What is so special about running???

athensguy

So you're still getting the same weight loss and cardiovascular benefit from walking that you get from running.. it just takes longer with walking? Sounds like the over all progress is the same... and if it means that I don't have to kill my joints and get injured running, then it's fine by me.

Running does not kill your joints unless you already have a pre-existing injury and/or joint damage.

Please do a little research before perpetuating this myth: http://rwdaily.runnersworld.com/2012/02/no-running-does-not-ruin-your-knees.html?cm_mmc=Facebook-_-RunnersWorld-_-Content-Blogs-_-RunningRuinsYourKnees

First off, That article is hardly considered research.. All it does it say that running does not ruin your knees and that you need to run with your upperbody/trunk... no scientific study anywhere to back up either claim.

Second, How many posts do you see on here from people that are in pain from running? Due to wrong shoes, running wrong, etc etc... How many posts do you see here from people that are injured by walking? Very few.

I have my opinion.. You have yours. I don't like running and never will... so I will continue to walk and reap the benefits from it.

You have your opinion, I have Google Scholar:

http://jama.ama-assn.org/content/255/9/1152.short
"We did not find an increased prevalence of osteoarthritis among the runners. Our observations suggest, within the limits of our study, that long-duration, high-mileage running need not be associated with premature degenerative joint disease in the lower extremities. "

http://jama.ama-assn.org/content/255/9/1147.short
"There were no differences between groups in joint space narrowing, crepitation, joint stability, or symptomatic osteoarthritis. Running is associated with increased bone mineral but not, in this cross-sectional study, with clinical osteoarthritis. "

http://cat.inist.fr/?aModele=afficheN&cpsidt=2146895
"Conclusion. The presence of radiographic hip OA and the progression of radiographic knee OA was similar for older runners and nonrunners. Lumbar spine BMD remained higher in runners, but changes in lumbar BMD were similar for runners and nonrunners over a 9 year period."

david081

Running has really lifted my self-esteem. A year ago after weighing in at my heaviest ever, I decided to do something about it and joined this site. I embarked on the C25K programme, and felt on a real high the day I ran 5k none-stop. I do not run fast, as I tend to stick to the guidelines for my age (50 next month) and wear a HRM. However, I can identify with the boredom of miles of low-intensity cardio. Being out of work I have lots of time and was doing 50 miles a week. Yes I lost 27lbs so far, but my routine was dull. I now run 3 x 1 mile a week as a warm-up before weights, plus HIIT sprint-intervals three times a week. I only do an upper body weights routine with dumbells, but do a plyometric workout twice a week. Too early to see what difference the routine is having, but the enjoyment factor is way up high!

I'm interested original poster, in what surface you are running on? I was developing a painful case of tibular tendonitis through doing sprints on the tarmac of a quiet country lane I use a lot. Many advise sprint-training on sand or grass. I run on the beach up the road. I understand you can get custom-fitted trainers, but for me the cost is prohibitive...

Btw, after someone on here recommended the book "An Accidental Athlete" by John Bingham I ordered in on Amazon, and found it an interesting and amusing slant on taking up running later in life...

Spelusmc

I ran for 17 years and now the doctor says I have "overused my knees" WHAT?!!!!! So, no more running for me due to injury. But I can complete one hell of a hike with a 30lbs pack!

JennaM222

Running is cheaper than a therapist.

There's just something that makes you feel effin fantastic when you run. The first 10 mins suck for me...but after that...it is a such a stress releaiver for me. When I am running outside on a sunny morning down by the river, I have No worries. Life is good.

I started as someone who couldn't hardly run a mile and now I am training for my first half marathon

jenalderman

That little ticker at the bottom of this post is what makes it special for me. It's just the first exercise that I have "clicked" with enough to "stick" with. That's what it's all about! If it doesn't click for you then move on until you find what does. Good luck. You will find the perfect blend if you just keep looking.

McPenguin

I was never ever a runner, and in fact dreaded when we had to run the mile in gym class. I started running about a year and a half ago as another form of exercise and now it has turned into much more than that. I went from jogging in place in my living room to now having completed my 2nd half marathon at Disney. (will finish my 3rd on the 18th!). It's helped me lose weight, improve my energy, and given me something to be confident about. Similar to what another poster said, my mom also has something to tell her coworkers about. I'm by no means the fastest runner, but I know when I go out there I'm doing this for me, to finish, and to have the feeling of accomplishment not everyone gets to experience. When I finished the Princess half at Disney, I wore my finisher's medal around the park and had complete strangers, employees and not, telling me congrats and it felt awesome.

Wait... there's a marathon at DISNEY? That's it... I'm starting C25K today. Running it is!

lisaabenjamin

My New Year's resolution last year was to complete a 10K race...I wanted to get fit and take part in an exercise that my boyfriend loves so we could do it together. I got up to a distance of 5Km, lost interest, found it too hard to go any further and gave up so I didn't do it - typical quitter! This year, since started MFP, I have signed up for a 10K race in June so that I have something to aim for, and I've already increased my distance to 8.5 km so I'm not too far off my goal now! I'm still far too slow to keep up with my boyfriend - we sometimes start together, then he detours to do an extra mile or two and joins me for the finish!

I'm not a natural runner and I really have to make myself get up and go out for a run, especially when it's cold or dark, but when I do....and when I beat a personal best....it's an amazing feeling! I try to run twice a week; a shorter run in the week to keep the momentum going and a longer one on a Saturday when I have more time and am not pressed by work. I also kickbox once a week and play netball twice a week to vary my activity. I like to run in the rain - it's so refreshing when you are hot and sweaty! I also like to run with friends - it's much easier to run when you have some support, so try joining a running club or getting a coach rather than going it alone.

If you are getting a lot of injuries, make sure you are wearing the correct shoes - go and get your gait analysed at a reputable running store and they will tell you if you need supports in your shoes. Also make sure that you have proper rest - if you are running every day then your muscles might not have enough time to repair before the next run. Other things to try are to vary your running style (heel-strikes vs toe-strikes), mix it up with hills, offroad, sprints and road running, try barefoot shoes, warm up properly (never stretch cold muscles!! Walk or jog for 5 minutes or practice 'active stretching' before a run), cool down properly and do exercises between runs to keep your troublesome muscles in shape. I used to suffer from terrible pains in my ankles during a run, but since I started doing ankle rotations and strength training exercises for my legs, the pains have magically vanished. Another thing I would recommend is the Podrunner podcasts - these are podcasts of dance music that is set to a certain number of beats per minute. The idea is that you match your running pace to the beat - they have a set of podcasts for C25K, try it out, they're free on iTunes!!

I understand that running is not for everyone but I do think that if you have just started out, you need to persevere with it a bit before you really find out if you like it or not. Most people 'don't like' things that are hard - but once you get a bit fitter and running gets easier, you might find you love it!

islandjumper

haha I love this example: running from zombies.. ;D
I like running but I get tired very fast, when I run in a treadmill I can during longer, but when I try to run in the street I get tired very very very fast. I don't understand why, and also when I run in a treadmill I always run at the same speed, when I run in the street I run fast in the beginning then I find it more difficult as I progress. Actually, one of the reasons why I get tired is because I have anemia but I'm taking my medication now, I hope it'll get better, I love running, and I love the feeling I have after running

you actually have to propel yourself forward running outside instead of a treadmill so that requires a bit more energy....but it's just more fun that way

islandjumper

I was never ever a runner, and in fact dreaded when we had to run the mile in gym class. I started running about a year and a half ago as another form of exercise and now it has turned into much more than that. I went from jogging in place in my living room to now having completed my 2nd half marathon at Disney. (will finish my 3rd on the 18th!). It's helped me lose weight, improve my energy, and given me something to be confident about. Similar to what another poster said, my mom also has something to tell her coworkers about. I'm by no means the fastest runner, but I know when I go out there I'm doing this for me, to finish, and to have the feeling of accomplishment not everyone gets to experience. When I finished the Princess half at Disney, I wore my finisher's medal around the park and had complete strangers, employees and not, telling me congrats and it felt awesome.

Wait... there's a marathon at DISNEY? That's it... I'm starting C25K today. Running it is!

There's a few of them ...the princess half is my goal for next year

fteale

It's my me time. When I run no one else has any demands on my time. I don't have to feel bad thinking I should be doing something else. My brain is free to think everything over, I do all my essay plans while running. It wakes me up for the day. Gets me outside, makes me feel at one with nature. It has completely changed the way I breathe. I had bad asthma and got constant chest infections, I have had bronchitis three times, pleurisy, pneumonia twice, trachiitis, and other more minor infections. Since I started running I haven't had a day's illness. I feel so much better. I don't even have an inhaler any more.
On top of that I have lost about 2 1/2 stone.

Enonoid

Running is convenient and free. I just started running after years of being a swimmer without a pool. Me being cheap, I would frown my face at having to pay to swim. When push came to shove, I started out on a treadmill and improved enough to run outside. I can't say I love it, but it is working. Between running and eating better, I have lost 9 lbs in six weeks and my cholesterol has dropped from 210 to 184 in that same time frame.

I can run about 5 miles an hour, so in case I ever decide to run from the police, I like my chances. LOL

RAFValentina

SOMETHING that unites large groups of people.
*An easy sport that almost anyone can start doing any day as little equipment or special facilities are required. Its cheap...or at least it can be...plenty of people do it so you're never really alone and there's always an event for your level.
*It burns calories mega quick,
*It improves your CV and aerobic fitness dramatically and quickly.
*Variations of running, such as HIIT/Tabata/Intervals/Sprints all can improve your ANAEROBIC endurance and threshold too. *Longer runs at high intensity are great for surpressing appetite.
*Physical motion of running works many large muscle groups... all over workout
*Physical motion also aids the bowel in digestion and can aid sufferes of IBS or constipation through mechanical needs.
*It looks cool.
*It makes you feel ace.
*After a run you feel far more accomplished than on a bike ride (asa general personal rule)
*Can be quite high impact so when used in moderation and with proper nutrition, is great for strengthening joints, muscles and bones and increasing bone density in collaboration with pure strength.
*It can be done on many terrains to make it interesting or even indoors on a treadmill.
*It's great to go on a long run when stressed or a lot on your mind as thought processing will distract you from the monotony that running may otherwise bring and you'll come back accomplished with training AND thoughts processed!

* The list goes on and on and on...

ddiestler

Running gives me confidence...I started out walking around the block then jogging one driveway at a time. I am proud to say I now run 4 miles several times a week. Exercise period has given me strength and energy. Not only do I feel better I am finally losing those unwanted pounds.

I will never win any races..I go my pace, my way and am loving it.

LastMinuteMama

I started running at age 13 when I joined the Track and Field Team. It became clear early on the that I would participate more in the "Field" part of the team as the one mile run to the track was enough torture for me.

I did well with sprints, hurdles and the Triple Jump.

Rinse and Repeat for 4 years at college.

Fast forward 16 years to today and I'm on a mission to convert the sprinter to a distance runner. I was having so much trouble in the beginning, mostly because I wasn't running enough to increase my distance. Seriously, running 1-2 miles was really tough; phyically and mentally. Currently, I go out and run 6 miles each Saturday morning. It's my time, all alone on a quiet tree lined road. perfectly pristine and peaceful....oh man, just talking about it makes me wanna go lace up. { if you never reach this point, then running just might not be for you }

That said, I don't think running is the end all of exercise. I also attend boot camp, zumba, lift weights and have a new found love of calisthenics.

KarenLue

I LOVE LOVE LOVE to run! I get that "runners high"! I have to have my Mp3 player though. I like to blast some power tunes and run up the longest steepest hill I can find! Unfortunately I have also developed chronic inflammation in my feet. As long as Im moving I'm fine but as soon as I stop for a while I can't hardly walk when I get up. I also do dance aerobics (which I also like to do with great vigor) and think maybe I shouldn't have gone in there acting like I was Michael Flatly! I think running is great, but be good to your body!

polar135

For me, its quiet time away from the busy life with a wife, kids, work. I can listen to a podcast/music and no one brothers me.

For me, the high after i have done it is amazing. After i finish, i look back and go wow, i just ran, 4 miles, 6 miles, 8 miles with out stopping is such a big boost to my confidence, mood and overall well being. I am probably more centered then i have ever been and that is a good thing.

I never ran ever since i was a kid, and i hated it. then last April, i finally started. It started at 10 minutes at a time, and now i have my first half marathon scheduled for April.

Barneystinson

So you're still getting the same weight loss and cardiovascular benefit from walking that you get from running.. it just takes longer with walking? Sounds like the over all progress is the same... and if it means that I don't have to kill my joints and get injured running, then it's fine by me.

Running does not kill your joints unless you already have a pre-existing injury and/or joint damage.

Please do a little research before perpetuating this myth: http://rwdaily.runnersworld.com/2012/02/no-running-does-not-ruin-your-knees.html?cm_mmc=Facebook-_-RunnersWorld-_-Content-Blogs-_-RunningRuinsYourKnees

First off, That article is hardly considered research.. All it does it say that running does not ruin your knees and that you need to run with your upperbody/trunk... no scientific study anywhere to back up either claim.

Second, How many posts do you see on here from people that are in pain from running? Due to wrong shoes, running wrong, etc etc... How many posts do you see here from people that are injured by walking? Very few.

I have my opinion.. You have yours. I don't like running and never will... so I will continue to walk and reap the benefits from it.

Anecdotal evidence ahead!

Walking (yes, not running) in Vibram five fingers (minimalist footwear) on hard pavement irritated my plantar fascia and started me on a yearlong painful bout of plantar fasciitis / heel spurs.

Walking, running, skipping, jumping, lifting weights, playing sports...doesn't really matter. If you're not wearing proper footwear or utilizing poor form with an existing foot condition like flat feet or high arches you're going to bring yourself closer to a breaking point or injury and experience pain at some point or another. Running will tend to irritate a condition far faster in inexperienced runners as they tend to do the following:

1. Run with poor form
2. Add mileage too quickly
3. Don't warm up or cool down with stretching/foam rolling
4. Don't REST
5. Don't cross train or lift weights for strength and balance

Yes, you may injure yourself performing at higher rates of activity but you also reap far greater rewards in performance and strength.

I've actually had to be far more careful with weightlifting and injury than I have with running.

BrianSharpe

To me.. Nothing. Running sucks.. Plain and simple.

You can get the exact same results by walking that you can by running... which is why I don't force myself to do it.

You're not entirely correct, running burns almost double (net) the calories of walking .63cal / lb body weight per mile vs .30cal/ lb body eight per mile (Source "Energy Expenditure of Walking and Running," Medicine & Science in Sport & Exercise, Cameron et al, Dec. 2004.) and you'll get your heart rate higher running than you will walking but......if you hate running walking is still way better for you than being inert and you can find other ways to boost your heart rate.

Try doing inclines on a treadmill while walking.. Crank it up to like 8-10 and see what your heart rate does.. I think you'll be surprised.

LOL - you just gave me a flashback to my stress test. I agree completely, ramp up the incline and maintain the same pace and you'll see heart rate and calorie burn skyrocket.

scottb81

It is what the human body is designed, or evolved if you like, to do. Humans are the best endurance runners on the earth. To run is to be human.

prettybrownround

Nothing has ever burned my belly fat like running.. I'm FLAT for the first time in my life. I can get out with the wind in my hair and the sun on my skin and just have me time. I am stronger and fitter. I have more energy now at 39 than I did at 18. I'm 4 sizes smaller than I was at 18.. and 10 sizes smaller than I was 2 years ago. There are about a billion different races that I can enter, so I never get bored.. I ran some 5Ks then switched to half marathon.. now I'm training for Warrior Dash.. I'm having an absolute ball. I love it.

I just started running three weeks ago......I luv the rush I get when I run but knowing I can lose my belly fat has just given me an added incentive....thx for the post

BAMFMeredith

I started running when my dad died in 2010. I was never an athlete, never really had a big interest in running, but I was VERY depressed (it was extremely sudden, my dad and I were very very close) and I began seeing a therapist who suggested I take up a form of exercise as stress relief. So I began running.

At first, I hated it, and I was mad I was even doing it because I sucked at it (I don't like doing things I'm not good at). But then it got easier. And when I was alone, running, I could just be alone with my thoughts and sweat it out. Sometimes I could go cry when I ran, sometimes it just helped me clear my head, and then I started to feel the "high." I would finish a run and be instantly in a great mood. So I started training for some races...and before I knew it, I'd finished a half marathon!

Running became a huge part of my life for stress relief, and then I started to notice the physical benefits and just kept doing it. Now I can't imagine not being a runner. If I go a few days without running, I feel like I'm missing something. I have developed a whole new self awareness and self confidence since starting to run, and now I can honestly tell people that I am a runner. I'm about to do my 3rd half marathon in a few weeks

Since incorporating a sensible diet and strength training into my running, I've lost a total of 12 lbs (2 before MFP) in the last couple months! And my legs are starting to look really hot.

BrianSharpe

First off, That article is hardly considered research.. All it does it say that running does not ruin your knees and that you need to run with your upperbody/trunk... no scientific study anywhere to back up either claim.

Second, How many posts do you see on here from people that are in pain from running? Due to wrong shoes, running wrong, etc etc... How many posts do you see here from people that are injured by walking? Very few.

I have my opinion.. You have yours. I don't like running and never will... so I will continue to walk and reap the benefits from it.

Knee pain is not necessarily indicative of joint damage, my right knee was killing me during a half marathon last year and I ended up walking the last 7km. It was an IT band issue that manifested itself as pain on the lower outside portion of my knee.

I'm not saying people don't get injured but it's rarely actually the joint itself. It's almost always a result of trying to do too much, too soon too fast which then exposes muscular imbalances (often related to glute and hip strength).

In my case I ended up not running for about 6 weeks and using the services of a registered massage therapist who had me running again after two sessions. She also taught me improved stretching, foam roller techniques etc ; I've been running pain free since and am building up again for a half marathon in May.

Here's a portion of a research paper (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2556152/)

"Methods

Forty-five long-distance runners and 53 controls with a mean age of 58 (range 50–72) years in 1984 were studied through 2002 with serial knee radiographs. Radiographic scores were two-reader averages for Total Knee Score (TKS) by modified Kellgren & Lawrence methods. TKS progression and the number of knees with severe OA were compared between runners and controls. Multivariate regression analyses were performed to assess the relationship between runner versus control status and radiographic outcomes using age, gender, BMI, education, and initial radiographic and disability scores among covariates.

Results

Most subjects showed little initial radiographic OA (6.7% of runners and 0 controls); however, by the end of the study runners did not have more prevalent OA (20 vs 32%, p =0.25) nor more cases of severe OA (2.2% vs 9.4%, p=0.21) than did controls. Regression models found higher initial BMI, initial radiographic damage, and greater time from initial radiograph to be associated with worse radiographic OA at the final assessment; no significant associations were seen with gender, education, previous knee injury, or mean exercise time.

Conclusions

Long-distance running among healthy older individuals was not associated with accelerated radiographic OA. These data raise the possibility that severe OA may not be more common among runners."



I'm not critical of people who don't like running and chose to walk instead, in fact I applaud anyone who puts in the effort to improve their health whether it's better nutrition or starting a fitness program. What I am critical of is the (often unintentionally) perpetuation of incorrect information.

yoovie

I need to break free sometimes. I need to spread my full wingspan and enjoy actually being self-propelled, with real understanding of what that means both literally and figuratively. I need the wind on my face, the sun on my cheeks, my nose in the air, eyes closed, running along the New York Harbor to the Verrazano bridge. I need the thud of my sneakers on the wobbly boards of the Brooklyn Bridge and the slow slope down into Chinatown.

I need the peace of mind that hits me at mile 6 when Ive already thought about every dark thought Id been avoiding all week. When Ive already balanced my band account, got lost in embarassingly dirty dirty naughty heart-pumping daydreams, planned out my week, boosted my motivation and self-confidence and now.... now my body is on autopilot- my hips stop controlling and just go, my feet stop pushing off the ground and just start skimming. My goal weight is a distant memory, just like my boss's screaming voice and the aggravation on the trains.

Now I am at my zen moment. Now I have found my reset button. And I float through miles 7-10 like a born runner, cause I ran all the resistance out of my lil devils. I ran the cobwebs out of my muscles. I ran the hesistation out of my brain. I ran the stress out of my tummy.

Now Im gone.
Now Im free.
Now Im strong.
Now Im moving myself.

There's no freedom to me quite like reaching your full wingspan on a sunny midmorning long distance run along the ocean. It has saved me more times than I can count, and it always truly does give back more than you put into it.

♥running for life

yoovie

It is what the human body is designed, or evolved if you like, to do. Humans are the best endurance runners on the earth. To run is to be human.

THAT'S BEAUTIFUL.

chrissismone

Becasue you look hot while doing it
Its like a special club when you are a runner
You are sexier
The runners high-if you really are trying and focused


The only down side is if you aren't like most people buying cute running shoes isn't possible. I have flat feet and neutral gait. Well that only gives me a few like 2 options of shoes and those 2 brands don't make the hot looks like Nike or what not.

I like running even if its only on the treadmill and it's only for short burst.

anta1

Becasue you look hot while doing it
Its like a special club when you are a runner
You are sexier

Some women do look sexy running. I certainly don't with my baggy shirt and hat on sweating like a pig and red-faced. I'm 5'4 so I kinda look like a kid running around the neighborhood. It's all good because I feel awesome after a good hard run.

daffodilsoup

For me, running proved to me that I am capable of more than I thought. In my heaviest days, I would watch joggers go by my house or down the boardwalk, and I would think "I could NEVER do that". After I graduated C25K, and could run for 30 straight minutes, it really showed me that maybe my biggest obstacle is me. This spring I plan on running my first ever 5k race!

Also, it's not really scientific or anything, but to me, running is just so...impressive. I don't know why I feel more proud when I run for 50 minutes than when I do the elliptical for 50 minutes- I guess it's kind of like someone who can bench a lot. To me it's just one of those mental benchmarks of fitness.

kerrymh

Well its not really free...lol but its not a gym membership. I love it because its social..my friends and I run together..so its more fun cheering each other on in our healthy lifestyle. It always feels better after a run than before.

LorinaLynn

After a long run, I feel as relaxed as I do after a bubble bath.

After a long run AND a bubble bath, I'm as relaxed as a cat laying in a puddle of sunshine.

As someone who used to need Xanax just to feel normal, that's a really amazing thing.

jcstanton

I enjoy it better than walking because walking makes me feel like I'm exhausted from the effort of moving, but I'm not really getting anywhere. Which is also why I prefer running outdoors to running on a treadmill. I also like it because it makes me feel more fit than walking or any other cardio exercise....except for boxing/martial arts (which I've never tried, but I've always imagined it would make me feel like I was in good shape).