Re: Running in marathons impairs immunity

Van Bagnol wrote:

> Seems that the near-obssessive concern about "impaired immunity" is
> unfounded in this case anyway. The Nieman immunology findings were for
> continuous intense activity lasting more than 90 minutes. The workout
> described is neither continuous nor intense, and, excluding the breaks,
> barely hits 90 minutes. Running 12 miles in 90 minutes nonstop would be
> different.
> 
> Anyway, the easiest way is simply to see if you get sick after your
> workouts. If you do, then cut back.

Reminds me of an old Calvin and Hobbes cartoon

Calvin: How do they determine the weight limit on bridges?
Dad: Well, they drive heavier and heavier trucks over it until it
collapses, then they rebuild it.
Calvin: Oh.
Mom: If you don't know the answer, don't make stuff up.

Your recommendation is pretty stupid is what I'm getting at.  It would
be like seeing what weight in the bench press will break your arm by
increasing the weight until it breaks.  Well now you know.  Sorry,
that's moronic.

The effect of high intensity or high volume training on immune function
is well established.  Others have mentioned some strategies to limit it.
 Consuming carbs before,during and after the workout is a huge one.  It
helps to limit the cortsiol and IL6 response, both of which are
implicated in the problem.  Chronically elevated IL6 has also recently
been implicated in the overtraining/underperformance syndrome which
makes proper carb intake that much more critical during periods of high
intensity or volume training.  

Obviously, proper training structure, gradually increasing the overalod,
not overtraining and all that shit is important to.  Neiman (in the
chatper on immune system function in "Endurance in Sport") also
suggested 600 mg/day of vitamin c for the week prior to a marathon. 
Proper sleep/recovery, avoiding rpaid weight gain and avoiding other
life stresses are other recommended strategies.

But training until you get sick and concluding that you did too much and
should cut back is just a retarded recommendation.

Lyle