Though running and regular training for the run are extremely good for your health and health of your heart, incidences of death have ignited concern and anxiety over the
intensity of training and participation in such sports.
Reason cited by the medical fraternity and research for such incidences state :
1. The common cause was found to be cardiac arrests. The cause for this being atherosclerosis or blockages in the arteries, myocarditis or coronary spasms and hyperthermia.
2. Over exertion or very intense training leading to rupture of the block with subsequent clot formation and death.
3. Sodium depletion or hyponatremia, though not very common is still a concern.
Follow these steps to prevent calamities:
1. A complete medical check-up before registering for the marathon or for any sport.
2. Always listen to your body. Any signal like unexplained fatigue, chest pain, heartburn, indigestion or breathlessness needs to be heeded, reported and addressed.
3. Maintain a holistic and prudent training regime, a good nutritious diet and a positive attitude towards life in general.
4. First aid and medical services is mandatory on the day of the run at every station
Running for the marathon is a great experience. It has camaraderie, objectivity, competition and heroism. It is a humbling experience and the physical and mental challenges of the preparation and the actual run is an euphoric state of mind that says, ‘I have done it and I can reach for the skies’. It is triumph of the spirit of iCan.
I wish all the runners and well wishers good luck.
