Running a marathon is a physical challenge that is no less than any other challenge. People who run consistently and are accustomed to participating in marathons undergo extensive training – accustoming their body and brain to such discipline. But what actually happens to your body when you run such long distances? Here is a proper analysis.

According to experts, because most runners start out at a fast pace – they usually burn through their body’s energy reserves early and get tired faster. Running a marathon is not only hard on your body, but it also affects your biomarkers which fluctuate in response.

In short runs, which you are doing daily, you don’t have to worry much about food or water and hence, longer distances will mean increased sweating and burning more calories because you are on the road for a longer period of time. .

What happens to your body when you run a marathon?

stomach cramps

Experts say stomach cramps are one of the most common complaints when you run a marathon. Although no one is sure why some runners get cramps while others don’t, many doctors believe there may be a neuromuscular problem — caused by a malfunction in the reflexes between your muscles and spinal cord.

While running, cramps are often caused by running too fast, therefore, you should stop and stretch it out as quickly as possible.

heart rate decreases

According to doctors, your heart rate decreases while running a marathon, so it is important to keep going for a while after crossing the finish line. you can Rehydrate with fluids and electrolytes And eat a balanced recovery meal that includes carbohydrates, proteins and colorful fruits.

One study stated that the average heart rate drop of marathon runners immediately after and two minutes after the race was 23.08 beats.

you may become dehydrated

Doctors say an hour into a race is the best time to drink fluids — including water to replenish lost electrolytes. You can drink sports drinks – which contain water and electrolytes – which are minerals that maintain fluid balance and promote muscle contraction in your body. The Cleveland Clinic says that since you lose electrolytes, including sodium, calcium and potassium when you sweat, these drinks support athletic performance.

It also helps avoid hyponatremia – a potentially serious condition in which you become overly hydrated and your sodium drops below healthy levels.

muscle fatigue

Running long distances can cause muscle fatigue – because byproducts of the body’s energy-making processes produce lactic acid, which begins to build up in your muscles, eventually inducing fatigue and pain.

And if you don’t use your muscles effectively when fatigue sets in, it leads to strain, injury and cramps. And hence, the best solution is to train well before taking up the marathon challenge. Experts recommend changing your steps to smaller steps every mile and alternating between larger and smaller steps.

This can cause kidney damage

According to doctors, on marathon day, your kidneys – which are working hard to filter waste from your blood – may suffer mild damage. This happens because your body diverts blood from organs to keep you moving. Additionally, dehydration restricts blood flow through the kidneys.

However, most of the time the kidneys can repair this damage on their own, so not much needs to be done.

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