Many endurance events have seen a rise in sudden heart attacks and death just short of the finish line, at a spot called the X-spot. It is where you see the finish and think you will make it — and then you don’t.
The Running Doc suggests three things in this article:
1. Take a baby aspirin (81mg) the morning of the event.
2. Limit caffeine that morning to less than 200 mg.
3. Take the last mile like the previous without a fast sprint.
The article also suggests that announcers should not encourage runners to go faster, presumably because they may get out of their comfort zone.
Of course the best advice of all is have a comprehensive physical exam on a regular basis.
Be safe out there!
