Marathon running is not just a physical feat but also a mental challenge, and a new study suggests that the brains of endurance athletes play a critical role beyond mental fortitude. The research reveals that during intense endurance activities like a marathon, the brain may resort to breaking down its own insulation, known as myelin, to generate emergency energy. Myelin, essential for efficient nerve signal transmission, is akin to the insulation of an electrical wire, aiding in motor coordination and sensory processing. MRI scans conducted on runners before and after a 42.2-kilometer race showed decreased myelin levels, but reassuringly, the myelin rebounded post-race. (NY Post)
New brain study finds marathoners have lost their minds — literally
Apr 7, 2025 | 8:00 PM