Does running wear down the body?

That seems to be the general consensus, especially among doctors. But I think the degree of wear depends on what kind of runner you are, how much you run, whether you run correctly, etc.

I started running about 3 years ago (at age 46). I have had a mild case of arthritis in both of my knees since my late teens (non-degenerative) and I can tell you that since I started running, my knees actually feel better (especially in the mornings). I also spent over a year with a personal trainer who opened my eyes to HOW I was running - head down, hunched slightly forward... we fixed that and my runs were much better.

I think one big reason for wearing down the body is over doing it. I know people who run every single day. For me, that's too much. I like 3 times per week. 2 runs between 3 - 5 miles, one run at about 10 - 11 miles.

Frankly, there's no one answer for all. Depends on a lot of factors.

Indubitably.

Over time absolutely.

Your feet especially are filled with tiny bones and joints.

Over time running can be destructive.

I always recommend people run on an elliptical machine because it lessens the impact.

Or maybe try walking?

Don't avoid running because of this though.

Just don't do it every day. For years.

I also agree with the consensus that it's hard on the body. If you see me running - look behind me because something big and scary will be chasing me.

I'll walk a long ways. I do a lot of climbing up and down, too. I think naturally working muscles is a must. If you don't work it, you lose it period. You have to be careful not to over-work it though. There's a point at which anything and everything goes from really good for ya to just plain, too much. Walking allows a lot of exercise to go on without a lot of strain, it allows enhanced waste removal, too. I like to take my shoes off and walk because it naturally grounds the electromagnetism of the body.

As far as going up and down mountains -- the only reason I don't wear out on that like some people is that I don't push it. I stop frequently to either poke around the rocks or sit and enjoy the scenery. When I'm out rock hunting with some people, getting up there in a hurry seems to be their main focus, and they seem to get hurt more often - or just are in general pain a lot.

I might be slow.............but I get there without tripping ligaments, etc. LOL.

You hit the nail on the head Sal. It's about knowing your limits. I run more for the way it clears my head than the exercise. But there are days I realize that my body just doesn't want to (I usually know in the first mile). If I don't feel it, or I feel any unusual pain, I stop running and walk.

I like walking too. And riding my bicycle. Next year I'll be getting back into hiking. I guess it's also about being outdoors.

Also I don't run to win races. My pace is on average a 9 and a half minute mile. The further I run the slower I go too

My husband is an ultramarathon runner, he's fit enough to run a marathon at the drop of a hat, and has completed several 100km races. He's just turned 50, and is in perfect health according to his doc. No arthritis, no joint disease, no nothing. People are different.

I think he looks pretty good for 50!

http://ih1.redbubble.net/image.66426...x550,075,f.jpg

I'm like Mike though, slow and steady. I don't like running fast because you miss out on enjoying the scenery.

This article published last month is a good read if you're worried about running and knee arthritis. Looks like it's not a given.

http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/0...rthritis/?_r=0

I do not like running. I like lifting weights, sometimes, though.

The evidence is clear. There is no more arthritis in runners than the general population:
Running and the Risk for Osteoarthritis | Running Research Junkie

LOL - when I was in high school my parents joined the country club and I was put on the golf course. Everyone wanted me to go into olympic golfing because I could drive a ball straight and as far as any man on the course. When I'd tee off and have to yell "fore" because the ball was headed for a group of men by the hole, they'd turn to scream at the driver and see a 14 year girl standing at the tee and just turn around sheepishly. LMAO. I never did take up the sport professionally............because I hated the game. Just happened to be good at it.

I was asked, though - by many people, what my secret to hitting the ball like that was. I'd look at their several hundred dollar shoes and laugh. I told them - wear sandals or loafers and take your shoes off when you hit the ball. If you want a natural stance........um........be natural.