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I’ll share one anecdote I’ve noticed among all my ultra-runner friends: they all look much older than their age. Although marathons are probably good for the c
by timothytran 2y ago
I’ll share one anecdote I’ve noticed among all my ultra-runner friends: they all look much older than their age.
Although marathons are probably good for the cardiovascular system, the lifestyle seems to age people brutally fast.
- grvdrm 2y agoI agree with your anecdote but on an even shorter scale. Normal running. I’m in a running club that spans casual runners to 5x per year marathoners. Most of the folks running more look, well, aged.
- jodleif 2y agoPeople usually look older when they have a lower body fat percentage. Edit: also add in potentially more UV exposure due to above average time spent outside in the sun
- timothytran 2y agoMost of the people I know are very athletic with low body fat. But only the ultra-runners look gaunt and old. Normal runners don’t seem as affected. I think the ultra part visibly wears people out.
- jodleif 2y agoYeah, though ultra runners optimise towards low muscle low fat, which really doesn’t fit the current athletic stereotype
- jodleif 2y agoCould not edit, so adding it here- also likely much more UV exposure than average (especially compared to office workers) due to active lifestyle might also be a factor
- timothytran 2y agoAnother factor I’ve noticed is vegetarians and vegans. Always look much older.
- voisin 2y agoCrazy, I’ve always found the opposite by far - that vegans looked so, so much younger than their age.
- Klonoar 2y agoSuper anecdotal but I’ve also found this to be true. They usually look 5 or so years younger than I’d expect. But I also think it’s like any diet - you could eat a vegan diet that’s just processed garbage and you’ll look horrible at the end of it. There’s nuance to this point that most discussions leave out.