Running, net positive or negative or both

Chris_Ford · December 25th, 2006, 00:26

Okay so everyone I know who hates running justifies it as "I don't run because it messes your joints up and by the time you're older you will be hurting" blah blah blah.

There are obvious advantages to cardiovascular health... but my question is more about the health of ones joints....

Is it bad for your joints or is that exaggerated?

My Flight Surgeon · December 25th, 2006, 00:43

If you have good mechanics of running, it does not hurt the joints. One thing is proper training to build up to long distances.

It is probably best to alternate running with otehr activities like swimming or cycling to avoid overuse syndromes.

amorris311 · December 25th, 2006, 01:44

swimming is the greatest low impact cardio workout. stremgth and conditioning coaches had us in the pool for long periods of time swimming endless laps. still do it today and have great stamina.

Chris_Ford · December 25th, 2006, 12:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by amorris311

swimming is the greatest low impact cardio workout. stremgth and conditioning coaches had us in the pool for long periods of time swimming endless laps. still do it today and have great stamina.

Unfortunately it's very difficult to do when you don't have any access to a pool. Especially somewhere with a cold winter where you'd need an indoor one.

I'm trying to maximize my workout, but I don't have any weights, a bicycle or anything, and I'm on a bit of a hiatus that will require another move (I've moved far too many times), so I'm not going to go out and buy something that I'll have to find space for in my car. Joining a gym seems foolish since I'll only be here for a few weeks.

killbilly · December 25th, 2006, 16:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris_Ford

Unfortunately it's very difficult to do when you don't have any access to a pool. Especially somewhere with a cold winter where you'd need an indoor one.

I'm trying to maximize my workout, but I don't have any weights, a bicycle or anything, and I'm on a bit of a hiatus that will require another move (I've moved far too many times), so I'm not going to go out and buy something that I'll have to find space for in my car. Joining a gym seems foolish since I'll only be here for a few weeks.

Can you skate?

The doc who did my knee surgery (I was a runner for a long time) advised that if I still wanted cheap outdoor cardio to get a set of blades and skate - much easier on your knees (just keep em' bent) and after a few weeks you'll have glutes you can crush walnuts with.

jtrain609 · December 25th, 2006, 19:51

I like walnuts...

falconvalley · December 25th, 2006, 23:09

If you're really set on running, go out and get "The Running Formula" by Jack Daniels. Yes, Jack Daniels. He's a runner's coach who takes runners who have problems and helps them become better runners. Believe it or not, his theory revolves around utilizing rest and more walking. I had problems with stress injuries a few years back and found out that I don't need to run 60 miles a week to be a good runner. You can easily run 2-3 miles a day, 3-4 days a week and walk the rest of the days and be fine.

captkansas · December 26th, 2006, 18:58

Running is the way to go...few things, with the exception of swimming, in my opinion, will get you in better overall shape. I have read before in Runner's World that a little bit of impact is actually important for the build-up of stronger bones. Something about how the additional stress causes your body to react by building them up or something like that...I can't remember. Anyway, the data centered around an experiment that compared the bone densities of long-time swimmers to long-time runners. Just something to think about. You will be sore due to running, but that doesn't mean that your joints are going kersplat. It just means you're sore, sometimes. Having said that, do build up gradually, and do take several days off per month. People that run every day are headed straight for injury.

stuckingfk · December 26th, 2006, 19:19

This guy is a machine.

fishrichard · January 2nd, 2007, 13:14

I run 3-4 miles ,4-5 days a week. I'm no pro, but my advice is to get a good pair of shoes, I like New Balance. When I first started my feet and legs would kill me. Found out that i;m an overpronater, the shoes totally resolved all problems.

Cessnaflyer · January 2nd, 2007, 14:09

If you are moving from place to place and you are staying in apartments I would hunt just a little more for a community that has a little exercise room or indoor lap pool. I don't know how populated the places are that you are moving around in but that could be an option if it is a large enough town/city

waverebel · January 3rd, 2007, 18:27

Like the doc said, try alternating-get in some swimming, biking and running.....Have you ever tried spinning? Im sure its not available everywhere but if you get the chance, it will freakin put the hurt on you (in a good way though). Its also not as much pounding on your joints like running is. My cardio in the pool improved noticeably after some spinning classes.

Heck, with running,swimming and spinning your pretty much training for a triathalon.

SeatClutcher · January 3rd, 2007, 18:40

Quote:

Okay so everyone I know who hates running justifies it as "I don't run because it messes your joints up and by the time you're older you will be hurting" blah blah blah.

Why I don't run: running sucks.

Ian J · January 3rd, 2007, 18:46

Chris - I've been running since I joined the Army (14 years ago!!) and haven't had any problems. Currently run 15-20 miles a week.

Like others say, the key is good shoes, good technique, and building yourself up to long distances. Don't try and go crazy your first few times out. Run slowly at first, short distances, and do run/walk intervals. The best advice I can give anyone starting running is to get a buddy! It is amazing how much further and faster I can run when I run with a group or someone else.

Honestly, I hate running. And I love it. I love I'm relatively good at it, and I love the results. But, when I'm at 3 miles and haven't hit the turn around point yet, I hate it.

Want to try something different that also doesn't need a gym or a lot of equipment? Try road marching. Army style. Get a backpack with 30-50 lbs in it, some boots, and walk as fast as you can for 6-12 miles. (Keep the pace at least at 4 mph.) Trust me man... it's an excellent workout.

MQAAord · January 4th, 2007, 10:26

I used to fly with lots of guys who ran. They'd ask me "so, do you run?" My answer was "only when someone's chasing me, in which case, I run really fast."

greaper007 · January 4th, 2007, 12:18

Well my Dad was a marathon runner, and had to have a total knee replacement in his late forties. Of course this was after a college wrestling injury and about 6 subsequent surgeries. He kept running on the injury which is why his knee went bad, not because of the running itself. Just another example of how vain my family is

.

I'm in the same boat as you Chris. I'm only here for the next few days then I'm out to somewhere else for six weeks. I considered getting a membership at Bally's just for the nationwide appeal, but their contracts scare me. I've been running, doing pushup's and situp's and trying to eat/drink less. It's working so/so. Let me know if you come up with any solutions.

December 25th, 2006, 00:26	#1
Chris_Ford Banned Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 7,329	Running, net positive or negative or both Okay so everyone I know who hates running justifies it as "I don't run because it messes your joints up and by the time you're older you will be hurting" blah blah blah. There are obvious advantages to cardiovascular health... but my question is more about the health of ones joints.... Is it bad for your joints or is that exaggerated?

December 25th, 2006, 00:43	#2
My Flight Surgeon Sr. Aviation Medical Examiner Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 2,324	Re: Running, net positive or negative or both If you have good mechanics of running, it does not hurt the joints. One thing is proper training to build up to long distances. It is probably best to alternate running with otehr activities like swimming or cycling to avoid overuse syndromes. __________________ Walter Forred, MD PHX 602-368-5633 www.myflightsurgeon.com

December 25th, 2006, 01:44	#3
amorris311 Old Skool Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Los Angeles soon to be phx Posts: 2,551	Re: Running, net positive or negative or both swimming is the greatest low impact cardio workout. stremgth and conditioning coaches had us in the pool for long periods of time swimming endless laps. still do it today and have great stamina.

December 25th, 2006, 19:51	#6
jtrain609 Old Skool Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Park City, UT Posts: 12,345	Re: Running, net positive or negative or both I like walnuts... __________________

December 25th, 2006, 23:09	#7
falconvalley Old Skool Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: KMKE Posts: 1,960	Re: Running, net positive or negative or both If you're really set on running, go out and get "The Running Formula" by Jack Daniels. Yes, Jack Daniels. He's a runner's coach who takes runners who have problems and helps them become better runners. Believe it or not, his theory revolves around utilizing rest and more walking. I had problems with stress injuries a few years back and found out that I don't need to run 60 miles a week to be a good runner. You can easily run 2-3 miles a day, 3-4 days a week and walk the rest of the days and be fine. __________________ British Airways flight asks for push back clearance from terminal. Control Tower replies: "And where is the world's most experienced airline going today without filing a flight plan?"

December 26th, 2006, 18:58	#8
captkansas Newbie Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 6	Re: Running, net positive or negative or both Running is the way to go...few things, with the exception of swimming, in my opinion, will get you in better overall shape. I have read before in Runner's World that a little bit of impact is actually important for the build-up of stronger bones. Something about how the additional stress causes your body to react by building them up or something like that...I can't remember. Anyway, the data centered around an experiment that compared the bone densities of long-time swimmers to long-time runners. Just something to think about. You will be sore due to running, but that doesn't mean that your joints are going kersplat. It just means you're sore, sometimes. Having said that, do build up gradually, and do take several days off per month. People that run every day are headed straight for injury.

December 26th, 2006, 19:19	#9
stuckingfk Old Skool Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: El Forko Grande Posts: 2,605	Re: Running, net positive or negative or both This guy is a machine.

January 2nd, 2007, 13:14	#10
fishrichard Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 87	Re: Running, net positive or negative or both I run 3-4 miles ,4-5 days a week. I'm no pro, but my advice is to get a good pair of shoes, I like New Balance. When I first started my feet and legs would kill me. Found out that i;m an overpronater, the shoes totally resolved all problems.

January 2nd, 2007, 14:09	#11
Cessnaflyer Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Sammamish, WA Posts: 1,437	Re: Running, net positive or negative or both If you are moving from place to place and you are staying in apartments I would hunt just a little more for a community that has a little exercise room or indoor lap pool. I don't know how populated the places are that you are moving around in but that could be an option if it is a large enough town/city

January 3rd, 2007, 18:27	#12
waverebel Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Houston Posts: 63	Re: Running, net positive or negative or both Like the doc said, try alternating-get in some swimming, biking and running.....Have you ever tried spinning? Im sure its not available everywhere but if you get the chance, it will freakin put the hurt on you (in a good way though). Its also not as much pounding on your joints like running is. My cardio in the pool improved noticeably after some spinning classes. Heck, with running,swimming and spinning your pretty much training for a triathalon.

January 3rd, 2007, 18:46	#14
Ian J Old Skool Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Nashville Posts: 6,000 Blog Entries: 7	Re: Running, net positive or negative or both Chris - I've been running since I joined the Army (14 years ago!!) and haven't had any problems. Currently run 15-20 miles a week. Like others say, the key is good shoes, good technique, and building yourself up to long distances. Don't try and go crazy your first few times out. Run slowly at first, short distances, and do run/walk intervals. The best advice I can give anyone starting running is to get a buddy! It is amazing how much further and faster I can run when I run with a group or someone else. Honestly, I hate running. And I love it. I love I'm relatively good at it, and I love the results. But, when I'm at 3 miles and haven't hit the turn around point yet, I hate it. Want to try something different that also doesn't need a gym or a lot of equipment? Try road marching. Army style. Get a backpack with 30-50 lbs in it, some boots, and walk as fast as you can for 6-12 miles. (Keep the pace at least at 4 mph.) Trust me man... it's an excellent workout. __________________

January 4th, 2007, 10:26	#15
MQAAord Moderator Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: The Looney Bin Posts: 9,409	Re: Running, net positive or negative or both I used to fly with lots of guys who ran. They'd ask me "so, do you run?" My answer was "only when someone's chasing me, in which case, I run really fast." __________________ PPL SEL 100-ish hours TT Former American Airlines F/A (12 months) Former Simmons/Eagle F/A (6 years) Former Eagle ground school instructor (1 year) Former Eagle IOE instructor (3 years)

January 4th, 2007, 12:18	#16
greaper007 Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: West Hartford, Ct Posts: 1,100	Re: Running, net positive or negative or both Well my Dad was a marathon runner, and had to have a total knee replacement in his late forties. Of course this was after a college wrestling injury and about 6 subsequent surgeries. He kept running on the injury which is why his knee went bad, not because of the running itself. Just another example of how vain my family is . I'm in the same boat as you Chris. I'm only here for the next few days then I'm out to somewhere else for six weeks. I considered getting a membership at Bally's just for the nationwide appeal, but their contracts scare me. I've been running, doing pushup's and situp's and trying to eat/drink less. It's working so/so. Let me know if you come up with any solutions. __________________ <<<<<Hunter S. Thompson extends the Gonzo concept to flying.

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