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Should I get a physical before 1st marathon?

heykatieben
heykatieben Posts: 398 Member
edited February 4 in Fitness and Exercise
Hey yos - I know the proper place to ask is at a doctor's office, but everyone there will tell me yes for liability. :) Soooo question from experience - do you guys think it's important to get a general sports physical (EKG/urine/bloodwork) before running a marathon?

I'm 28, have run halfs and olympic races before, but a bit paranoid/anxious. :) It would ease my mind, but I don't want to throw away money, either.. thoughts?

Replies

  • ElliottTN
    ElliottTN Posts: 1,614 Member
    I would think that anything that eases your mind wouldn't be a waste of money. From the people I know who run marathons they are huge mental junkies. Everything has to he in order, checklist are made, everything for their training has to e set. Don't mess with them the night before or morning of race. If you're that type than I think not having that in the back of your head would be worth far more than the money you would spend.
  • heykatieben
    heykatieben Posts: 398 Member
    Thanks! Ha, you pegged me - I'm definitely that kind of person, big into Quantified Self, lists of things, etc. :) Thanks!
  • DavPul
    DavPul Posts: 61,406 Member
    i wouldn't, but then i'm the type of person that doesn't worry about that stuff and doesn't really believe a basic physical will uncover some unusual condition that only unearths itself at the 14 mile marker. that said, if i was the type of person that would post a topic asking if i should get a physical, i would probably also be the type of person that would be anxious about it and would need to go ahead and get the physical just to have peace of mind.

    so my answer is......yes?
  • heykatieben
    heykatieben Posts: 398 Member
    i wouldn't, but then i'm the type of person that doesn't worry about that stuff and doesn't really believe a basic physical will uncover some unusual condition that only unearths itself at the 14 mile marker. that said, if i was the type of person that would post a topic asking if i should get a physical, i would probably also be the type of person that would be anxious about it and would need to go ahead and get the physical just to have peace of mind.

    so my answer is......yes?

    hehe :) love it :)
  • DopeItUp
    DopeItUp Posts: 18,771 Member
    i wouldn't, but then i'm the type of person that doesn't worry about that stuff and doesn't really believe a basic physical will uncover some unusual condition that only unearths itself at the 14 mile marker. that said, if i was the type of person that would post a topic asking if i should get a physical, i would probably also be the type of person that would be anxious about it and would need to go ahead and get the physical just to have peace of mind.

    so my answer is......yes?

    I like this answer. At least when you drop dead during your marathon people will say that you did everything you could to prevent it.
  • heykatieben
    heykatieben Posts: 398 Member
    lol :) I did an independent blood test, and found out I have high cholesterol, that I've never seen a doctor for.... which, if a marathon is actually taxing on the heart, might not be a good thing.... that's a big part of this I didn't mention, if it makes a difference.
  • JTick
    JTick Posts: 2,131 Member
    I would think this would've been a question to ask before starting training for said marathon. I don't think your body cares that suddenly it's race day, but it might care a little that you're running mass miles training for it.
  • DavPul
    DavPul Posts: 61,406 Member
    ^solid point Tick
This discussion has been closed.

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