Comments on: WHY MARATHONS MAY NOT MAKE YOU HEALTHY

By: Eric

Eric — Thu, 19 Jul 2012 00:48:15 +0000

Hey Alfonso. In general I like your approach to fitness. You write some great articles. I do disagree with some of what you’ve written here though. You state that, “The fact is the human body is not designed to run long distances, but rather is built for short, quick bursts of energy and speed.” Studies of human evolution and evidence found in skeletal work suggests otherwise. Humans are relatively awful sprinters, but we are unbeatable endurance runners. There was a good review written in nature a few years ago. I’ve included the citation here. I’m not sure whether or not you have access to these articles (I work in a research lab and thus have easy access to scientific journals). Let me know if you can’t get it and I’ll try to help.

Best,
Eric

Nature 432, 345-352 (18 November 2004)
Endurance running and the evolution of Homo

By: Mike

Mike — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 15:14:36 +0000

I would disagree with you on a couple points. The wasted muscle mass and bad posture is not a result of running as it is a result of runners neglecting to train the rest of their bodies. Also, regarding your statement that the human body is built for sprinting contradicts the fact that humans are, among mammals, some of the slowest sprinters yet among the most efficient distance runners. Not trying totally put down this post though, high mileage training and racing should be approached with caution.

By: Name (required)

Name (required) — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 01:12:39 +0000

I agree that running is quite a punishing experience for the body ESPECIALLY they way most western people approach running.
First the wear the wrong shoes,with a big of high heel-that screws up your entire running mechanic.Your running shoes should be flat,comfortable,not tight in any area,especially in the front ,you should have enough space to move all your fingers around comfortably and not feel strained. They should be with a number bigger or so as well, because there are all kinds of forces that needs to be released through your fingers, out of the body.If you restrict that area you disrupt the natural flow of the forces and you get to absorb them all-that’s not good.That makes you a whole lot more prone to injuries.
Second,people run too much on hard concrete,when they should be running more on ground.That again puts an extra strain on everything.
Hope this tips may inspire some.I will post more soon.

By: Dying To Run: The Hidden Health Risks Of Marathons | Angry Trainer Fitness

Dying To Run: The Hidden Health Risks Of Marathons | Angry Trainer Fitness — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 23:12:06 +0000

[...] posts here on Angry Trainer Fitness concerned last year’s NYC ING Marathon. My title – Why Marathons May Not Make You Healthy - incited quite a bit of controversy here on the site – and led to a few insults being thrown [...]

By: Alfonso

Alfonso — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 15:52:32 +0000

Thanks Jen! I’m glad that you enjoy the ATF site.

By: Jen

Jen — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 20:17:15 +0000

Alfonso I think you are awesome, and have great respect for the articles you publish, and thank you for doing so, I have learnt a great deal from your site.

By: Should a 38 Week Pregnant Mom Be Running A Marathon? | Angry Trainer Fitness

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 20:03:53 +0000

[...] indisputable – I wrote all about them in one of my most popular posts here on the site – Why Marathons May Not Make You Healthy. Exercise is all about causing ‘trauma’ to your body – breaking it down so it can then be [...]

By: Ask Alfonso: I Want To Run Faster – But Not Lose Muscle! | Angry Trainer Fitness

Mon, 12 Sep 2011 13:36:31 +0000

[...] run mile after mile, and especially ultra long distances like marathons. Check out my post – Why Marathons May Not Make You Healthy – for more of my thoughts on this [...]

By: Barefoot Running: The Bare Truth! | Angry Trainer Fitness

Barefoot Running: The Bare Truth! | Angry Trainer Fitness — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 21:56:03 +0000

[...] And there’s scientific evidence, as well as real world statistics to back up my points. Check out Why Marathon’s May Not Make You Healthy for more of my thoughts. But regardless of whether I’m right or wrong, people will still run. Now [...]

By: Alfonso

Alfonso — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 04:10:57 +0000

By the way Jimmy- the “crap” tattoo you speak of? It’s my two greatest accomplishments in life- It’s my two sons names with two tribal suns wrapping my left arm and it means a great deal to me.