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Strange But True Side Effects Of Running A Marathon

By Tylie Eaves
Published on: 16:14 PST, Apr 17, 2016

Some of us are runners. Some of us are not. Some of us like to believe we are runners, when in reality we’re barely joggers. And then there are those of us who dress as though we run, but the only thing that could actually get us to run would be a pending attack by a swarm of killer bees. And finally, there are those of us who are not only runners, but part of the elite – marathon runners.

Running a marathon (26.2 miles) does weird things to the human body. That list of weird things is something only those elite runners, who choose to run distances most people elect to drive, will have the unique opportunity to experience. Recently, a report from Boston highlighted to some of the strange but true side effects associated with running a marathon. If you’ve been toying with the idea, you may find these factoids helpful, and in some cases, you may just find them to be deal breakers. For the record, should the possibility of these strange side effects turn you off from running, you are more than welcome to join this writer on the sidelines, as she sips a latte and cheers for those faithful elite who trudge toward the finish line with their nipples taped.

Yes, that’s right – taped nipples. Believe it or not, the first strange but true side effect of running a marathon is bloody nipples. In fact, every year, an unfortunate handful of runners are seen plodding down Boylston Street bleeding from their nipple areas. To prevent this problem, many men elect to put adhesive bandages or duct tape over their nipples to prevent the chafing.

Which brings us to our next gem – chafing. Chafing is a common runners’ problem. It is most prominent on the insides of the legs where a runner’s shorts rub together as his or her thighs move back and forth. The best way to prevent this problem is a more strategic and intentional wardrobe choice. Many people choose to utilize an anti-chafing rub or Vaseline. And, it should be noted, the thighs are not the only location chafing takes place. It is also recommended that runners use prevention from chafing under their armpits as well as on their nipples.

Speaking of strategic wardrobe choices, runners should consider the possibility of runner’s diarrhea when choosing an ensemble for marathon day. Yes friends, runner’s diarrhea is a very real thing. The combination of nerves, excitement, the jostling of stomach contents, and the fact that running pulls blood away from the runner’s legs and intestines makes runner’s diarrhea a fairly common occurrence when running a marathon. In fact, it’s recommended that runners consider carrying some toilet paper on their 26.2-mile journey. It likely wouldn’t be a pleasant experience, and it may ruin your run time to make an emergency visit to a porta potty en route and find yourself without the essential tools.

Another component to consider during your wardrobe planning is footwear. Well-fitting socks and running shoes will go a long way toward preventing blisters, which are the next item on our list. Socks that bunch up or don’t wiggle away moisture can create terrible friction that results in blisters in places you never thought possible. The same is true for ill-fitting shoes. It has been suggested that rubbing Vaseline on one’s feet may help avoid blisters while running a marathon.

As if blisters weren’t bad enough, the next strange but true side effect on our list is the infamous black toenail. Believe it or not, black toenails are common among long-distance runners. Black toenails are most often caused by shoes that don’t fit properly, downhill running, or wet sneakers that allow the foot to move around inside. It’s recommended that runners choose shoes that fit their biggest toe. But it’s important to recognize that your first toe may not be your biggest toe. It’s also recommended that runners who plan to trek the full 26.2 miles wear shoes that have been worn before and are somewhat broken in. It’s not smart to wear shoes that were purchased the day before running a marathon.

Finally, runners can expect some fairly normal side effects that include excessive sweating, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing and will keep the body cool during the long journey, and hitting the wall. It is not uncommon for runners to nigh on fall out halfway through a race as a result of depleted glycogen. It’s recommended that long-distance runners stay hydrated and fuel up using sports drinks or gel every 40 minutes or so while running a marathon.

So, what do you think? Are you among the dedicated elite who are willing to pay these costs and more for that 26.2?

[Photo by Roy Rochlin/Getty Images]

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