Run and survive: through which passes the test body during a marathon

Marathon - a victory over himself, and in the literal sense of the word. For several hours, the athlete becomes the worst enemy of his body, forcing him to go through hell.

Body temperature rises to feverish

Marathon runners begin with Body temperature about 36,6 ° C. By the end of the race body temperature rises to an average of 38,8 ° C, which is similar to the state of the organism at a fever.

The higher the temperature of the body, the higher the load on the heart, it is forced to operate in emergency mode to ensure the smooth flow of blood to the muscles. In this case, the blood rushes to the skin to cool it, and muscles, respectively, gets smaller.

After the race, when the sweat on the skin begins to cool, the body temperature drops dramatically and the athlete is at risk of hypothermia. Therefore marathon runners after the race is often wrapped in blankets isothermal Mylar.

Kidney Shot

In a study publishedKidney Injury and Repair Biomarkers in Marathon Runners. in the journal American Journal of Kidney Diseases, presented data that 82% of runners immediately after the marathon found the first stage of acute renal failure - a condition in which the kidneys no longer filter out toxins and prevent them from entering the blood.

Renal failure can occur as a result of the outflow of blood from the kidneys during run in conjunction with dehydration and fever.

Unfortunately, it is unknown whether a violation of the kidneys leads, which is stored in athletes during several days after the marathon, to further problems. Most runners acute renal failure took place within two weeks. After this period, the observations of renal function is not performed.

Energy consumption is close to a critical

At the beginning of a marathon runner consumes about 150 kcal per hour. Then, this number increases to 700-800 kcal per hour. In the human body there are up to 500 g of glycogen, or to 2000 kcal, which organism may be prepared from glucose by processing glycogen reserves. The average per kilometer jogging consumes about 63 kcal. So, after about 32 km of the entire stock of the glycogen is used up. This is familiar to every marathoner "wall" - the mark at which you feel as if your leg muscles and refused to run longer possible.

In the state of glycogen depletion athlete's body begins to produce energy from fat and protein. There are ways to break through the "wall": for example, experienced athletes are training to run the first part of the marathon slow, At a constant pace. In this part of the energy is taken directly from the fat reserves of the body and the glucose consumption is reduced to 50 kcal per kilometer, saving a bit of glycogen for finishing the cast.

Many athletes two days before the marathon go on high carbohydrate diet. In addition to all the charms of the "wall", there is another reason why the runners are trying to avoid complete depletion of glycogen.

Hypoglycemia, or a critical reduction in blood sugar levels, in some cases, can be fatal.

That's why many marathon runners during the race underpin strength special energy gels and drinks with high sugar content.

Changes in the heart and blood vessels

Scientists have found that during the race chamber of the heart expands unevenly: the main burden falls on the left ventricle. The researchers also noticed that the runners in heart muscle cells increased levels of troponin. Normally, troponin remains only in the cells of the heart, and if it enters the bloodstream, it signals about the threat of myocardial infarction.

But the size of the lungs, contrary to popular belief, a run has no effect. The state of the lungs while running does not undergo significant changes and is not subject to such overloads, as the cardiovascular system. During the race, the body supplies blood primarily the brain, heart and muscles, and organs of the abdominal cavity - to a lesser extent.

Damage to muscles and joints, exhaustion and the "wall"

Viewers watched more than once stooped, crouched runners, and their number increases to the finish line. This comes from the fact that in the muscles of athletes lactic acid accumulates, causing burning and convulsions. Lactic acid is produced when glycogen burned faster than oxygen enters, for example on the last dash at the finish line. In addition, towards the end of the distance being felt damaged muscle tissue and joints.

As a result of the depletion of the energy reserves of the body drops the blood sugar level. Since the brain operates primarily at the expense of glucose, runners have problems with coordination, vision and speed. When an athlete is faced with the "wall", he has to make every effort to get together and not give up.

Marathon noted that in doing so, they greatly help the audience, whose number is growing as we approach the finish line. Support of the fans played a significant role in the victory of the body and spirit of pain and fatigue.