Over 100,000 miles. My legs are wrecked from running and I wish I had two more legs to wreck running
This is my 48th year as a runner and thankfully I came around when the first decent running shoes were hitting the market. A few years younger and I'd have put more time in Tiger Jayhawks and really beat my connective tissue up.
The generation before me pounded the pavement in shoes that we would call barefoot runners today and it destroyed their bodies at a much faster pace. Its why I cringed at the whole "barefoot running" phase 15 years ago. Parts wear out. The shoes are protection against the pavement and asphalt.
At 59 and dealing with the same injuries I had when I was younger, so nothing new here, I would do it all again. Even with muscle pulls and soreness, a lifetime of this sport has made me healthier mentally and physically than my peers. Again, parts wear out, and we are well past warranty at this point, but its what you do with the knees and hips in your lifetime and I'm pretty happy with the sunrises I've seen over Hyde Park, and the hidden corners I ran into in Seville and all the other great, irreplaceable things I've seen and done while running in this world.
It doesn't surprise me that you'd find a few folks who say that. Go back and talk to folks who were running hard in the 70s and 80s (and who are likely to be those ages themselves now) and look at the gear they had. 10 years back we would have called their shoes "minimal shoes"...they just called them "shoes".
There also wasn't the wealth of knowledge at everyone's fingertips that we know as the world famous LetsRun.com message board.
Whew, I was on my high school track team when Nixon was president...a long time ago. I ran high school, college, post college and masters, racing all the way. I'd usually break down around 75 miles a week, never ran over 85. I had a shoe sponsor, but didn't change my shoes often enough. I'd probably put 2,00 miles on a pair. Not so bright. I ran a lot on dirt and in the forest, but still got beat up. I had to stop in my 40s.
I absolutely loved all of it, well maybe not the NCAA XC Champs in '75. I would do it all over again.
What the Research Says 1. Running and Knee Osteoarthritis (OA) • A meta-analysis of 25 studies involving over 115,000 participants showed that recreational running is associated with a lower incidence of hip and knee osteoarthritis compared to non-runners The Guardian. • A systematic review and meta-analysis found that both recreational and competitive runners have significantly lower rates of knee and hip OA—by approximately three to four times—than sedentary individuals PMC. • In people already diagnosed with knee OA, continuing to run did not worsen symptoms or structural joint changes over time PMCSports Injury Physio. 2. Cartilage Adaptation and Repair • An insightful study involving first-time London Marathon runners found that initial signs of joint stress—like cartilage tears and bone marrow lesions—improved after the race, and even more so six months later, especially when running continued at moderate levels The Washington Post. • Experts suggest that running prompts cartilage and joint tissues to adapt, becoming stronger and more resilient rather than deteriorating The Washington PostThe Guardian. • A Stanford summary similarly reports that recreational running is not a risk factor for knee OA and may even be protective, helping maintain cartilage health and joint function lifestylemedicine.stanford.edu. 3. Perceptions vs Reality • A 2022 international survey revealed a major contrast: while 68% of the general public thought frequent running was unhealthy for knees, 86% of healthcare providers believed running is healthy for knee joints PMC. • Overall, strong scientific consensus now leans toward running being joint-protective, when approached smartly. 4. Short-Term Cartilage Changes • A meta-analysis highlighted by a Reddit post summarized nearly 400 adults monitored via MRI. It found small (3–4%) cartilage volume reductions immediately after running—but these returned to baseline within 48 hours Reddit. This suggests that short-term stress from running is reversible, and doesn’t translate into long-term damage. Voices from the Running Community Many runners share similar observations: “Running doesn’t wreck your knees. It strengthens them … our joints are like muscles … they can be strengthened and healed over time” Reddit. “Recreational runners have lower rates of knee osteoarthritis than people who don’t run… sedentary is bad—exercise has so many benefits.” Reddit. “Running destroying your knees is largely a myth.” Reddit. These firsthand experiences echo scientific findings—most runners enjoy a net benefit to joint health rather than harm. The Takeaway • Long-term running, especially at a recreational pace, appears to be protective for knee and hip joints, reducing risks of osteoarthritis and joint deterioration. • Running encourages positive joint adaptations, such as stronger cartilage and improved muscular support. • While short-term joint changes can occur post-run, they typically resolve quickly and don’t predict chronic harm. • Persistent beliefs that running ruins knees are now contradicted by both research data and expert opinions. • Of course, proper training progression, support through strength and form, and realistic recovery practices are essential to staying healthy.
my wife has severe arthritis in the knee, will need a replacement in a couple of years. I've been running since 1975 (and they haven't caught me yet), a couple years older, and knees are in good shape. Most of the runners with bad knees I've heard of had traumatic injury from football, basketball etc before they started running, it's not the running that damages knees at least.
It is true that very few people can run well anymore after decades of consistent running, there does seem to be a fatigue/load accumulation factor. Best idea is to take regular long breaks from running and do cycling etc instead.
“It’s universally true that people like myself, and people much better than me, who were winning races 50 years ago are not the fastest in our age group now even though we are still running,” said Amby Burfoot, 74, winner of the 1968 Boston Marathon. “The people that are beating us, I wouldn’t say they started yesterday, by any means, because it takes a number of years to get to your potential. But they are runners in many cases who were not stars — or even runners — when they were young.”
This is a consistent result in my experience also. Recently I raced in ag 65-9 at Triathlon Nationals. I'd raced Nationals before in 2006 and 2010, as a youngster in my 40s. There were no names I recognized from those earlier races still doing well now, we've all faded away. Both previous Nationals I qualified for Worlds, this time I wasn't even in the rolldown group for Worlds. Most of that slowdown is in the run, I've gone from 40min 10k at the end of the race to 1h15min 10k.
“Running past Fifty: The Habit and Joy of Movement.” It asks the basic question: Why do some runners keep running into older age and slower performances? After all, as University of Georgia professor James Dowd writes: “The reality of aging is clearly evident. Older runners are slower, less vigorous, and without the striking beauty of the young.” Across the population at large, older individuals are viewed as “nice but incompetent.” Dowd finds two principal reasons to explain persistent, older runners: 1) Running has become a habit for them, and thus a “foundational part of their identity;” and 2) Running brings them “joy and a sense of profound well-being.”
These days I can break a record while finishing last. Some say they find me inspiring, but I often feel like a decrepit but willing old dog who gets a pat when he tries to chase his ball.
one of the joys of being a long-term runner is that every season is an experiment, a new experience. Year by year, you test your changing body, your mind’s ingenuity, and your spirit’s resilience against each inevitable stage of getting older. Those who choose to retire at their peak may think they evade the losses time brings, but they can only look back, not forward. They miss this ongoing journey, which truly is an exploration of the whole of life, its last 6.2 miles as well as the first 20.
What the Research Says 1. Running and Knee Osteoarthritis (OA) • A meta-analysis of 25 studies involving over 115,000 participants showed that recreational running is associated with a lower incidence of hip and knee osteoarthritis compared to non-runners The Guardian. • A systematic review and meta-analysis found that both recreational and competitive runners have significantly lower rates of knee and hip OA—by approximately three to four times—than sedentary individuals PMC. • In people already diagnosed with knee OA, continuing to run did not worsen symptoms or structural joint changes over time PMCSports Injury Physio. 2. Cartilage Adaptation and Repair • An insightful study involving first-time London Marathon runners found that initial signs of joint stress—like cartilage tears and bone marrow lesions—improved after the race, and even more so six months later, especially when running continued at moderate levels The Washington Post. • Experts suggest that running prompts cartilage and joint tissues to adapt, becoming stronger and more resilient rather than deteriorating The Washington PostThe Guardian. • A Stanford summary similarly reports that recreational running is not a risk factor for knee OA and may even be protective, helping maintain cartilage health and joint function lifestylemedicine.stanford.edu. 3. Perceptions vs Reality • A 2022 international survey revealed a major contrast: while 68% of the general public thought frequent running was unhealthy for knees, 86% of healthcare providers believed running is healthy for knee joints PMC. • Overall, strong scientific consensus now leans toward running being joint-protective, when approached smartly. 4. Short-Term Cartilage Changes • A meta-analysis highlighted by a Reddit post summarized nearly 400 adults monitored via MRI. It found small (3–4%) cartilage volume reductions immediately after running—but these returned to baseline within 48 hours Reddit. This suggests that short-term stress from running is reversible, and doesn’t translate into long-term damage. Voices from the Running Community Many runners share similar observations: “Running doesn’t wreck your knees. It strengthens them … our joints are like muscles … they can be strengthened and healed over time” Reddit. “Recreational runners have lower rates of knee osteoarthritis than people who don’t run… sedentary is bad—exercise has so many benefits.” Reddit. “Running destroying your knees is largely a myth.” Reddit. These firsthand experiences echo scientific findings—most runners enjoy a net benefit to joint health rather than harm. The Takeaway • Long-term running, especially at a recreational pace, appears to be protective for knee and hip joints, reducing risks of osteoarthritis and joint deterioration. • Running encourages positive joint adaptations, such as stronger cartilage and improved muscular support. • While short-term joint changes can occur post-run, they typically resolve quickly and don’t predict chronic harm. • Persistent beliefs that running ruins knees are now contradicted by both research data and expert opinions. • Of course, proper training progression, support through strength and form, and realistic recovery practices are essential to staying healthy.
The issue is comparing to sedentary individuals. Although, if pounding on cartilage thousands of times isnt bad why would carrying extra weight? But I digress, there are very large studies showing "competitive" runners have higher incidence of OA than recreational runners. So it depends who you compare and what kind of DJD. Elite soccer players have 33x the prevalence of OA for example.
The issue is comparing to sedentary individuals. Although, if pounding on cartilage thousands of times isnt bad why would carrying extra weight? But I digress, there are very large studies showing "competitive" runners have higher incidence of OA than recreational runners. So it depends who you compare and what kind of DJD. Elite soccer players have 33x the prevalence of OA for example.
The other factor is, whenever people pull up these studies trying to show how running is " not bad for one's knees", they are always looking at studies that exanine osteoarthritis.
I think that the most runner that have lots of knee pain often don't have OA, but have patellar tendonosis [ " runner's knee"], or IT band issues. Those are not cartilage, i.e. OA, conditions. they are tendon or fascia issues.
So just because running doesn't necessarily lead to arthritis doesn't mean it doesn't lead to many knee pain issues for many runners.
I used to run 4000+ miles a year, was very competitive into my mid-30s. Now in my late 40s, I've got some sort of soft tissue/nerve issues with my right him that have made it tough to run consistently for the past 6-7 years.
This has NOTHING to do with my high mileage years, and everything to do with the 3-4 years that I decided to hang them up and give in to my desk job and demands of a young family, before trying to make a comeback to significant running.
The problem is I still have a great aerobic engine but I lost the chassis to execute what it's capable of -- not as a result of running, but because of a void of it.
In the process of trying to chase down the root cause I've had X-rays and MRIs...I'm told my hips look like I'm 30 years old. They have >100K miles on them.
Slowly...very slowly...I'm building back the strength in the support muscles to be able to run more days than not.
I don't run big mileage but it's making me consider whether I should be running more than a few times a week.
I am 71 and I have not read anybody saying their legs are wacked from running. I am sure somebody has but it is not common. My legs are not wacked. I am sure they are a lot stronger and better than they would be BECAUSE of running.
Now my speed is kind of wacked. But that happens when you turn 71. But the feeling of speed feels as wonderful as ever.
What the Research Says 1. Running and Knee Osteoarthritis (OA) • A meta-analysis of 25 studies involving over 115,000 participants showed that recreational running is associated with a lower incidence of hip and knee osteoarthritis compared to non-runners The Guardian. • A systematic review and meta-analysis found that both recreational and competitive runners have significantly lower rates of knee and hip OA—by approximately three to four times—than sedentary individuals PMC. • In people already diagnosed with knee OA, continuing to run did not worsen symptoms or structural joint changes over time PMCSports Injury Physio. 2. Cartilage Adaptation and Repair • An insightful study involving first-time London Marathon runners found that initial signs of joint stress—like cartilage tears and bone marrow lesions—improved after the race, and even more so six months later, especially when running continued at moderate levels The Washington Post. • Experts suggest that running prompts cartilage and joint tissues to adapt, becoming stronger and more resilient rather than deteriorating The Washington PostThe Guardian. • A Stanford summary similarly reports that recreational running is not a risk factor for knee OA and may even be protective, helping maintain cartilage health and joint function lifestylemedicine.stanford.edu. 3. Perceptions vs Reality • A 2022 international survey revealed a major contrast: while 68% of the general public thought frequent running was unhealthy for knees, 86% of healthcare providers believed running is healthy for knee joints PMC. • Overall, strong scientific consensus now leans toward running being joint-protective, when approached smartly. 4. Short-Term Cartilage Changes • A meta-analysis highlighted by a Reddit post summarized nearly 400 adults monitored via MRI. It found small (3–4%) cartilage volume reductions immediately after running—but these returned to baseline within 48 hours Reddit. This suggests that short-term stress from running is reversible, and doesn’t translate into long-term damage. Voices from the Running Community Many runners share similar observations: “Running doesn’t wreck your knees. It strengthens them … our joints are like muscles … they can be strengthened and healed over time” Reddit. “Recreational runners have lower rates of knee osteoarthritis than people who don’t run… sedentary is bad—exercise has so many benefits.” Reddit. “Running destroying your knees is largely a myth.” Reddit. These firsthand experiences echo scientific findings—most runners enjoy a net benefit to joint health rather than harm. The Takeaway • Long-term running, especially at a recreational pace, appears to be protective for knee and hip joints, reducing risks of osteoarthritis and joint deterioration. • Running encourages positive joint adaptations, such as stronger cartilage and improved muscular support. • While short-term joint changes can occur post-run, they typically resolve quickly and don’t predict chronic harm. • Persistent beliefs that running ruins knees are now contradicted by both research data and expert opinions. • Of course, proper training progression, support through strength and form, and realistic recovery practices are essential to staying healthy.
The issue is comparing to sedentary individuals. Although, if pounding on cartilage thousands of times isnt bad why would carrying extra weight? But I digress,
1) there are very large studies showing "competitive" runners have higher incidence of OA than recreational runners.
2) Elite soccer players have 33x the prevalence of OA for example.
1) could you cite these very large studies? asking for a friend....
2) Uh, like soccer involves high velocity/violent kicking, running, stopping, starting, axial loading/rotation 10s of thousands of times per year? Could that possibly the the reason for arthritis and cartilage tears?
ya, my legs are pretty much tapped out. been running for like, 50 years. i still manage about 70 miles a week or so, but it's really so and i get real tired after the first 5 or 6 miles. really doesn't matter. i'm 65 years old, so there's not much to look forward to the rest of my life. i still look forward to running before sunup most days until i can't do it anymore.
I'm 52 and have been running for over 30 years. I run about 50 mile per week and my knees are fine. I know multiple people my age who never ran and their knees are shot.
I don't run big mileage but it's making me consider whether I should be running more than a few times a week.
I am 71 and I have not read anybody saying their legs are wacked from running. I am sure somebody has but it is not common. .
.
Well I know TONS of people with "beat up" legs due to many years of runnng *combined* with getting older. Either chronic injuries or slowed way waaaay down. [ some of the guys were elite. Now as "oldsters" they are actually pretty slow compared to the runners that run in their age group. Granted, a smallish group. Their legs are a lot more "trashed" than the old timers who picked up the sport much later in life, who were never any sort of runners ]
I find it very amusing that people think that doing intense exercise over many years, when combined with getting older, would not potentially result in more injuries/ pain than someone who just stayed in good basic shape, exercised a lot less in volume and intensity, and who didn't try to push through pain. Weird.
Whatever the sport, exercise is great for the body [ and mind]in many, many ways. But of course it often also results in injuries and negative effects too. 100% better than sedentary. Almost always worth the injuries/pain/chronic issues. But running for many years intensely surely often [ not always, not for everyone] results in some leg issues, or diminished power.
I am 1000% sure my legs would feel a lot better on a daily basis if had not pushed myself hard in running, bicycling, and in other sports for years, and continue to push when I can now.
But I accept that trade off for all the joy I have gotten and still get from these activities, and from the health benefits I have gained.
But if I had spent the last 30 years walking, swimming easily, easy biking, Doing very basic strength training maintenance, and yoga, ....with no running....I am sure my legs would feel better than they do [ chronic calf tightness and pain, chronic pain in both knees]
Runners that strengthen, stretch, and train smart will have good knees later in life.
Runners that just run without doing prehab and rehab work plus just run hard all of the time will get joint problems.
When I was in my fifties I thought my running was over due to knee pain. My doctor wanted to put me in a knee brace and prescribe anti-inflammatories. I argued for physical therapy and won a referral. The physical therapist was fantastic and I spend a good 40 minutes before running doing the exercises and stretching she recommended. Extended my morning runs for almost 20 more years. The more dangerous activity for people my age (71) is taking showers without rubber mats and rails. Three months ago I fractured my L4 and L5 falling in a hotel shower. Heading back to physical therapy next week.
What the Research Says 1. Running and Knee Osteoarthritis (OA) • A meta-analysis of 25 studies involving over 115,000 participants showed that recreational running is associated with a lower incidence of hip and knee osteoarthritis compared to non-runners The Guardian. • A systematic review and meta-analysis found that both recreational and competitive runners have significantly lower rates of knee and hip OA—by approximately three to four times—than sedentary individuals PMC. • In people already diagnosed with knee OA, continuing to run did not worsen symptoms or structural joint changes over time PMCSports Injury Physio. 2. Cartilage Adaptation and Repair • An insightful study involving first-time London Marathon runners found that initial signs of joint stress—like cartilage tears and bone marrow lesions—improved after the race, and even more so six months later, especially when running continued at moderate levels The Washington Post. • Experts suggest that running prompts cartilage and joint tissues to adapt, becoming stronger and more resilient rather than deteriorating The Washington PostThe Guardian. • A Stanford summary similarly reports that recreational running is not a risk factor for knee OA and may even be protective, helping maintain cartilage health and joint function lifestylemedicine.stanford.edu. 3. Perceptions vs Reality • A 2022 international survey revealed a major contrast: while 68% of the general public thought frequent running was unhealthy for knees, 86% of healthcare providers believed running is healthy for knee joints PMC. • Overall, strong scientific consensus now leans toward running being joint-protective, when approached smartly. 4. Short-Term Cartilage Changes • A meta-analysis highlighted by a Reddit post summarized nearly 400 adults monitored via MRI. It found small (3–4%) cartilage volume reductions immediately after running—but these returned to baseline within 48 hours Reddit. This suggests that short-term stress from running is reversible, and doesn’t translate into long-term damage. Voices from the Running Community Many runners share similar observations: “Running doesn’t wreck your knees. It strengthens them … our joints are like muscles … they can be strengthened and healed over time” Reddit. “Recreational runners have lower rates of knee osteoarthritis than people who don’t run… sedentary is bad—exercise has so many benefits.” Reddit.
More of the same "sedentary" straw man, and a laser focus on "short term stress" when the villain here is chronic stress.
Your double threshold, 5-6 day a week training schedule is not what this study is about. And diabetic couch potatoes who end up needing their feet amputated are not the control group for whether running helps or harms.
It wrecks your cartilage no matter your shoes, no matter your form. Wrecked cartilage never heals. Pick this fight with gravity and the strong nuclear force, you'll lose in the end, can't vote your way out of it. Cope now, limp later.
Plenty of forms of vigorous exercise that don't involve this impact stress.
A lot of fast guys from college who spent their 20s and early 30s chasing marathon have debilitating injuries later on. This is from people I know. It is what it is. Some had multiple surgeries, quit running, barely running, got slower, etc.
