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Is Running Good or Bad for Your Health?

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Re: Is Running Good or Bad for Your Health?

#6

I'm a cross-country runner averaging 30+ miles a week. I don't see any harm. It's had a great impact on me. I feel healthier and more fit. Some articles just don't make sense.

Anecdotes are not evidence, and incomplete anecdotes (e.g. omitting age) are even less.

Re: Is Running Good or Bad for Your Health?

#7

it's good - as long as your leg joints do not tell you the opposite nd it's too bad when they do :(

There was a study a few years ago (posted below) that actually found running is fairly good for your joints as the stress encourages your body to build and repair cartilage.

If you are personally having joint issues and you want to continue to run I encourage you not to give up. Try different shoes, have your gait analyzed, even see a physical therapist who specializes in running. I obviously don't know if you are in this situation or if you have tried any of these things, but I know even a simple thing like changing the type of shoe you wear and a little rest can help resolve a lot of minor joint pain issues.

http://www.npr.org/2011/03/28/134861448/put-those-shoes-on-r...

Re: Is Running Good or Bad for Your Health?

#8

I'm a cross-country runner averaging 30+ miles a week. I don't see any harm. It's had a great impact on me. I feel healthier and more fit. Some articles just don't make sense.

The article clearly states the harm may be things like cardiomegaly which you wouldn't overtly see (until you have an MI at 55). In any case, your subjective experience doesn't outweigh actual science conducted on a significant group of people. The article does make sense, you just don't like the idea because it would mean you might not be as healthy as you think.

That doesn't mean you should stop running, just that it is a decision with consequences like any other.

Re: Is Running Good or Bad for Your Health?

#10
Look at a male Olympian long distance runner's physique. Is that what you want to look like? You probably won't get there, but is that a worthwhile goal? Whereas a short or mid distance runner looks more normal and healthy. This tells me that I probably want to run shorter distances. In fact, I never run more than a mile, but do it quickly.
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