How will 27 marathons affect Eddie Izzard?

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Taking on consecutive marathons like this is classed as "ultra-running". In a stark contrast to the British weather, the comedian will face temperatures of up to 30C. Even dedicated ultra-runners have difficulties in this heat.



"Swelling is possible. You can grind your teeth and so on, but at some point you have to make a decision: 'Am I ready to risk permanent damage to achieve the goal I have set for myself?' It's not just a joke, there are realistic risks involved."

After a few days of running athletes can suffer "delayed onset muscle soreness" (DOMS). Slower running can help reduce this. Izzard will also burn a lot of calories that will be difficult to replenish. With such large amounts of exercise, parts of the body shut down and appetite is lost at the time the runner most needs to be eating.

Fatigue from running long distances with little rest can make the immune system weak, which in turn makes people more susceptible to catching colds or other illnesses.

Eddie is 54 years old. Will this have an effect on his performance? Li thinks so. Though studies have suggested that ultra-runners can fare well into their 50s, the difference is recovery. As you grow older you take longer to recover from injuries or long runs than a younger person.


image copyrightPA
image captionSeptember 2009: Eddie Izzard reaches the finishing line after completing a 1,100 mile run around the UK


Ord-Hume says "racecraft" is central to performing well over very long distances. "You have to know exactly what your goal is."

Elsewhere on the BBC

Eddie Izzard will be posting daily videos during his epic run, which is in honour of the memory of Nelson Mandela.
