How Ultramarathons Affect the Heart, Blood, and Brain

Endurance runners braved the grueling Badwater Ultramarathon in the California desert last week, clocking 135 miles and some 17,000 cumulative feet of altitude gain, all in 100-degree temperatures. Ultramarathons seem to be growing in popularity—every week, dozens more are held around the world. But how do extreme endurance sports affect the body? Exercise scientists Tamara Hew-Butler and Greg Whyte talk about how running for dozens of hours can change the heart, blood, and brain. And if you prefer shorter distances, a new study suggests that just five minutes of daily jogging may boost heart health.

To hear more about research on running, listen here.