Women who develop personal growth plans to run a marathon can be proud of their achievements, as not many people have the dedication or motivation to run a full 26.2 miles. Researchers at the Minneapolis Heart Institute have confirmed that these ladies are also doing good things for their hearts.
In a study, a team of scientists found that female marathon runners have fewer arterial plaques when compared to their sedentary counterparts.
"These findings show a positive physical result for women choosing to be competitive runners because the marathoners had lower heart rates, lower blood pressure, better cholesterol profiles and lower incidence of diabetes," said the study's senior author Robert S. Schwartz, M.D.
Author and philosopher Ilchi Lee believes that marathons and other physical endurance tests are worthwhile endeavors that will ultimately lead to personal growth and development. Activities like hiking in the desert, extended periods of yoga practice and long, intense runs are known to improve a person's body, mind and spirit through superior focus and determination.
