Hormonelike Compounds

Substances produced in the body that are similar to hormones, with equally important functions, also significantly influence our endurance. These include inflammatory and anti-inflammatory chemicals, vitamin D (sometimes called a pro-hormone), and muscle myokines.

During the course of training, competition, and throughout our life, the body repairs and recovers muscles, ligaments, tendons, joints, bones, and virtually all other areas. These actions are regulated by chemicals that trigger inflammation. Acute inflammation is an important part of the healing and recovery process, but only when other chemicals—anti-inflammatory ones—reduce the inflammation to complete the process. When the delicate balance of inflammatory and anti-inflammatory chemicals is disturbed, usually from too much inflammation, we develop chronic problems, including poor recovery, the risk of getting injured, and even the potential for disease later in life.

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During all training, especially anaerobic activity, significant levels of inflammatory chemicals are produced throughout the body. This acute inflammatory response, which happens after each workout, no matter how easy or hard, to a great extent, is how we recover. As recovery is completed, anti-inflammatory chemicals are produced to turn off the acute inflammation.

Too many inflammatory chemicals can adversely affect the immune system. Recurrent colds, flu, and other illnesses are common complaints heard from athletes in all sports. During aerobic training, the immune system can actually be enhanced, with immune dysfunction much more common in those who train hard too often, compete too much, and don’t recover sufficiently. Even one competitive event, such as a marathon, or a long hard workout, can suppress immune function significantly. That’s why many athletes get a cold or flu soon after such efforts. Recurrent infections, especially the upper respiratory type, are often associated with overtraining, even in its very early stages.