Are Athletes Really Healthy
BY: Kimberly Coventry Olson http://FitKim.com While training for my first marathon, I was obsessed with Runner's World magazine. I loved reading all of the inspirational stories about superior athletes and those that overcame amazing odds. But periodically a story would pop up about an unexpected death of a seemingly very healthy athlete. Eventually I noticed a pattern and became intrigued. How could these amazing athletes, who ran upwards of 50-100 miles each week, suddenly die? Weren't all of those miles and races completed guarantee to ensuring a long and healthy life? After doing some research, I discovered why these sad tragedies occurred. Although exercise has tremendous health benefits, anything beyond moderate physical activity puts a great deal of stress on the body. If this compacted stress isn't countered with a healthy diet, the body gradually becomes taxed. Although there aren't necessarily any outward symptoms, much can be happening deep within the bo