View Full Version : Your actual thoughts on running
I am posting this here because I know the answers I would get on the running forum.
Running, really is it good for a person? Does it stress the body more then help it? What age is too old to run? Is walking actually better? Those type questions.
I am running again training for a 1/2 later in summer. I feel a great accomplishment when I go far. I also feel the effects on my 53 year old body>:( Nothing big, but I know it. Then I say to myself Why am I doing this? Self satisfaction, I can't believe I just did this, is my reason I come up with.
I listened to a Canadian station yesterday, the topic was running long distances and how not great it is for bodies. That if everyone just walked at least 30 minutes a day, people in general would be healthier. Of course since this was the topic of the show, every caller had horror stories of running either themselves or a friend.
My husband's knee doctor said running is not the best thing you can do with questionable knees. He recommended biking, walking and swimming.
My rule is no jumping or running. Exercise with one foot on the floor. Due to bad school classes resulting in several injuries and fear of further damage and bad knees too.
We are currently walking (free), low impact cardio with all kinds of other movements, and weight training.
i think it is good for you. Or maybe more accurately I think it is good for me. Moderation is good, but honestly most people don't come close to harmful distances. I'm pushing 50 and training for a 50K. But I like trail running. I'll run on a paved path near my house for convenience but for longer runs almost all are in the park, in the woods, off road.
Another trail runner here. I've run trails almost exclusively for the past 11 years. I think it is much easier on my body than paved surfaces. I also don't think long distance is a problem, if people are smart about their training. I'll run multiple 50 mile races this year and (hopefully) a 100 miler. I've never suffered a serious running related injury. I'm a huge proponent of ice baths and take one after any hard workout (running or otherwise). It seems to make a huge difference in my recovery. In addition to running, I also weight train (very moderately) and do martial arts 4 times per week. Prior to this I trained for and raced triathlon. I think training for multiple sports also minimizes injury as it makes your body stronger in a variety of ways, not just one way, which could open you up to repetitive stress injuries.
Yossarian, welcome to the ultra runners club! If you're like me, the first 50K will have you hooked!!!
I had it in my head to start running last fall. I've always HATED it, but I figured this is my last chance to really start a more rigorous cardiovascular program that might be fun (before I have to join the water aerobics crowd at the senior center :). Plus I've always admired those 70-80 year old marathoners so I figured, why not follow through on the inspiration? I did look into all the risks for older people, and I came across a running style that seems perfect for me. It's called Chi Running, and it was developed by Danny Dreyer. Here's an excerpt from their "about" page:
Since 1999, ChiRunning has helped thousands of runners transform their technique - reducing, preventing and recovering from injuries. Runners of all ages and levels have improved their efficiency and performance, and now find running to be pain-free, easier, and enjoyable. The main principles of ChiRunning include:
Relaxation
Correct alignment and posture
Landing with a midfoot strike
Using a "gravity-assisted" forward lean
Engaging core strength for propulsion
Connecting the mind and body to prevent injury
Basically, there's nothing magic about it--it's simply learning how to lead from your core so you automatically assume better posture and are lighter on your feet. So I tried it and I really enjoyed it for a short period of time.. what I liked about running is that every day I was able to observe some small progress--a few more steps without being winded--increased ease, etc. Since I tend to be very goal-oriented, this was great. Plus I really wanted to train my dog to run with me, because she's very energetic.
I stopped because of an unrelated minor medical thing, and then never got back on it before the winter. Our winter made it ridiculous to try. Maybe I'll go for it again now that the weather is more amenable. I really like the concept.
I'm back to trail running and loving it. I notice a huge difference between trails and paved paths. The pavement or asphalt I really feel in the feet, ankle, knees. The trails through the woods are much softer and kinder, plus there is more agility in ups/downs/avoiding rocks etc. Along with Catherine's Chi Running, I can understand that. In the woods I feel taller and more attune, when I'm on a roadway I actually feel myself slumping a little more and feeling shorter or held down.
From an evolutionary perspective, I don't believe nature designed the human body to run for long distances, but rather to walk for long distances and run in short bursts. Not too long ago I saw a Ted talk (sorry, don't remember the title so can't provide a link) in which a cardiologist made a pretty persuasive case that endurance sports generally aren't especially good for you.
I ran some when I was younger but never really liked it. I've always liked walking, though. I walk 30 minutes on the treadmill most days, throwing in hills to get the heart rate up into the cardio zone. I also walk and hike recreationally.
It's worth remembering that the first marathoner in ancient Greece allegedly dropped dead after he finished running the distance ;).
Yossarian
5-23-14, 10:25am
I saw a Ted talk (sorry, don't remember the title so can't provide a link)
Probably this one: http://youtu.be/Y6U728AZnV0 (http://youtu.be/Y6U728AZnV0)
But the studies are pretty inconclusive: www.athletesheart.org/dont-stop-running-yet/ (http://www.athletesheart.org/dont-stop-running-yet/) and http://www.runnersworld.com/health/too-much-running-myth-rises-again
If there is a sweet spot, the vast majority of people are on the sedentary side of it.
Another ultra runner here. I think running overall is great for your cardiovascular system and other body systems, including muscles, tendons and ligaments, but can be tough on joints. The jarring and pounding can be too much for some people especially if running on hard surfaces. So might not be the best form of exercise if that's what you are wanting to run for, and not merely for the joy and/or completion of it. Probably walking or other forms of exercise is better. I personally think that if you are just looking for an easy-on-the-body form of exercise, walking can't be beat - with some power walking spurts to get the heart rate up. That with some upper body weight lifting.
However, few people I know who run do it JUST for exercise. There is an allure and power to the sport that is very enjoyable. And like most sports (rather than exercise) they can trash your body. That's one reason you do see a lot of older people who love to run and also love to compete doing trail running and ultras (look at the races and check out all the ages) as they are a bit easier on the old joints. They are generally slower races on nice soft trails in beautiful settings. So now I try to stick to trails or at least asphalt on my daily runs at my local park. Much easier on my body and actually more physically challenging to run hilly trails than the flat paved road or bike paths around here.
Gardenarian
5-23-14, 12:30pm
Spartana - I think what you said about sport vs exercise is really interesting.
I do not have a running body.
I have tried it and ended up with shin splints and achilles heel problems and aches everywhere else.
On top of that, I just hate it. Every second of it.
I love walking and hiking, and sometimes I'm inspired to take a half mile jog along the way, but running for miles is just bad for my particular body.
I agree with Float On about being off-road, both for running and walking. Earth is much less jarring to bones and feet and the uneven terrain helps people to focus and break up their stride a little.
ApatheticNoMore
5-23-14, 2:20pm
Bad knees run in my family (granted women also tend to be obese which doesn't help the knees - not me - I mean my ancestors) so I see little need to take up running knowing full well junky knees run in the family. I am prone to running really short bursts (a block or two) just because, it's just something I feel like doing mostly when I get bursts of mental energy, it's not even exercise.
I think Spartana is right people run because they enjoy it, otherwise there is no point in running just for exercise, walking is enough, if you want more challenge walk long distances, walk trails with elevation gain etc.. And yes I definitely think people can overexercise and excessive exercise stresses the body. I'm not sure runners are really maxing out the longevity charts. But I think how much is known about exactly where the happy medium lies on exercise isn't clear.
I've never exercised to achieve any type of weight loss, but when my kids were in plays in NYC, I would drop them off at rehearsal and walk.. and walk.. and walk. There is so much to see in NYC, and I really enjoyed walking up Broadway and down 7th Avenue, and up Central Park West, etc.
And "coincidentally" I was never thinner. I had a size 2 skirt that fit me just fine--and I was a mother of four.
Just thinking.about it makes my knees hurt. Plus I'm.well endowed, so that doesn't go well with running, regardless of how good your sports.bra is! ;)
awakenedsoul
5-23-14, 3:39pm
I would listen to your body. In your post you said, "Why am I doing this?" That's a good question. I usually ask myself that when I'm not enjoying something. I've been walking around the track at our local elementary school 10 laps a day. I'm enjoying it, and I feel like it is healing my back in places that were kind of pinched and tight. I've also noticed my leg bones don't ache at night anymore. I think my inner thigh muscles were getting weak, and it was affecting the bones. I also do yoga or pilates several nights a week...lots of inversions. I can't run. I never liked running and was always terrible at it. I could do the 6 min. mile in school, but only because I have a strong will. I think it's a talent, being musical. I also think Type A's enjoy it. I have a couple of neighbors who run every night. They are in their fifties. I think it's great. They run on asphalt, though. I can't even walk the dogs on asphalt without getting shin splints! So, I ride the bike with the dogs to our school that's 5 mins. away. I like the track. I don't have any problems after walking there. Plus, I want to be able to continue to walk easily as I age. For a while, I was struggling with it. (My pelvis was out of alignment.) It's a personal thing. I would do what's right for you...
Just thinking.about it makes my knees hurt. Plus I'm.well endowed, so that doesn't go well with running, regardless of how good your sports.bra is! ;)
So, I guess I should put my sneakers on right now. No knee pain, no "special endowments"--I guess I'm good to go! (So great to get older when all of those deficits suddenly become assets!)
Running is good for my soul.
It probably does make me fitter than I would be otherwise but I would do it anyway even if it didn't just for the sake of it. It teaches me a lot and I believe I am better person in other areas of life because of running. Fortunately I don't have any issues with knees and my (not running related) back pain can be dealt with by swimming and strength excersise (I'd love to try yoga too to see if it can at least partially replace that). At times I feel like certain parts of my body don't agree with my running enthusiasm but that's mostly limited to some missing or colourful nails, blisters, scrapes, bruises and permanent scar under the bordering of bra.
I love running on trails and in mountains but I cannot do that as often as I'd like to so I do fair amount of running on roads, including running to or from work sometimes. It may not be the best but it's better than no running at all. Plus I am preparing for a 24h race so it's good to get the body used to all that pounding. And a good running form is really necessary to handle it. I don't really race that often but couple of races to 'train' for are a nice excuse to justify a lot of running and various cross training activities when there is no point in explaining that you do it just because.
*grinning to Tradd* My first thought was "Is something chasing me?"
Good point about the endowments. Good point.
*grinning to Tradd* My first thought was "Is something chasing me?"
Good point about the endowments. Good point.
Hee! :) If I tried running.with my girls, I'd end up with whiplash. And I'm only slightly joking...
I think running is good for you physically & mentally. Currently I am training for my 1st 1/2 marathon. Did 9 miles this a.m. and frankly every muscle in my legs hurt like heck. But, the better shape I get in the faster I recover. I have been working on my form - many issues can be cured/avoided with proper form. Though easier said than done.
Physically it is great cardio, builds strong muscles and endurance. Mentally, it gives me time to think - just me and the
road outhere. I never run with head phones - not only for the safety factor - but it also gives me a chance to clear my
head. Run on!
I'm with Gardenarian here - some people just don't have the runner's body, or dancer's body, or whatever body. The angle of the femur from hip joint to knee joint is highly variable, and it does make a big difference in the way we move. The length of the spine matters too, as this affects flexure and balance. And then there are the feet and toes to consider. I used to run, and my knees are fine, but having seen the x-rays of my spine, I now keep one foot on the floor except when swimming. I like swimming better than running anyway, so it's no sacrifice to make the exchange.
I have had arthritis since my early 20s and my knees and right hip are shot. I have a little in my feet and spine and the best I can do is walking. I used to ride my bike on trails, but when my vision failed that was too dangerous, and I have the falling-scars to prove it. Passing my bikes on to other people remains one of the most bittersweet days of my live. Honestly.
I walk as only as far as I am sure I will be able to walk back. I park as far away as reasonable from wherever I am going and take the stairs at work for at least the first half of the day. I carry a folding cane just in case I get stuck too far away from the car or home.
I see people running and jogging all the time and it looks so wonderful. Powerful. I know that the more I walk and climb, the stronger and steadier I feel. But, when it comes to jogging, I may take a few yards of dangerous fun, but when the urge strikes I sit and wait for it to pass.
Jilly, would you be able to swim?
Tradd, I have tried water aerobics twice and liked it. The first program ended when the instructor moved and I left the second one because that instructor made corrections to me and another fat woman in a very shaming way. That woman is still the instructor at the only pool in the area and I do not want to go back.
I went into the most recent class because my pain was severe and I just wanted to get and keep my joints all juiced up and flexible. That was last year, spring, and I am not brave enough to go back and take the class.
So, I walk. I am up to fifteen to twenty minutes before I turn back towards home. My gait is rough and slow and I fill-up on pain relief before I begin. I have noticed that it is much easier to climb the hill to one of my jobs and stairs do not slow me down like they used to.
I did the Couch to 5K a few years ago, just to see if I could do it. Did it, and hated it. Loved how my body looked and felt and the sense of accomplishment at the finish, but found it soooo boring. Hated being hot and sweaty outside and wanted to cheat (walk) several times. According to other runners, my form was perfect (and I'm slim and flat, so no problems there) but it's not for me.
Eventually I'll get around to interval walking on a treadmill with hills and increases in speeds. I think the changes will keep it a bit more interesting. Love walking anywhere and can go miles/hours.
Interval walks are supposed to be more beneficial.
I am still running, I walk too the dogs go many times a dog. I suppose I was trying justify to myself why I should not run. In the end I feel accomplishment. I know a day will come when I stop, maybe after this 1/2 again,,,,then again I would like the 26.2 sticker.
I like sprinting....short and sweet :) One of my goals is to run a 5K, but the more bodies I see on my table with knee problems, shin splints, plantar fascitis, Achilles Tendon problems, and dealing with the aftermath of knee replacement surgeries....the less I am inclined to do it. I love yoga, walking, and weight lifting a lot more. One thing that I tried recently is kick boxing which is a lot of fun and not that taxing on the knees because you can modify all the exercises where you are not bouncing on your feet all the time.
Teacher Terry
5-28-14, 7:27pm
I like to walk and take water exercise classes. I never liked to run-not even when I was a lot younger.
fitasafiddle
5-31-14, 8:38pm
I also find paved surfaces quite jarring. While i get some enjoyment from completing longer distances, i think it is quite hard on your body, especially joints (knees, hips, even up through the back), and i think this outweighs the benefits - at least for me.
I would rather walk/hike, maybe some short distance running - because it does feel good - and then a mix of other forms of exercise. I'm sure some of us have bodies better suited to certain activities but for me the jarring is a bit too much.
awakenedsoul
5-31-14, 8:42pm
Yeah, I get shinsplints just from walking the dogs on the sidewalk! (I use the track now, instead.) People used to warn me as a young dancer not to dance on hard surfaces, (like cement.) They told me I would have back problems when I got older. Now I wish I had listened to them. You don't always feel it right away.
I was a runner when I was in my teens and 20's. I ran track in high school and college. I broke a few records at the time. Now ask me how my knees are now - I ruined them (severe osteo-arthritis) and pay for it with pain everyday! No knee replacement surgery for me either. I have MS and having a foreign object in my body like an artificial joint is asking for more problems.... Anything foreign in the body will ramp up an autoimmune disease....
A couple of years ago I read the book, "Born to Run". A main part of the book is about how the Tarahumaran Indians living in Mexico have running as a part of their culture and compete in ultra-marathons well past the ages of their American counterparts. They run barefoot or in skimpy sandals. It inspired me enough to go out and buy a pair of vibram five finger running shoes. I have never been a runner and they actually worked out pretty well for me. The book and experience convinced me that many of the problems runners develop are actually from improper running styles. I eventually gave it up as I really enjoy walking much more and can find enough trails with hills near-by that I can get decent aerobic work out.
I truly enjoy running but it definitely isn't for everyone. The key is to not push yourself too much. I think it's dangerous to run marathons more than once each month like some people do. Too much of anythings isn't good, and running too much will definitely put too much stress on your body. I've always been determined to run a 1/2 but I've been starting to tell that my body can't handle it. My back and knees would get too worked from it and I would wind up needing a ton of rest afterwards setting my exercise progress back.
A few miles about 4-5 times a week works just fine for me. I do know though that biking is great for people who have had knee injuries or who have chronic knee issues.
Spartana - I think what you said about sport vs exercise is really interesting.
Ha ha! It's true though. I know people often say "you must be fit because you play sports" but it's the opposite - I try to get fit so I CAN play sports with out dying. Sports in many cases are extremely hard on your body (and running can also be hard on your body) and leave you in pain and gimpy years later and even crippled with arthritis. Exercise though, in my mind, is the opposite (as my newly broken finger from playing volleyball can attest). It should be something that builds you up, makes you stronger, faster, healthier, less pain ridden, more flexible, etc... Of course that doesn't stop me from dressing up like Robocop (ankle brace, wrist brace, knee brace, back brace, neck brace, shoulder tape, etc...) to go out and play :-)!
I am in favor of running as an exercise - as long as your body can handle it, and newbies approach the beginning of any program slowly. My adult children have seen me running for the last few years (ok, lets be honest here - I am sloth-like in speed) and are now joining me on a Tuesday night beach fun run. It is kid-friendly, and all three grandkids are doing the kids runs, too. My son and his girlfriend had no training and spontaneously ran a 5K last week. DS is ready to train properly and keep it up. His gf is trying hard not to cry each time she takes a step - poor thing has shin splints, blisters and sore feet....So, again, I do think most people can run - but should build up to it sensibly by first walking for a period of say six months, and then slowly incorporating intervals of running and walking until the walk breaks can be eliminated.
One of the things I need to remind myself - losing weight is good for running and running is good for losing weight.
For clues as to whether your body will take kindly to running: look at the angle of the thigh bone to the knee joint. The steeper the inward slope, the more difficult it is get the weight swinging easily around the midline. Weight transfer means that every pound of upper body weight translates to 4 pounds at the knee. This is one reason that men tend to be better runners than women: their pelvic girdles are much narrower, seeing they don't have to give birth, and the angle of femoral head to knee is better in terms of distributing body weight around the midline. For women with wider pelvic girdles, the leg has to be swung almost in a semicircle with each running stride, requiring more energy and potentially a harder impact. This is very important, given that the ankle joints have to absorb force equal to 1.5 times body mass when walking and 8 times body mass when running. If there's any tendency for the ankle to roll inward, that's a large amount of force hitting the hinge joints at the wrong angles. This can be made worse if there's already less-than-ideal weight transfer from upper body to knee.
The shorter and bulkier the muscles, the more chance of developing hairline cracks in the bones (stress fractures). Then look at the feet: good high arch? Shape of foot? Length of toes? Runners, like dancers, are physically better suited to the exercise if the second and third toes are as long or slightly longer than the big toe, and the ball of the foot nice and broad to distribute the weight. Now look at the length of the back. If the back is short, it won't flex well. This was my problem. Nothing wrong with my technique: I was told by my physical therapist that my gait is "absolutely lovely". I have the runner's slender legs and long muscles, long toes, broad ball of foot, strong high arch, relatively broad angle of hip-joint to knee - but a short back. The quick-and-dirty test here is to see how many fingers will fit between the lowest rib and the top of the hipbone. Some body shapes will never do well at particular exercise types, so it's necessary to find what works for one's own body, preferably something one enjoys. My short back and long limbs are well suited to swimming. For people who really want to run, and have less-than-optimal body type, it's good to thoroughly understand and work with the constraints of their physical type. This should include knowledge and support of one's personal biochemistry and nutritional needs. Some people struggle with switching between fatty acid and glycogen burning; some have small, easily depleted glycogen stores and may collapse, trembling in every limb, when they go past their limits.
http://running.competitor.com/2014/05/training/volume-control-part-iii-what-role-do-body-type-biomechanics-and-recovery-play_36878
http://www.med.nyu.edu/pmr/residency/resources/Clinics_sports%20med/runner%20female_PMR%20clinics.pdf
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/health-and-fitness/fitness/do-you-have-the-body-type-to-run-a-marathon/article586440/
http://www.livestrong.com/article/550102-the-physical-difference-between-long-distance-runners-sprinters/
http://blog.bodynsolesports.com/2012/05/body-shape-and-running/
http://www.webmd.com/osteoarthritis/news/20050629/small-weight-loss-takes-pressure-off-knee
http://www.eorthopod.com/content/ankle-anatomy
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3063362/
Alas today as I dressed at 5 to hit the ground running, I thought once again "why am I doing this". Over and over I go through the mind game with myself. This is bigger then running itself. I think it is a feeling of failure or quitting. If I quit I will get old and fat. Which I know I will get old. Will I get fat, well I gain about two pounds whenever I back off. So fat, no.
Certain things I let define me I know this. I do get pride out of knowing I ran and speed. Never can I actually go out running with out the garmin running. It also has to do with goals. When I have a goal such as on date X I am running the 1/2, I focus. That is true with everything I do in life.
So today I did not run. I hopped on my bike for 22 miles. I love riding. As I was riding I thought I will fold up the running clothes and put them away, so I don't feel guilty for not running. Gosh I am putting far to much thought into this! Wasn't it suppose to be fun? Maybe tomorrow:|(
ctg It sounds to me as if biking is the way to go. You could use your running togs to bike...thus no guilt at all! And FUN! Life is too short to not do what is fun.
ctg It sounds to me as if biking is the way to go. You could use your running togs to bike...thus no guilt at all! And FUN! Life is too short to not do what is fun.I agree withg this. What you do for fitness should be fun. You should look forward to it - at least on most days. Most days I can't wait to get out there and run or bike (or both) or do ...something...physical. It's pure joy to me. I don't even do it for weight control or to look better, I just do it cause I like it. So find something you love and do that. No reason to force yourself to do something you hate just for health or beauty or fitness.
awakenedsoul
6-15-14, 4:15pm
I love to bike, too. If you love it, you'll do it. I can't bike as far as I used to, but I ride to the nearby school every single day and walk around the track. The dogs get a good run in a safe, fenced, grassy area. There's no one there, and we all get our exercise, for free! Sometimes I bike further, but I usually take the bus (with bike racks) to get home...
I started running a couple of years ago. I find it is one of the best things for getting my endorphins up, which is why I stick with it. I have major issues with my feet because I have "neanderthal feet" -- my middle toe is longer than my big toe, so it gets bashed to heck on a regular basis. I also had an issue with an injury at one point that threw me off track. So far no problems with knees, though. I'd like to do rowing but our gym doesn't have a machine. If I decide to give up running at some point I'll probably switch to biking and swimming. I'm biking to work now several times a week, about 12 km RT, takes about 30 minutes each way. Nice to be able to work exercise into my daily routine, I must say!
Powered by vBulletin® Version 4.2.5 Copyright © 2025 vBulletin Solutions Inc. All rights reserved.