The benefits of marathon running
More people in the UK are now taking part in marathons, reflecting increasing awareness of the significant benefits it can bring to their health. In this blog, we’ll provide an overview of the main advantages of endurance running.
There are many reasons why people take up marathon running, whether charity fundraising, improving personal fitness or simply the satisfaction of fulfilling a seemingly impossible goal.
Completing a race is, in itself, a triumph over adversity and a major achievement. It may be the toughest physical endurance activity of your life, but it comes with rich rewards. With the right preparation, anyone can (and should) consider a marathon training schedule.
As an aerobic workout, even just a few minutes of running is good for your body. It lowers your blood pressure, cholesterol and the risk of cardiovascular and heart disease, helping your heart pump more efficiently. Your bones and joints, too, can benefit from high impact running, by helping to improve bone density. Through this, runners are less susceptible to osteoporosis and arthritis, particularly in later years. An active body also burns calories, helping you stay fit and slim.
On a more psychological level, marathon running helps people to set and achieve personal goals, enhancing motivation and productivity. It releases endorphins and boosts levels of serotonin, resulting in stress reduction and more positive moods. Indeed, running has been shown in tests to improve cognitive health in people as they get older, increasing creativity, resilience, sleep patterns and life expectancy.
To get the best advice and marathon running tips, contact Maximum Mileage Coaching today for help setting up a suitable marathon training plan.
