What does running a marathon actually do to your brain?

CapeTalk and 702's Africa Melane speaks to fitness and wellness coach, Liezel van der Westhuizen. 

Listen below:

According to a study from bioRxiv, running marathons can temporarily reduce grey matter volume, before resetting around two weeks later.

This research only applies to marathon running - ultra marathon effects on the brain are not spoken for, notes Van der Westhuizen.

Marathon running can cause a temporary, reversible reduction in brain myelin levels, which may involve both grey and white matter, the study says.

This reduction is thought to be a metabolic adaptation where myelin lipids are used as an energy source during the extreme energy demands of the race. 

Myelin is a fatty substance that insulates nerve fibres in the brain and spinal cord, enabling faster nerve signal transmission, and is a key component of white matter, which facilitates communication between different brain regions.  

The myelin levels generally recover within two weeks, and fully recover within two months, according to the study.

Marathon running also:

• Improves executive functioning - including planning, focus, and decision making.
• Boosts mental health and mood by increasing endorphins and serotonin levels.
• Reduces stress and anxiety.
• Enhances memory and learning.

Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the full conversation.