topic of common running injuries. Not that I have that on the brain or anything.

BTW, thanks for all the feedback on whether to sell my marathon bib or not. I am chickening out. It's not worth it to me to take the chance of being forever hated and black balled by the RnR people. I'll just suck it up and hope I find $110 laying on the sidewalk in San Antonio.

Trying to Find the Silver Lining

Today is a day of writing - blogs, articles and an adoption report for work. Yesterday I got an email from someone who works for the Denver Marathon offering me a media pass to the race this weekend for article writing purposes. I am scheduled to have a girl's weekend in Breckenridge complete with wine, hot tub, movies and massages, so I will have to skip the media pass in favor of boosting my mental spirits with two of my very best friends in the whole world (Jamoosh this is where you get all excited about three girls in the hot tub touching one another - I'll take a picture) .

I do, however, have a new article about the marathon in our great city of Denver.

The decision has been made - even though I cannot run the Rock 'n Roll in San Antonio, we will still be going for the event. Our whole family, including my parents, had already bought plane tickets and the hotel was booked. Ken (dear spouse) is running the half, as is my friend, Julie, who was supposed to pace me for the marathon. My parents have never been to one of my races and it meant so much to me to think about them, as well as my husband, kids and dear friend, being there to watch me cross the finish line and to hopefully obtain that coveted BQ. I will admit (selfishly) it will be tough to be the one on the sidelines. I am sure I will be thinking that it should be me out there running and meeting my BQ goal. I do think it is important, however, to sometimes put yourself aside and to cheer others on. After all, it can't always be about me, and shouldn't be. It's important to see the big picture and know that I will be back out there soon enough.

I did have a thought: maybe I could sell my bib to someone really fast and meet my BQ time. So unethical it makes me smile.

Hah, calm down, just kidding.

I want to run myself when I BQ. Just kidding. I can't even run right now. Just kidding. I can run but if I did I would hurt my foot worse and mess my pants. Just kidding. I would try to find a bathroom first. Just kidding. It would be more like a bush. Just kidding. My white ass would stick out of a bush. Just kidding. My ass is not that white. Just kidding. It really is. Just kidding, just kidding, just kidding.

Remind you of something?

Plus, no running means no crapping my pants. See how I find the silver lining?