dr Holger Förster – The man for all cases

Mr Förster, why should the runners come to you?

"All participants who have problems should come to me. Be it with the musculoskeletal system or minor injuries that have occurred previously so that the runner is unsure whether he can take part in the race. This also applies to minor infections where it is not clear whether it is OK to start the race. For example, runners who take medication, as this can put a strain on the heart.

My opinion is that it's better to ask too many questions than too few. I can't make any prohibitions, only recommendations. Whether you take part anyway is up to you."

When would you advise runners to abort the start? Or when would you not recommend starting in a marathon?

"With an acute feverish infection. Fever means anything over 38 degrees. This also applies if you have pain in your musculoskeletal system. Be it from an injury or overexertion, anything that requires painkillers.

This irritates the muscles, which are already overloaded, even more. The pain is suppressed by the remedy, but the runner himself no longer has a sense of how much stress is good. Second, these painkillers have side effects that increase with exertion.

Of course it is difficult, but before you put your own health at risk, it is better to listen to your own body.”

What do you advise at higher temperatures? What is the best way to prepare for this?

"Thank God it won't be too hot this weekend. Ideal temperatures for runners are between 11 and 15 degrees. It's important to drink enough fluids. This starts before the run, so you have enough fluids. So drink a lot, even if you have to go to the toilet more often. The body should be well filled with fluids so that it can build up reserves for the long exertion.

In principle, you should drink something every 20 minutes during exercise. There are enough refreshment stands along the route that are equipped with the right kind of liquid supply.

Thirst is a poor guideline. It starts much too late, when the body is already in a deficit. So it's better to drink something sooner rather than later."

You're actually a pediatrician. How did you get into the marathon, both as a runner and as a doctor?

"My personal sporting career began when I was a child. So my later path to studying medicine in combination with sport was always a given."