Long-distance training and metabolic data

How interesting... I had a routine NHS check-up yesterday (courtesy of recently turning 45).  I also happened to take advantage of a check-up done at work on 2 July, exactly 8 weeks previously, and before I had really embarked on the current round of long-distance training.

A couple of changes were very interesting.

Blood pressure: 2 July, 112/78 --- 28 August, 118/48

Cholesterol: 2 July, 4.65 --- 28 August, 3.22

These are quite marked differences, and which I can only attribute to training.  The low diastolic blood pressure reading made the nurse sit up and ask questions; I need to go back at the end of the year (post autumn marathons) for a re-test to validate the running link.  Looking at this chart, a diastolic reading of 48 is certainly in the low zone.

Am I on the right lines in my assumption that running has made the difference to my blood pressure and cholesterol levels?