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Question for the runners here...

T

Thraxen

Diamond Member
I've recently started running in the mornings (about 3.5 - 4 miles) several times per week. Are there any negative/damaging effects I should be concerned about long term? Especially where joints are concerned. In other words, will me knees be screwed up when I get older due to the impact of running?
 
get sneakers with very good cushions.

do stretches before running.

avoid hard surfaces (go to the park and run?).
 
I ran for 17 years several with very high mileage. I have run marathons, 10k's etc. I was running about 6 miles per day when I had to visit the cardiologist.

He said that they don't like running because it puts lots of strain on the heart and the bowels (yes bowels).

I was also having some hip pain from the running so I gave it up and went to biking and weightlifting.

BTW, if you decide to stick with it, get good shoes and replace them after every quarter or so.

I miss the runners high but like my biceps better.
 
Yeah, I've been going to the local park and they have a track around the outside, but it's asphalt. I guess I could just run next to it on the grass.
 
back and knees took a beating when I ran ~60 miles per week. Still shot. Always will be shot. Loved running though, just stay off concrete and find a nice cushoined track to run on or go run on trails. That was the best.
 
Originally posted by: Homerboy
back and knees took a beating when I ran ~60 miles per week. Still shot. Always will be shot. Loved running though, just stay off concrete and find a nice cushoined track to run on or go run on trails. That was the best.
Click to expand...

Very true. And to restate the obvious, have a dedicated pair of nice shoes , eg don't walk in them or wear them when not running.
 
Hmmm... I think I may give up the running idea. I was using the elliptical machines at the gym, but running seemed to give me a much better workout. I guess I'll go back to the ellipitcals and just go harded.
 
Originally posted by: quentinterintino
Originally posted by: Homerboy
back and knees took a beating when I ran ~60 miles per week. Still shot. Always will be shot. Loved running though, just stay off concrete and find a nice cushoined track to run on or go run on trails. That was the best.
Click to expand...

Very true. And to restate the obvious, have a dedicated pair of nice shoes , eg don't walk in them or wear them when not running.
Click to expand...

Yea, you need your support. With crosscountry running half of the year and longjumping the other half, my ankles and lower back aren't shot, but they're weaker.

Sand > Grass > Blacktop > anything > Concrete/Sidewalk
 
I don't think elliptical machines or treadmills accurately replicate the motion/muscle activity that physical running does. If anything, swimming is a better alternative.
 
never skimp on your shoes in any sport or athletics.

running is hard..esp when you run on hard surfaces. the ellipses are pretty good...want to get in really good shape?

start swimming

JC
 
Originally posted by: quentinterintino
I don't think elliptical machines or treadmills accurately replicate the motion/muscle activity that physical running does. If anything, swimming is a better alternative.
Click to expand...

I cannot see how a threadmill has any different motion/muscle activity. You get a slightly easier workout due to lack of wind resistance, but that's about it.
 
Originally posted by: Rkonster
Originally posted by: quentinterintino
I don't think elliptical machines or treadmills accurately replicate the motion/muscle activity that physical running does. If anything, swimming is a better alternative.
Click to expand...

I cannot see how a threadmill has any different motion/muscle activity. You get a slightly easier workout due to lack of wind resistance, but that's about it.
Click to expand...

I don't know, maybe for me it's mental; but when I run on a treadmill I can run forever, and I don't get as sore when I run less on grass. Analgous to freeweights versus a cable machine.
 
if you're heavy, then running can damage your knees, ankles, hips and other joints. But if you're relatively lightweight or have good form, then the chances for injury are very small, and the impact actually makes your bones stronger, and strengthens the tendons and ligaments around your joints.

As has been said, try to run on softer surfaces whenever possible, and avoid concrete! Running on the road is actually much better than running on the sidealk, as the materials differ that much in hardness. Tracks, trails and grass are the best.

and yes, swimming will get you in better shape than running, but without the bone-building that comes from impact activities. Swimming is an all-over activity and really requires you to build muscle. I'm an all right runner, but I can't swim worth a damn. I get tired after two laps, so I know that the people who can swim 20 laps are in incredible shape.
 
I've heard that it can make your heart larger which leads to problems later on in life. This was from a marathon runner.
 
Originally posted by: Atomicus
Give biking a try for less impact. OR shoes with better cushioning
Click to expand...

Even walking is an alternative, it's lower impact but relatively you can get the same results. HOWEVER, if you want to run, lift weights as well. You can lose muscle if you push too hard and go into a catabolic state and start eating away muscle.
 
Have good cushion in a good pair of running shoes.

Hard surfaces shouldn't be a problem if you have proper technique, which includes:

Keep your back straight, it allows for good breathing and avoids cramps.

Run heel-to-toe. If you get tired and start flat-footing your way along or on the balls of your feet, stop.
To avoid injuring you knees, try no to bounce a lot. This is why joggers have a better chance of injuring their knees. When I run, I keep my head more or less level, hit with my heel, pull myself forward, and as my body shifts over that leg I push off at the end. The pull works the butt and under thigh, and the push works the quads around the knee and the shin muscles. It made for a well-rounded long-distance run that was healthy. I never injured my knees running.
 
Originally posted by: Gravity
I ran for 17 years several with very high mileage. I have run marathons, 10k's etc. I was running about 6 miles per day when I had to visit the cardiologist.

He said that they don't like running because it puts lots of strain on the heart and the bowels (yes bowels).

I was also having some hip pain from the running so I gave it up and went to biking and weightlifting.

BTW, if you decide to stick with it, get good shoes and replace them after every quarter or so.

I miss the runners high but like my biceps better.
Click to expand...

I run on concrete sidewalks just fine, but yeah, that bowels thing... boy I can vouch for that. I can't run more than 8 km because I run out 4 km and have to take a major sh!t. I have to run twice as hard back home in order to make it in time. Doesn't matter if I just went before I go running or anything. Sux.
 
basically to reiterate:

Good shoes
never run on hard surfaces:

Concrete<Asphalt<Turff<dirt<grass

It seems stupid that hard surfaces can screw up your legs but think of how many times your feet hit the ground. Always run on grass or dirt if you can help it.

There are eno bad side effects from running only good.

Unless of course you trip and fall on your face 🙁
 
i used to run quite a bit (8-10 miles at a time) but gave it up when i got one of my knees scoped. agree about biking, i've taken up mtn biking in a serious way since i stopped running.

i still think running is fantastic exercise but the pounding can be hard on the body...
 
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