Why do most hardcore Marathoners
 

and runners look sickly and unhealthy?

It's because they're the only ones healthy, so healthy looks to the sickly unhealthy.

In order to have a body which can face the demands their bodies need, they must shed weight on other parts, so they have extremely low body fat, low weight to increase the power to weight ratio, and everything in their body is structured to produce one result, run fast for a long period.

Amen. Hardcore runner body is gross.

Look at the dudes who win the Marathon in the Olympics. It looks like they need to slow down and run through a few cheeseburger factories.

There is a reason Playboy or FHM has not done a "Women Marathoners" issue. yuck.

WAIT! Upon further review.....what do I need to do to take up running? Any hints or advice?

http://z.about.com/d/studenttravel/1...hon-solo-2.jpg

Gross. She needs to stay away from the tanning beds. Now that is unhealthy.

I don't know about that. I heard Jay Cutler ran a 2:30 and he has some muscle:

http://runkz.files.wordpress.com/200...ay_cutler2.jpg

I've done two marathons. I don't regret doing them but I really don't think running 26.2 miles is necessarily good for you. Don't get me wrong. I think those hardcore marathoners, ultra-marathoners, iron-man athletes, etc., who push themselves beyond unbelieveable limits are freakin' awesome. But if your only goal in exercise is your health, you can stop running long before 26.2.

Actually for most people I agree that the half is all one needs to do to be healthy. Joints wear out with too much exercise. The muscles and lungs can take it, but the joints and bones cannot.

http://z.about.com/d/studenttravel/1...hon-solo-2.jpg

I didn't notice the color of her skin. But then, I'm blind to that. I see people for who they are, not the color of their skin. ;)

LOL. OK, I'll admit it. I discriminate against orange people.