vilas: If you have never run a marathon can you plan to do obe at say when you are 60. How many days preparation do you need.
DrAashish: It is certainly possible to run a marathon at the age of 60. the amount of preparation will depend on your current physical condition. if you have never run before, it wil take about a year.

vilas: If your cholesterol is above 250 is there a risk if you participate in a marathon

DrAashish: cholesterol being over 250 is by itself not a risk to participate. however, its one of the risk factors for heart disease and if yu have others too (such as high bp, smoking, obesity, diabetes etc) then you should be checked by your dr before starting a running program.

Elroy: I jog/brisk walk for about 2 hours every alternate day. I would like to know how often I should be running? Should I increase it to daily or would that burn me out?

DrAashish: It depends on what your goals are. Rather than 2 hours every alternate day, i would suggest one hour 5 days a week. again, if you are building up to run a full or half marathon , then you need to do long runs once a week, and shorter runs the other days. you must take at least 1-2 days off running in a week.

savio: is it important to have sports shoes for running the marathon, with those fancy soles or can ordinary running shoes do? I've seen people running barefoot as well... does that put more strain on the feet than shoes?

DrAashish: to be honest there is some new research coming out that barefoot running is actually good for you. however, this is preliminary, and the surface is also important. given our outdoor conditions I would recommend a good pair of running shoes, with good soles. i dont know what is considered fancy, but they should have good cushioning. also, its imp to change shoes every 500-600 km of running.

rancy: Hi Dr, is it safe to jog on ground that is not leveled? Is it bad for the knees? and if yes, then how safe is the road on which the marathon is being held?

DrAashish: the best running surface is a well-leveled track with just a bit of grass. however, thats not easy to find in our city. Road running does put more strain on the knees than the surface i mentioned, but we also need to be practical. a marathon has to be held on the road (all over the world). You need to find a balance between the potential knee damage and the physical and mental benefits you get from running.

savio: How long would it take to properly prepare for a marathon run ? what kind of tests should be done before one starts the training?

DrAashish: for a full marathon it would take 6 months, provided you have a base of being able to run 5-6 km, 3-4 times a week. If you have never run before, it would take a full year. Tests to be done depend on your age. If you are over 40 a stress test would be a good idea. If you have never run before its a good idea to talk to your doctor before starting, irrespective of your age.

savio: what are the warning signs (healthwise) to watch out for while running the marathon?

DrAashish: while running, you must watch out for any chest discomfort, giddiness, unusual shortness of breath. Basically, any changes you note in your body, which are not usual for you. for eg, if you normally get out of breath a fter running 10 km, and you start finding that now you are out of breath after only 5 or 6, that may be a warning sign.

Medimanage: I wanted to know, for someone who has never joined a gym or done a workout, can he walk the 7km dream run?

DrAashish: Yes that is possible, but to be honest thats not in the 'spirit of things'. I believe that to partiicpate you must make an honest effort to do your best and prepare for it, rather than just 'show up' on race day for fun. besides, being in a preventive health co., all the more reason for you to exercise regularly).

Hearty: Hi, I've heard that reducing salt intake can help reduce chances of heart problems and stroke...is this true?

DrAashish: Yes, this is true. however you dont need to reduce it below 2.4 gm of sodium in a day, which is equal to one teaspoon of common salt. This is your entire day's consumption, including salt naturally present in some foods.

Medimanage: Sir, can somebody with BP, be advised to walk the marathon?

DrAashish: Yes, they can provided the BP is under control. If the bp is out of control, for eg over 160/100, then they should first bring it under control and then take up strenuous exercise.

Hearty: Thanks for your response doctor. I am 47 years old. I have suffered 3 attacks, two of which was when I was 43. I had no problem for the past 4 years. I've been running the marathon for 10+ years now. However, the last attack I got was on Nov 29. My doc then adviced me to reduce salh and oil intake, which I have been doing. I have registered for the marathon this year...is it advisable that I go ahead?

DrAashish: if you had an attack as recently as nov 29, i would not advise you to go ahead with the marathon- i assume you mean the full marathon. any other distance, it would depend on your current heart condition, the results of your tests, esp your 2 d echo. very difficult to give accurate advise over the internet for something like this.