You know about the obvious dangers of running: (being run over by a Mack truck, being attacked by dogs or hornets, breaking an ankle) but did you know there are also hidden dangers?

When you run regularly, your body undergoes changes. Of course: isn't that why you do it? Many of these changes are obvious - less fat, more lean muscle, more energy - but some you may not be aware of.

Generally, that's not a problem, but there are times when these changes can be dangerous. I'm thinking about times when you are under the care of a medical practitioner who is not familiar with you.

One of the changes that will occur due to running is that your resting heart rate will drop, and that can be a cause for concern.

You see, the "normal" resting heart rate is around 72 beats per minute. If it's much over or under that, doctors and nurses get alarmed and start thinking about medical problems that could be causing it. My heart rate averages around 72 when I've been off running for a while and am out of shape. When I'm in training it drops to around 55!

A low resting heart rate is, in fact, very healthy, provided it is caused by exercise and not drugs or disease. Specifically, it means that your heart is not needing to work as hard just to keep your circulation going. This means that your heart will last longer, and also you will have more energy than you would if your heart rate was "normal".

I didn't even recognize the danger in this until one time I was having a check up from a doctor who was not my normal physician. His nurse looked very worried when she was taking my pulse, and my wife, who is also a nurse, quickly told her that my resting heart rate is 55 because I am a runner. My wife probably saved me from having emergency treatment of some sort!

Another change that you may experience is that your blood pressure will be lower than "normal" for your age. Fortunately, these days doctors don't get as alarmed by low blood pressure as they once did (unless it's dangerously low). At one time this was a possible danger, but you're unlikely to experience problems today.

The hidden dangers of running are due to lack of information rather than physical damage. Be aware of your heart rate, blood pressure and anything else that might give a medical practitioner cause for concern. Be prepared to take the initiative in letting them know that you are a runner, and that low readings are normal for you.

BTW, check your heart rate first thing in the morning when you wake up. You'll be surprised to find it gradually getting slower as you become fitter!  (If you don't have a stopwatch, click on this link for Discount Running Gear and get 10% off and free shipping).

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