Do You Really Have to Run a Marathon to Get Healthy?

In January 2020, a new research paper from the Journal of the American College of Cardiology suggested that running a marathon for the first time could have several health benefits. Specifically in the realm of reversing age-related aortic stiffening, which occurs when the elastic fibers within the arterial wall (called elastin) begin to fray due to mechanical stress. This is generally associated with increased cardiovascular disease risk factors and aging.

The purpose of the study was to “determine whether real-world exercise training for a first-time marathon can reverse age-related aortic stiffening.” And, spoiler alert—it did! 

The study concluded that training for and completing a marathon reduces central blood pressure and aortic stiffness. Even at relatively low exercise intensity, the changes observed were the equivalent to a ∼4-year reduction in vascular age.  Even greater vascular rejuvenation was observed in older, slower individuals.

These findings spawned all kinds of sensational headlines like “Want to turn back time? Try running a marathon” or “Ready For Your First Marathon? Training Can Cut Years Off Your Cardiovascular Age.” Those headlines aren't untrue, but they're still telling a different story than I'd like to see them tell. 

But before I get into that, here's a story that may explain why I was so attracted to the idea of writing this article. 

My Pericarditis-a-thon

Back in December of 2003, I got a bit of what was likely viral gastroenteritis (a stomach bug) and was off work for a few days, staying close to the washroom at home ... if you know what I mean. But eventually, I got so sick that the infection moved into my pericardium (the sack around my heart). I had inflammation of the pericardium or pericarditis. 

When I first arrived at the hospital, the medical personnel drew some blood and told me they were concerned that I might have had a heart attack. They sent me immediately for an angiogram. It was there that they deduced that it was not an infarction (blockage) but rather an infection that was causing the chest pains, shortness of breath, and sweating. 

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