Startling Jogging Facts

Jogging is an aerobic exercise that improves your cardiovascular health, tones your muscles and strengthens your bones. Many people use jogging as a way to stay in shape or lose weight. If you jog frequently, you might know a lot about the activity but there are some facts about jogging that might startle you.

Consecutive Marathons Record

Akinori Kusuda of Japan set a record in 2009 for the most marathons run on consecutive days. He ran 52 marathons, covering the 26.2-mile distance, from January 30 to March 22. His record was accomplished at the Besshonuma Park Jogging Course in Saitama, Japan.

Aqua Jogging

According to fitness expert Ben Greenfield, jogging in a pool, known as aqua jogging, helps maintain your level of fitness without damaging tendons in your legs and feet. To aqua jog, run in water deep enough that you cannot touch the bottom of the pool, or run in shallow water with your feet touching the bottom of the pool. The first method is a non-impact version that doesn't aggravate tendons; the second is relatively low-impact but may cause pain in the knees. Greenfield recommends running in deep water while wearing aquatic training shoes and a flotation belt. He also uses an MP3 player stored in a plastic sandwich bag affixed to the side of his head by the strap of his goggles, with the headphones threaded out the top of the bag.

Barefoot Running Legend

In 1960, Olympic marathon runner Abebe Bikila of Ethiopia won the gold medal and set a world record of 2 hours, 15 minutes, 16.2 seconds -- while running barefoot. The course was not smooth; Bikila set his record running over cobblestone streets in Rome. Four years later, he won another Olympic gold medal but wore shoes.

Dying While Jogging

Six middle-aged professionals who appeared healthy died during or shortly after jogging in 2002 -- all in the Baltimore area. The four physicians, an insurance executive and a tax adviser all died of heart-related problems.

Depression Treatment

Along with improving your physical health, jogging benefits your mental health. It equals and might even surpass medications for the treatment of depression, according to results of medical studies dating to 1985. During jogging, your body releases endorphins, which correlate with an elevated mood.