Training for a marathon? Read this
Are you planning on participating in an upcoming marathon? If so, you’ve likely been training for some time. But there may be a few things you haven’t considered. Here are a few tips to keep your heart healthy this race season.
- If you haven’t already, check in with your primary care physician to let them know your plans to train for and participate in the marathon. Scheduling a checkup will give your doctor a chance to ensure your heart is healthy. They’ll measure your blood pressure, discuss your family history and risk of heart disease, and talk through your training plans to make sure you are preparing in the appropriate way for your body.
- Do not skip out on rest and recovery days. Allow yourself time to cool down by building in rest days to give your body a chance to recover from the intense training you are putting it through. Just like the race, training is a marathon, not a sprint.
- If you notice you are experiencing any concerning symptoms either in daily life or when training, including shortness of breath, chest pain or unusual fatigue, be sure to let your doctor know. Never ignore these signs, as they could signal serious health concerns that need to be addressed.
Keeping these tips in mind will help your heart stay healthy from that first lap all the way to the finish line.
Take a free online quiz to learn your risk for heart disease.
Dr. Mahesh Raju is an interventional cardiologist at Advocate Health Care.
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About the Author
Dr. Mahesh Raju is an interventional cardiologist at Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital in Downers Grove, Ill.
