Health risks involved with running a marathon?

Allowing a year is enough time.

Although I don't recommend, them, you can find marathon training programs that take beginning runners to a marathon in 6 months. (I like programs that take a year or so for beginners.)

But, you are already in good condition, and already a runner. This being the case, you could find a program that can train you to finish a marathon in 3 months. So, for you, a year is more than enough time.

The main risks are "overtraining syndrome" and increased risk of injury. These can be reduced by allowing plenty of time to train for a marathon. Increase the distance of your workouts slowly.

Start out by keeping a log: A written record of information about your training. Include the distance you ran, the time it took, how you felt. Record your heart rate when you first wake up in the morning. Record your weight.

For help in increase your distance slowly, follow "Higdon's rule:" Note the number of miles you ran for each of the previous three weeks. Of the three, choose the one with the highest total. Then, this weeks total should be 110% of that *or less*.

Once a month, take a "rest week." This means one in which you cut back on the distances of your workouts.

Eat a healthful, balanced diet which provides enough calories for your training.

Over time, your waking heart rate should go down. If it goes up, take an easy day: Cut back on the distance and/or intensity of your runs. If it is unusually high, take a day off that day.

Do strength training exercises. Keep opposing muscle groups in balance. Distance running works the posterior muscles more than the anterior, so your strength training program should compensate.

Learn to "listen to your body." Heed what it is telling you, and make changes, if needed.

If you manage your training program well, you should have more energy, not fatigue. Your heart should become stronger, not weaker or damaged. Wear shoes suited to your bio-mechanics, and your muscles, tendons, ligaments and bones should become stronger. There should be other improvements in your body's systems, as well.

I've done 19 marathons, and I feel it is worth it. Running an organized marathon is worth it from an emotional, "feelings" side. But, the physical and mental benefits don't come from the actual marathon: They come from the months of training in preparing for the marathon. In other words, the experience of running a marathon is like the icing on a cake; the benefits of training is the cake.

Of course, if you have a heart condition, or other medical concerns, you should consult a physician.

You'll still be young when you're in your 30s. There are a couple of problems though. For one thing, just because you decided you're ready for a kid, it doesn't mean you'll get pregnant right away. It's great to say that between 34 and 35 you'd like a kid, but life isn't that kind to us. Be realistic. You can't plan like that when it comes to kids. Second, what will your love life be like then? Do you plan on being a single mother and get sperm from a bank or do you want a father figure for your kid(s) to have around? Third, what if when you're 30 you decide that you didn't fulfill all your dreams and you want to wait a few more years? You don't have to give up your dreams and goals at all when you become a mother. It's not either/or. You CAN do both, though it is easier when you're single. I don't know if there's any truth to your statement that you will be a better, more patient mother when you're older. It's in your personality. Do you even WANT kids or is this just some goal you'll cross off your list? And remember, how old do you want to be at your child's high school graduation? If you wait until your 40 you'll be 58 while your kid is only 18. The generation gap will be big, your teenager will think you don't understand him/her. It's hard to fight tradition and it's understandable that you'd want to do the opposite of what your told. So you don't have to have kids now, but my advice is, if you really want them then don't wait too long. They'll enrich your life. Blind dates are ok, but don't marry someone so you can have kids. That'll most probably make for a bad marriage and your kids won't thank you for it. As for menopause, i'm not sure. Maybe late 40's or 50's? Everybody's different though. Speak to your doctor. This question is really too weighty for you to discuss with random people though :) Why don't you talk this over to a close friend, boyfriend, or therapist? People who know you and your situation would be able to give you better advice. Good luck!

The health risks are not as bad as you think.

My old coach through high school is apart of one of the greatest running families in US history and has run plenty of marathons and half marathons having over 30 years of running experience.

The only thing he has ever had a problem with is knee pain. ALTHOUGH!! He did run tons of marathons.

Running a marathon won't hurt you. YOU WILL have pains but with the correct rest you will feel better.

BUT!! Everyone is different so don't take my advice 100% but continue researching!

Two half marathons in one big one. dont worry, you will be hurt after the marathon, but with proper rest, you will recover.

its like a half marathon..but like..running two of them