Daily marathon running for a week-the biochemical and body compositional effects of participation

TY - JOUR

T1 - Daily marathon running for a week-the biochemical and body compositional effects of participation

AU - Karstoft, Kristian

AU - Solomon, Thomas

AU - Laye, Matthew J

AU - Pedersen, Bente K

PY - 2013/11

Y1 - 2013/11

N2 - Although long-distance running, such as ultramarathons and multistage races, is increasingly popular, it maybe potentially harmful to health, despite sparse evidence. We studied 8 experienced recreational runners participating in a multiple-marathon running event in which 7 marathons were completed on consecutive days. Fasting blood chemistry and body composition were assessed before and 20-24 hours after the race. The total finish time for the 7 marathons ranged between 23:25:42 and 34:25:21 (hours:minutes:seconds). Only minor increases in circulating skeletal muscle cell damage markers, liver cell damage markers, and inflammatory markers occurred after the race. No other significant adverse biochemical effects were observed. The homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance decreased markedly, and an improved lipid profile was found. A decrease in fat mass and increase in lean body mass was observed, resulting in no overall weight changes. In summary, the race did not cause any major adverse effects, whereas some traditional markers of cardiovascular disease improved acutely after the race.

AB - Although long-distance running, such as ultramarathons and multistage races, is increasingly popular, it maybe potentially harmful to health, despite sparse evidence. We studied 8 experienced recreational runners participating in a multiple-marathon running event in which 7 marathons were completed on consecutive days. Fasting blood chemistry and body composition were assessed before and 20-24 hours after the race. The total finish time for the 7 marathons ranged between 23:25:42 and 34:25:21 (hours:minutes:seconds). Only minor increases in circulating skeletal muscle cell damage markers, liver cell damage markers, and inflammatory markers occurred after the race. No other significant adverse biochemical effects were observed. The homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance decreased markedly, and an improved lipid profile was found. A decrease in fat mass and increase in lean body mass was observed, resulting in no overall weight changes. In summary, the race did not cause any major adverse effects, whereas some traditional markers of cardiovascular disease improved acutely after the race.

U2 - 10.1519/jsc.0b013e318289e39d

DO - 10.1519/jsc.0b013e318289e39d

M3 - Journal article

C2 - 23442274

SN - 1064-8011

VL - 27

SP - 2927

EP - 2933

JO - Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research

JF - Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research

IS - 11

ER -