Expert: Todd Bublitz, RCEP - 12/4/2004

Question
Is it possible to run too hard and drop dead? I sometimes worry about this while I'm running. I can only run 11 minute miles right now (I'm currently slightly overweight) but I do like to push myself over short distances.  

Answer
Doug,

For the vast majority of humans, it is not really possible to run until you drop dead.  That would be a really poor design.  You could say that we have a natural safe-guard that would cause us to fall down in complete exhaustion before we could run ourselves to death.

There is a rare heart condition called idiopathic subaortic stenosis (ISS for short) that can cause a person to die if they exercise too hard.  Of course, a person with heart disease could have a heart attack while exercising, but exercise would not be the actual cause of death.

As for you, Doug.  You should exercise at a pace that is "moderate" to "somewhat hard".  You should feel challenged, but reasonably comfortable while exercising.  You should slow your pace and try to jog for 30-40 minutes at a time.  "More time, less effort" is probably better (and safer) than "less time, more effort".  You are more prone to injury (pulled muscles) if you push too hard and "more time" probably gives you better weight loss results.

Slow it down a bit...jog.

Best wishes.

Todd