Running a marathon when you are sick?

Question

The doc says I've got a virus (I'm really tired with sore, swollen glands, headache and I'm really pale) but I've been training for a marathon and it is this sunday. Has anyone else run a marathon when they are ill?

Answer 1

Dont do it, youll end up collapsing

Answer 2

don't try it. I run 10k races and I wouldn't even consider running one while sick. A marathon just puts you under that much more stress. Your body needs to rest and recover.
I remember my college cross country coach used to forbid us from running sick (the only exception was for conference). He always told us he rather have us out now, than not racing in the latter part of the season.
I know you've been training and waiting for this marathon...but you want to do it when you're 100%. Let yourself rest and recover, and after you're back on the ball with some mileage back under your belt, run your marathon and you'll be ablebodied and maybe run a PR.

good luck:)

Answer 3

Yes I have and all I can say is don't do it.I was worried that I was letting people down who had sponsored me and went ahead and ran on the day.I felt ok until I got to about 12 miles and then felt absolutely awful,through stupidity and stubborness I walked/jogged the rest and was off sick for a week.Everybody is different but don't run on Sunday as it's not worth risking your health,you probably wouldn't get anywhere near your predicted time as well so maybe plan to do another one to justify the training you've been putting in.

Answer 4

bloomin stupid question!!! of course you shouldnt run whilst ill, to fight off infection the body requires more energy, hence why you feel knackered, so id forget the marathon untill next year....so what if youve put all that training in youll be super fit which is better than going ahead and running, collapsing or possibly worse...wouldnt you agree? and the likelihood is youll not do as good as you would if you hadnt been ill which sort of defeats the point of running in a marathon???eh? so get snuggled in at home and think towards the next marathon....i know its difficult if your complete competitive.

Answer 5

A virus can affect your temperature control, energy metabolism and most importantly, the consistency of your cardiac control signals (the virus invades all types of tissue, including your muscles, brain and nerves).

All of these functions are under stress when you run a marathon while completely healthy. The viral infection is an added challenge that should make you change your plans (ie. don't run).

EXERCISING HARD WHILE SUFFERING FROM A VIRUS CAN KILL YOU !

Answer 6

As an ex Marathon runner( London a few times plus local events)I would say a big NO,NO, to entering unless you are 100% fit....First of all you will more than likely experience the dull ache of failing to finish, plus, make yourself even worse...

Answer 7

Don't do it, you WILL fail, to run a marathon you must be at the peak of fitness, and to run with a virus will only cause the virus to intensify.

Answer 8

Not a good idea. Didn't you see how many people died on the Great North Run two years ago. Bit extreme perhaps, they probably weren't as fit as you, however, there is always next year to look forward to.

Answer 9

people can die running marathons, I would stay in bed with the sunday papers. Hopefully I'll be doing that anyway.

Answer 10

It will be the worst thing you could ever do. Running when not well will cause you major problems. I understand your reluctance to concede and not run, probably because you have trained so hard for it and also its cost you money.

However, there will be plenty of other races for you to enter at later dates.

Answer 11

it prepends how you feel on the day but if you are a little bib sick no as your body is using its energy to get u well their will be other Marathon