I have been chewing on the theme - running too far and too fast has short and long term health consequences - of this video most of the afternoon.
I regularly reassure myself (and my worried wife) that running is better for me than not running. That the risk of a heart problem, while possible, is not highly probable and that many of the same or different risks come from a sedentary existence.
For now the best I can do is recommend watching this video, reading Born to Run, and join me in enjoying an outstanding Central Wisconsin Brewery Mud Puppy Porter.
Thanks to Dr. John M. for sharing this video on his blog.
I've seen this as well. I've also seen the BS headlines about one foot in the grave and running kills. The popular media has really twisted this story, showing - once again - that we have a serious lack of science education in the USA.
ReplyDeleteA better source of information is this review article: http://download.journals.elsevierhealth.com/pdfs/journals/0025-6196/PIIS0025619612004739.pdf
If the dire warnings are true it doesn't take in the total benefits of exercise. If the endurance athlete is going to die at the same age as the couch-bound sloth they will have lived a better life. In general the athlete will have better mental health, social interactions, self-esteem and general health. The quality of life will be better. The jury is still out on quantity of life, but I'd rather live better, then live longer.