Biomarkers for runners

Key blood biomarkers and health indicators that runners should monitor to optimize endurance performance, recovery, and long-term health. Learn which lab values matter most for tracking training adaptation and preventing overtraining.

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The essentials for biomarkers for runners — then explore the latest posts below.

Which essential biomarkers runners should track? The lab numbers that predict fatigue and low testosterone

Dr. Susan Carter, MD: Endocrinologist & Longevity Expert

Dec 04, 2025 · 15 min read

The essential biomarkers runners should track include vitamin D, iron and ferritin, magnesium and potassium, C reactive protein, testosterone, cortisol, blood glucose, and performance markers like VO2 max, lactate threshold, and resting heart rate. When those numbers drift, your training can feel harder, recovery slows, and injury risk rises even if your mileage looks “perfect.” ...

Do runners live longer? The science behind mileage and mortality

Dr. Susan Carter, MD: Endocrinologist & Longevity Expert

Dec 03, 2025 · 16 min read

In long-term studies, running as little as 5 to 10 minutes a day at an easy pace is linked to roughly a three-year longer lifespan and about a 27% lower risk of all-cause mortality versus not running. The sweet spot for longevity appears to be moderate weekly volume (around 2 to 3 hours), not marathon-level ...