Why 3 Marathoners Died in the Detroit Marathon
Have you heard about this?
"A 26-year-old half-marathon runner, and two other runners — a 36-year-old and 65-year-old — died during the event. Though autopsy results are pending, experts say the most likely cause of death while running such a strenuous race is one related to heart disease."
Health professionals also say that this tragedy is most likely a "coincidence" and "fluke" that all three runners died on Sunday. The reporters were also quick to point out that this is a rare occurrence and does not happen very often during a marathon.
It is believed that most marathoners training programs gradually improve their cardiovascular system and as a result prepare their bodies for the 26.2 mile race.
Since this is such a heated topic right now, I’d like to get your opinion on whether or not you think marathon long distance training is healthier than being sedentary most days of the week?
Source: Full Detroit Marathon Story
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Posted by: Temeko | Nov 2, 2009 11:34:09 PM
It is definitely a wierd coincidence. However I think there is too much emphasis on breaking records. People should listen to their bodies. I have had people who have ran over 100 marathons tell me to get my mileage up to 60-70 miles/week to prepare for a marathon. I believe it is totally based on your overall training regimen and not just running regimen. A full strength and conditioning workout 3 times/week better prepares me mentally and physically for the runs. As a newbie just starting in May, I have done 6 marathons in 5 months. It was not because I really trained hard with a lot of running (never more than 40 miles/week for total of 6 weeks) but because of my alternate workouts that focus on quick bursts of energy, core strengthening, and weightlifting. If you experience something wierd, slow down or walk. Beating a record is not as important as overall good health and longevity.
Posted by: Joseph Gentzel | Oct 22, 2009 2:58:23 PM
That is a pretty drastic choice and seems designed to get the answer you want. The answer will not be that simple.
Posted by: Stephen Cabral | Oct 21, 2009 5:37:34 PM
Great comments and I have to say that I agree with points in all of them.
It is most always better to exercise than to be sedentary. But of course, the flip side is that too much intense exercise does damage the body and create higher levels of inflammation within the body.
Posted by: Dan | Oct 21, 2009 11:48:46 AM
Its a shame that tragedy's like this happen. However the original story of the marathon suggests it is enough to kill someone. (The legend states that a soldier was sent from the town of Marathon to Athens to announce that the Persians had been defeated in the Battle of Marathon, 490 BC. It is said that he ran the entire distance without stopping and burst into the assembly, exclaiming 'We have won before collapsing and dying. -Wiki quote)
I guess my point is that making your body run a marathon in a "good" time is basically over-training for most of us, it damages the body. Exercise is good but if its too intense for your body it will damage you. Its the same for weightlifting (trying to lift too much for your body will damage you) and other activities etc.
Posted by: Deanna | Oct 21, 2009 11:07:27 AM
It does sound like a coincidence, but I would be curious to know what similarities that each person had such as, diet, weight, experience level, what kind of training. And length of time training for a marathon. It would be too easy to come to the conclusion of a hidden heart defect. The idea of toxins in the air is also a great theory as well. It is very sad to hear that the 3 runners died trying to reach their own personal goal. Peace be with them.
Posted by: Nick | Oct 21, 2009 7:31:27 AM
Complications due to obesity are the leading cause of preventable death, following tobacco, in the United States. Three people died in connection with exercise and the country sits up. When is there going to be some attention paid to the deaths caused by our sedentary, lazy lifestyle?
Posted by: Elliotjones | Oct 21, 2009 2:19:35 AM
Any running will help to shed the pounds and improve on your cardio. I think that the key is to work out... the people that died in the race was a fluke.
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Posted by: Wilson | Oct 20, 2009 11:16:08 PM
I think I'll just stick to supplementing my lifting program with low to moderate intensity cardio for 30-45 minutes a few days a week. If I ran for long distances, I would likely be as thin as a rail and weak. I would rather maintain a low body fat in combination with a good amount of lean mass.
Posted by: Steve Parker, M.D. | Oct 20, 2009 8:46:35 PM
Long-distance running, even the amount needed to train for a marathon, is generally healthier than being sedentary most days of the week.
These three deaths could be coincidental, but I hope the investigating authorities are considering other possibilities, such as foul play or toxic exposure. The odds are against the "coincidence" theory.
-Steve
