in my first real season of long-course training, i got the usual increase in prominence of veins mostly in my calves (or is it calfs… whichever one isn’t about cows). i was ok with that. this year, however, (my second long training year) it seems to be happening in my thighs as well… and its kinda freaky looking.
is this a permanent physiological change? will i revert back to normal when i stop training? are these things gonna go vericose in my golden years?
anyone have any idea?
As I understand varicose veins, they are caused by the failure of (for lack of the scientific term) “check valves” in your leg veins. These are valves that keep the blood from flowing back down due to gravity and keep it flowing up towards the heart. When these valves go bad, the blood pools and distends the vein.
Your popping veins are probably for the most part an optical effect caused by the loss of subcutaneous body fat around the veins which makes them appear to look larger. If you stopped exercising and regained a higher body fat level, the popping appearance would diminish.
I believe a vigorous, lifelong exercise program should lessen the probability of varicose veins, not increase it. However, I do know some people (my brother, for one) who exercise and do have VVs.
Duuuude-
Don’t be afraid of your improved vascularity. The increased vascularity of fit muscles brings more muscle cells into contact with capillaries allowing for rapid oxygen absorption (eg. Your heart and lungs don’t have to work as hard during exercise).