Endurance sports are not new, with the first marathon thought to have been in 490 BC. Their popularity has skyrocketed over the last decade. Many athletes have turned to increasingly extreme endurance sports. Some are organized events, while others are self-supported feats of stamina and navigation. These include ultramarathons up to hundreds of miles in length, multisport events such as triathlons, timed distance biking or running races that span multiple days, and attempts to achieve the “fastest known time” of a trail or a route to climb one or more mountains. Well-meaning loved ones and healthcare providers may be concerned about the apparent fanaticism of many of these endeavors, but athletes achieve mental and physical health benefits. These activities can often be relatively safe and “fun” with some thorough preparation.
In general, the essential aspects to consider are:
- Training
- Nutrition
- Gear
This is the first in a series of posts around this topic. Stay tuned to learn more about the healthiest approach to each of these from my perspective as a Nurse Practitioner and an endurance athlete.