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Thanks for starting this thread. As I said elsewhere, although it's often said that running is good for bone density and strength, long-term high-mileage training is associated with increased incidence of osteopenia and osteoporosis in both men and women. The risks for women are pretty well-documented and publicized; the risks for men far less so.
I spent quite a while looking for articles and studies discussing a possible link between chronic high-mileage training and low bone density in males. I found a small study (out of the Netherlands, I think), but no extensive discussion. Then I remembered the case of Bill Rodgers, whose tibia suddenly broke when he was doing an easy jog about a dozen years ago. I found this article:
http://www.runnersworld.com/injury-treatment/running-and-bone-health
Simply being on your feet is good for bone density and strength. So good in fact that if you spend a few months in outer space or bedridden with a chronic disease, your bone density will plummet.
Most people spend only an hour or two on their feet per day. An hour of running nearly doubles that.
True, but high mileage raises a number of endocrinological and metabolic concerns. Thirty miles a week may be healthy for bones, but 130 miles a week may be quite another matter.
Great article and interesting insite.
What are, avocado, some of the negatives to higher mileage and metabolism?
Insight
Runners should lift legs even if they don't go heavy. Resistance training is a great way to build bone density. I've never had a runner who lifted get a stress fracture.
Running very high mileage depletes minerals, including calcium and other minerals that go towards bone density (calcium isn't the only one.) Nominal running is good for bone density. High mileage especially combined with higher intensity is a great risk to long term bone health.
Avocado's Number wrote:
Thirty miles a week may be healthy for bones, but 130 miles a week may be quite another matter.
after 130 miles a week you're nothing but bones
Ex phys Guy wrote:
I've never had a runner who lifted get a stress fracture.
As you've most likely never "had" any runner, your statement may be logically true.