Which came first? Walking or Running?

"Like I said, I am a runner, have been for over 40 years."

Over those 40 years, how many time have you been injured?

c25k all the way!

I used to hate running, but when I broke my hand last spring I needed a new goal since weights and many of my weight/cardio videos were out for those 6 weeks. I used the app and just like that, I did a 5k and now actually LIKE to run.

beemerphile1 wrote: »

The most oft quoted source is the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation although I haven't seen the study. Apparently you must be a member. Lots of articles refer to this statistic and from this source.

So a statistic is all very well, but to me I'm questioning what does that statistic tell me, and what is the data based on?

You have later articulated the definition of injury involves missing training. That threshold is very low as some people might miss training because of what's essentially DOMS, rather than an injury. I'd also ask the question of what caused the injury?

So if we categorise running injuries we may consider those that are a result of an accident whilst running; sprains, cuts and bruises, twisted ankles and potentially even breaks. Now what proportion of the reported injuries come from that category? I'm a trail runner, that makes my risk of those somewhat higher. The worst was falling and banging my head, which led to concussion.

We might see those that are essentially overuse, so entirely within the runners control; Illotibial Band Syndrome, Achilles tendonitis, shin splints. All preventable by managing training load and not increasing mileage too quickly.

Perhaps equipment related? Shoes that are inappropriate for the runner, or worn out. Not much that can be done around that other than be aware of the pains and niggles that might indicate a need to replace.

We might see those that relate to running form,or trying to modify running form based on some half baked advice on a forum. Again, being aware of the pains and niggles is the answer.

With the latter two categories then new runners are most at risk. They don't know when a niggle is just adaptation to running or an indicator of a need to back off, or replace shoes. Of course the niggle might in itself be the reason they don't train. So not injured, per se, merely cautious.

Then of course there is the other dimension. No other sport is risk free.

Cycling can contribute to ITBS, swimmers end up with rotator cuff injuries, raquet sports can lead to RSI injuries, as can lifting, rowing or sailing can contribute to early onset arthritis.

Starkly quoting an out of context statistic isn't particularly beneficial to the originator.

_runnerbean_ wrote: »

When I run I get running injuries. When I do taekwondo I get taekwondo injuries. Any high impact sport has a risk of injuries. Walking has a lower risk of injury but it doesn't burn as many calories and doesn't give such a good "after glow" IMHO.

Bingo, the question was walking or running. The fact is that running will have a much higher rate of injury than walking regardless of some posters trying to obfuscate the fact with over analyzing.