Does running wear down the body?

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Does jogging and running wear down the joints and stuff over many years?
  • Profile picture of the author MikeAmbrosio
    Originally Posted by KingOfContentMarketing View Post

    Does jogging and running wear down the joints and stuff over many years?
    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.
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  • Profile picture of the author Horny Devil
    Banned
    Originally Posted by KingOfContentMarketing View Post

    Does jogging and running wear down the joints and stuff over many years?
    Indubitably.


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  • Profile picture of the author Sarevok
    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.

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    • Profile picture of the author Newbieee
      Yes it does.

      So does walking.

      But the pros out weigh the con on a balanced lifestyle.

      Running everyday is not necessary, and not running at all is worse.

      So balance it. As with every other thing in life.

      Its all about balance.

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  • Profile picture of the author HeySal
    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.
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    Sal
    When the Roads and Paths end, learn to guide yourself through the wilderness
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  • Profile picture of the author MikeAmbrosio
    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
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  • Profile picture of the author Audrey Harvey
    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.
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    • Profile picture of the author HeySal
      Originally Posted by Audrey Harvey View Post

      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.
      Sounds nuts to me, Audrey. Like I said - running is for when something is chasing you. I am a little jealous about your outdoor guy, though. Guys that are fit at 50 are just tough to come by. Hope he's keeping a good stretching routine going. My dad calls that the critical age - if he doesn't wing himself pretty soon, he should be good for around 40 more years.
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      Sal
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  • Profile picture of the author Audrey Harvey
    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
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    • Profile picture of the author HeySal
      Originally Posted by Audrey Harvey View Post

      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
      Looks like you scored, Audrey - very nice looking man. If I could find one in that kind of shape at that age, I might not be single myself. Good find!

      Actually - I have asthma and I can walk forever, but running clamps my lungs up bad. When I was around 27 I got in a car wreck and my knees got whapped pretty badly. They started acting up after that and my doctor told me to stay off my feet. Right. I had just gotten my first puppy ever and he was destined to be a huge dog. I was in no way not going to walk my kid. Low and behold - after about 6 months of walks that increased to between 2.5 and 5 months a day as the little guy grew, my knees no longer bothered me in the least bit.

      That's still walking though - I don't even want to know what stuff I'd discombobulate if I started running.
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      Sal
      When the Roads and Paths end, learn to guide yourself through the wilderness
      Beyond the Path

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      • Originally Posted by HeySal View Post

        Low and behold - after about 6 months of walks that increased to between 2.5 and 5 months a day as the little guy grew, my knees no longer bothered me in the least bit.

        That's still walking though - I don't even want to know what stuff I'd discombobulate if I started running.
        I know what you mean--I've had some boring jobs that felt like 5 months a day.
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  • Profile picture of the author Michael Ten
    I do not like running. I like lifting weights, sometimes, though.
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  • Profile picture of the author cbpayne
    The evidence is clear. There is no more arthritis in runners than the general population:
    Running and the Risk for Osteoarthritis | Running Research Junkie
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  • Profile picture of the author HeySal
    Originally Posted by Ken_Caudill View Post

    I think it's the shoes that cause the problems. Like the Boss says, we were born to run.

    Jason Robillard- The Barefoot Ultramarathon Runner
    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.
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    Sal
    When the Roads and Paths end, learn to guide yourself through the wilderness
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    • Originally Posted by HeySal View Post

      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.
      Ha I just watched this video yesterday and you reminded me of it. She's got the barefoot thing down.


      The guy in the video is getting grief recently because he gave Tiger an "F" grade:

      Chamblee apologizes for insinuating Tiger was a cheater
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