A clydesdale no more!

May 02, 2024

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Location:

Woods Cross,UT,USA

Member Since:

May 01, 2006

Gender:

Male

Goal Type:

Age Division Winner

Running Accomplishments:

Current Running Life:
5k: 17:50 (2010 NSL)
10k: 38:20 (2007 Des News)
1/2 Marathon: 1:23:30 (2009 Provo Half)
Marathon: 2:53:46 (2007 St George)

Short-Term Running Goals:

Long-Term Running Goals:

Personal:

Daddy to 3 great kids - 16 year old son and 11 year old twin daughters

I do not know what tomorrow will bring but I do know it will start with a run.

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Miles:	This week:	0.00	Month:	0.00	Year:	0.00
Saucony Grid A2 Lifetime Miles:						125.40
GoRun2 Lifetime Miles:						53.70
Adrenaline 2014 Blue (1) Lifetime Miles:						442.70
Adrenaline 2014 Red (1) Lifetime Miles:						429.20

Tue, Dec 12, 2006

Slow miles	Fast miles	Total Distance
11.00	0.00	11.00

Ran the Davis loop this morning which has a decent climb for the first 3 miles then rolling hills for the next 4, downhill the next 2 then flat to slightly up the last 2. Didn't sleep very well last night so I have been a little tired. The run felt good. I bruised the second toe on my left foot during my downhill run last week. The toenail is turning black and I hope that it falls off soon.

Avg HR = 154

Total Time = 1:24:48 (7:43/mile)

After reading about the guy who died during the Tucson Marathon (

http://www.durangoherald.com/asp-bin/article_generation.asp?article_type=news&article_p ath=/news/06/news061211_2.htm ) I have been reconsidering this whole marathon thing. This is the 6th death during a marathon in the US this year. I usually read these articles and just assume that the person didn't prepare properly, jumped into marathons too soon and had a bad heart anyway. This guy has run 30 marathons, twenty something ultra marathons and was on pace for a sub-3 through 21.5 miles. The benefits of running are indisputable but I wonder if training for and running marathons is too much of a good thing? Do I make Boston my last marathon or try for a sub-3 in the fall 2007? While I love running, I don't want to die doing what I love.

Comments

From Bill on Tue, Dec 12, 2006 at 08:19:25

Andy:

Im 42 and have wondered if running is worth the risk. But I have considered the alternative. I could die in bed. in a accident.. ETC ETC. I would rather Die doing what I love on my terms. You will love Boston. and want more.

From Paul Petersen on Tue, Dec 12, 2006 at 08:27:39

When you consider the sheer volume of people that run marathons and other races (millions), the probability of dying during a race is very low. You would probably have a better chance of dying in car accident as you would dying because of a race. I don't think it's risky behavior. Life insurance people don't either, because they never ask on applications if you are a marathoner or not.

From Kerry on Tue, Dec 12, 2006 at 09:24:44

Running can't prevent heart disease (which remains the leading cause of premature death), but it can do a lot to improve your chances. While there are some superfit runners that still develop coronary artery disease, preparing for a marathon greatly reduces most of the risk factors.

As Bill mentioned, you have to consider the alternative. I got serious about running after my younger brother died of a heart attack at age 44 (my father had bypass surgery when he was younger than I am). I've now completed six marathons (qualifying for Boston this year) and I'm showing no sign of heart disease. My doctor has even told me that I don't even need to come in for an annual checkup any more. If you have a family history of heart disease, work with your doctor to develop a course of treatment.

From Zac on Wed, Dec 13, 2006 at 06:02:02

Something to consider is whether the concern about dying from a heart attack while running a marathon is a geniune fear of yours or simply an excuse to stop doing something that may not be your favorite thing in the world. It's possible that marathons have lost there appeal. If you believe this is the case, there are many other types of races to run, such as half-marathons, 5 & 10ks, etc. or you could try some biking to break up the monotony.

I would never encourage letting a good fitness routine go; this is a life-time commitment, but sometimes you just need to allow yourself a change. Often what will happen after a short break you'll jump back into what you were doing before.

I might be completely wrong but I just thought I'd share my thoughts.

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