Marathons which are twenty-six miles long, are very popular and intense, but even more extreme are ultramarathons which are typically fifty miles or l

Marathons which are twenty-six miles long, are very popular and intense, but even more extreme are ultramarathons which are typically fifty miles or longer. They are much more grueling than traditional marathons and can take a toll on the body. Even with adequate preparation, anyone who takes up this challenge is sure to experience several changes in their body, some of which can be particularly severe. Here are five bodily changes that can occur during an ultramarathon.&nbsp;
1. Sleep Deprivation During ultramarathons, competitors are able to have small snacks and keep hydrated but there is no time for a nap. Ultramarathons take twenty-four hours or more to complete. Therefore, runners experience sleep deprivation and all the symptoms that come with it. The human body within the time of the race will crave sleep and that is natural. As such, individuals may experience dizziness, disorientation and even hallucinations in extreme situations. Regardless of how much sleep participants may get prior to the race, sleep deprivation is expected.&nbsp;&nbsp;
2. Glycogen Depletion Bonking is a phenomenon that ultramarathoners fear. It occurs about twenty miles into an ultramarathon when runners feel like a lead apron is thrown on their body. The individual feels like he hit a wall, experiences extreme fatigue and it is a struggle to continue running. This occurs when the runner goes into a state of glycogen depletion. The carbohydrate that endurance athletes burn the fastest is glycogen, particularly while exercising at a high aerobic capacity. Once one's glycogen supply has been completely depleted, the body must turn to burning fat for energy.&nbsp;
3. Hyperthermia or Hypothermia Running over a long period of time at high altitudes, in heavy rain, strong winds, or snow can result in hypothermia. The body's temperature becomes dangerously low because it loses heat more quickly than it can generate it. On the flipside, the body enters a state of hyperthermia when it becomes so heated that it can no longer expel heat. This is common in warm weather; however, ultrarunners may encounter this even in cold weather because of the sharp variations in temperature from night to day and as they ascend and descend mountains. In an overexerted condition, the effects are detrimental to the body.&nbsp;
4. Cardiac Issues While regular exercise is good for the heart and helps reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, an ultramarathon certainly isn’t categorized as regular exercise. Such long races place much strain on the heart. One’s heart rate increases when running in intense heat or when someone is dehydrated. When a marathoner is extremely exhausted, the heart rate decreases. Running such long distances can cause dizziness and even fainting spells because blood flow to the heart is reduced. This requires runners to monitor their heart rate closely throughout the run using a smartwatch.&nbsp;
5. Foot Pain, Joint Pain and Soreness Every step taken when walking or running places pressure on the feet. So it should come as no surprise that runners in an ultramarathon will experience foot pain and foot injuries such as plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinitis. Runners are also susceptible to joint pains from the waist down during the race. In addition, soreness during such long races can be intense. Soreness is typical during and after regular exercise but it is multiple times worse for ultrarunners. Soreness may be felt for days after the race. Running soreness frequently appears in the lower leg, although it can also occur in the knees, hips, or foot.

Things That Happen to Your Body During an Ultramarathon

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