Your marathon check: Go fit to the start!

Listen to your body - make use of this health checklist. Information by Dr Christian Gäbler, Medical Director Vienna City Marathon.

Dear Runners,

time and again there are cases of runners who suffer from medical, and sometimes even fatal, complications during a marathon race.

These unfortunate events reinforce the idea in non-runners that running is a dangerous activity. But that is not true. Regular running, that also includes preparing for a marathon, prolongs life expectancy. The risk of suffering complications from hypertension, diabetes, myocardial infarction, stroke and various cancers decreases significantly when working out regularly.

Take ownership of your own health!
Alternately, physical exertion can lead to cardiac failure in case of a pre-existent heart condition. One should be aware of existing health problems. I personally oppose mandatory health checks for marathon runners. I rather appeal to all runners to act responsibly regarding their own health and to take physical symptoms seriously. A physical for runners between the ages of 35 and 60 is certainly a good idea and is highly recommended for runners over the age of 60.

It was shown, that most of the affected runners were suffering from minor infectious ailment (i.e. upper respiratory and dental infections) before heading to the start. Therefore it is recommended that runners visit their dentists annually.

Do not train while sick!
Do not physical exert yourself while infected. If you do not allow yourself enough time to recuperate you run the risk of incurring an inflammation of the heart muscle, which can lead to cardiac failure and death.

Infections accompanied by prolonged fever often cause fatal cardiac arrhythmia during workouts without any signs of warning. Therefore it is recommended that you should not work out when you have an infection and run a fever. In case of an elevated resting pulse you should see a physician to have an ECG and blood work done. Under no circumstances is working out recommended under these conditions.

VCM Medical Center
In case you have unexpected health troubles, the VCM exhibition “Vienna Sports World” will offer its own medical center. The VCM Medical Center will be open on Friday and Saturday before the race for all unexpected medical emergencies. Our medical specialists will be happy to help you at no costs in case of a sudden cold, infection, dizziness, pain or other medical questions. Visit the website at: [VCM Medical Center]

Your personal Marathon health checklist: Go fit to the start!
This PAR-Q questionnaire should help you to decide whether you should schedule an appointment with your physician. Answer these questions as truthfully as possible:

* Did any physician ever tell you that you have something wrong with your heart and you should exercise only after regular medical check ups?
* Did you experience any chest pain in the last month?
* Do you experience any breathing problems while resting or during exercise?
* Did you ever fall down because of dizziness or lose consciousness?
* Do you suffer from pain in your joints or bones that increases under physical exertion?
* Are you taking medication for high blood pressure, heart problems or breathing problems?
* Do you know of any other reason why you should not exercise without consulting your physician first?
* In case you answered these questions with more than one yes you should see your physician before you participate in a marathon.

I wish you all the best for your preparations and your race at the Vienna City Marathon!

Univ. Prof. Dr. Christian Gäbler
Medical Director, VCM Medical Center