Is Distance Running Bad For You?

by Anne
(Mississippi)

Hi, I am 45 years old and have been running for about 3 months now. In October, I signed up to "walk" in the Susan Koman Race for the Cure, and ended up trying to run as much of it as I could.

I became hooked and have been running since. I am up to running 4 1/2 miles about three times a week now.


My comfortable running time for a mile is 13 minutes. The fastest I have been able to do is 11 minutes/mile. I want to continue increasing distance and improving speed, but I am getting a lot of negative feedback from family members and friends. I am being constantly bombarded with people telling me that I am going to suffer lasting damage to my knees, and that I am going to regret running in the long run. I guess I need confirmation that running is indeed as good for me as I feel that it is. I want to run as much as possible without causing injury to myself. Is there a maximum number of miles that I should not go over when I am running?

Just yesterday (right before I read the newsletter, unfortunately) I ran my 4 1/2 miles, and did not eat or drink anything before or after. I don't normally get very thirsty, so I don't drink as much water as I should. I had not eaten or drank anything for about 4 hours before I ran. About an hour after running, I was at
my son's basketball practice and I started feeling "weird." Everything seemed kind of far off and I started feeling dizzy and nauseated. I ended up getting pretty sick and it took about 3 hours of taking in fluids until I started feeling better. I could not figure out what was wrong with me, but after reading your information, I figured out that what happened to me was probably
due to becoming dehydrated. At least now I will be extra careful to make sure I don't do that again.

Thanks for the valuable information.
Anne


Answer by Dominique:


Hi Anne,
Thanks for your running question.

There is a pretty famous long-term study on people who have been running since 1984.

These people are looking considerably younger, feeling considerably better and are way healthier than their non-running counterparts. So, do not worry, running is good for you.

And I wish I had kept that copy of Runners World which had an interview with a guy who must have been 65-70. You should have seen the photo. He looked like someone in his mid-forties! It was unbelievable.

With regards to the seeds of doubt your friends and family are trying to plant in your mind:
There is plenty of scientific evidence which suggests that exercise is good for you. Running is a great sport.

Yes, there is probably a small minority of people for whom running is not a good sport to do, because they already have bad backs, bad knees etc.

And yes, there are risks of getting injured. So, injury prevention is key. Check out some tips on running injury prevention here.

Many, many non-runners / critics would be a lot healthier and would live longer, happier lives if they'd stop criticising runners and start doing a bit of running themselves!

To answer your question about the distance you can go:

Just take it easy and build it up really slowly. Also see my page about increasing mileage.



Hope this helps to fight off the criticism!
Best of luck.
Cheers,
Dominique

Click here to post comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to Running Training FAQ.



Like this page:


Share this page:


Like this site:


[?] Subscribe To This Site

XML RSS
follow us in feedly
Add to My Yahoo!

Helpful
Resources

  • Beginner Running Tips

    Are you a beginning runner? Then this is your best starting point. Many tips and running programs on offer, dedicated to you.

  • Running for Weight Loss

    Aiming to lose a few pounds? Get into the Running for Weight Loss section for tips and advice.

  • Running Training

    The Running Training section of the site has got the most articles. It is constantly getting updated with new tips and information. A must-visit if you are serious about improving your running performance.

  • 5k Running Tips

    The 5k is a great distance to run and train for. The great thing is that you can do it quite often and see big improvements.

  • 10k Running Tips

    The 10k is a real challenge. You need to run fast for an uncomfortably long time! Check out this section if you are strong of mind and legs!

  • Marathon Running Tips

    The marathon is a massive challenge. Proper training is so important! Make sure to check out this section if you have got your mind set on the marathon!




What's New?

  1. Marathon Calculator Page - Three Essential Running Calculators That Help You Conquer Your Marathon

    marathon-calculator-01.jpg
    This marathon calculator page provides you with a set of running calculators that help you conquer your marathon. Calculate your marathon pace, training pace etc.

    Read more

  2. Advanced Marathoning Book Review- If You Want To Do More Than Finishing a Marathon

    Want to run your best marathon? Want to do more than just finishing a marathon. Then Advanced Marathoning is the book for you.

    Read more

  3. Top Fifteen Beginner Jogging Myths

    beginner-jogging-11.jpg
    The top fifteen beginner jogging myths. When you are a beginning runner, you'll hear lots of nonsense about running. This articles dispels some of the most common myths.

    Read more

  4. How Can I Improve My 5 Mile Time?

    I am a 25-year-old female running a 7 minute mile for 5 miles. My time is between 33 to 35 minutes. My question is how can I run a 6 minute mile for 5

    Read more

  5. Returning to Running After a Meniscus Injury

    I have developed a meniscus injury which requires surgery. I run 1/2 and full marathons and haven't been able to run for the past 3 months as I wait

    Read more