What the heck is going on with my body?

[Tobra]

Originally Posted by IROC

Only when I played football and then running was a form of punishment. Actually, now that I think about it, it still is.



I'm 6' 3" and about 220. I can flat wear out a pair of running shoes.

you need better running shoes with some type of support in them, go to a running shoe store, spend the $35 and get some Superfeet(generic orthotics) if you have a normal looking foot, not terrifically flat.

[Moses]

Originally Posted by York

Read the book "Younger Next Year", it has the best advice regarding this issue, I think. I ran my first marathon as I turned 50, and just completed my first 50k (31 mile) run at 51. Interestingly, most ultrarunners are not young. During my 40's, I gained 30 lbs of fat. That is now gone.

We are "designed" for movement, but programmed to eat, rest and store body fat. As you age, you really need to counter that with exercise and nutrition. It actually is fun, really, no kidding.

Evolutionarily speaking... Our bodies are designed to last 30 or 40 years. That's it. Modern medicine is keeping some of the big killers at bay, but there's no bumper-to-bumper warranty on "wear" items like your knees.

The articular surfaces of your knees will eventually wear out. When it does, you'll have painful osteoarthritis and may need joint replacement. If you're lucky, it will won't happen until your 90. Most of us aren't so lucky. Runners who pound on their knees wear down the articular surfaces at an extremely rapid rate. Low impact athletes like bicyclists and swimmers do not develop osteoarthritis at these accelerated rates.

Ask any orthopedic surgeon. They LOVE runners. Great for business.

[widebody911]

Originally Posted by Tobra

you need better running shoes with some type of support in them, go to a running shoe store, spend the $35 and get some Superfeet(generic orthotics) if you have a normal looking foot, not terrifically flat.

So what if you have feet as flat as heroin-junky supermodel?

[Dottore]

This was the best money I ever spent.

I try to spend an hour a day on it, usually catching up on the news in front of the TV.

Works upper and lower body. Great work out.

[York]

You don't have to "pound on your knees" when you run, really, no kidding. Ultrarunners who do 31, 62, 100 miles and more develop a very smooth glide running style, couldn't do it otherwise.

[Moses]

Originally Posted by York

You don't have to "pound on your knees" when you run, really, no kidding. Ultrarunners who do 31, 62, 100 miles and more develop a very smooth glide running style, couldn't do it otherwise.

Cerrtainly a smooth running style is better, but there's still transfer of load and impact. And there's still premature wear and cartilage breakdown.

Runners have a tremendously increased risk of joint failure regardless of running style. But hey, they are you're knees. Do what you want.

[trekkor]

Evolutionarily speaking... Our bodies are designed ...

I'm confused.


KT

[IROC]

Originally Posted by Tobra

you need better running shoes with some type of support in them, go to a running shoe store, spend the $35 and get some Superfeet(generic orthotics) if you have a normal looking foot, not terrifically flat.

BTDT. I went to a running store and they evaluated my running style on a treadmill using video and also measured arch height, etc. I ended up with a pair of Asics GT-2120s and loved 'em. I have gone through some of those and now have a pair of GT-2130s. I don't think insoles would really make a difference - I just need to replace them more often. I have about 180 miles on this pair so far and they are holding up well.

[sjf911]

Originally Posted by trekkor

I'm confused.


KT

It's ok, we understand. Look up euphemism in the dictionary.

[trekkor]

No Steve, you don't understand.

Evolution and Design in the same sentence?

Where do you get 'euphemism'.


KT

[nostatic]

Actually it isn't quite a euphemisms, but rather more of a colloquialism.

The body has evolved to a point where joints will "last" 30-40 years. "Design" was used more in the engineering sense of the word looking at the construction of the knee.

[IROC]

Originally Posted by trekkor

Evolution and Design in the same sentence?

Oh good heavens, Trek. If the human body was "designed", the designer was an idiot.

What Moses intended (I would suspect) is that modern medical science has allowed us to outlive the general timespan in which our bodies typically give out. Without regular dental care, how many people would have a full set of teeth after age 40 or so?

How old was Noah when the rains came? Around 600 years old or so? Man, I bet his knees hurt.

[ikarcuaso]

Originally Posted by Dottore

This was the best money I ever spent...

Ditto. Got a nice one earlier this year, as well. There's no going back to high-impact cardio. I thought my knee was going to come apart the last time I went jogging late last year.

[gr8fl4porsche]

I have been working out and getting into better shape for the last 6 months and I always get the same question,

Do you run?

Only when chased!

[York]

From "Lore of Running" by Tim Noakes, MD:
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease in which the articular cartilage that lines the bony surfaces inside a joint becomes progressively thinner. The view of some orthopedic surgeons is that this degenerative process can be initiated and exacerbated by long distance running. More modern evidence shows that if running does indeed increase the risk of osteoarthritis, this occurs only in elite athletes that run many miles in their careers. Recreational joggers are not at any increased risk of developing osteoarthritis.

Running is certainly not for everyone, but I think that if you are otherwise healthy (no old joint injury from football, etc.), have good running form and don't over do it, you will benefit. I am confident that is what Dr. Kenneth Cooper would say. Fortunately, cycling is great fun, as are swimming and inline skating to name a few good workouts.

[JavaBrewer]

That's how my knees feel the first mile of my run. One miss step and there would be lots of cracking and snapping sounds. So much for a "good design" ... maybe I was unlucky and God put my knees together on a Monday morning while nursing a vicious hang over...

I tried one of those trainers in the gym. Definitely low impact on the joints but I HATE, repeat HATE, cardio training indoors.

[gassy]

Sounds like late puberty to me.

[slodave]

Inline skating.... Not as hard on your knees. I have not been ale to run since my early 20's. I blade 5 miles a with no knee problems. I'm in my mid 30's now.

[RPKESQ]

I learned to shoot, so I wouldn't have to run!

[trekkor]

Originally Posted by IROC

Oh good heavens, Trek. If the human body was "designed", the designer was an idiot.

That is a pathetic reply. Really. Very weak.

Man has nothing to add to the human body that is 'better'.
Why don't we save this for another day.


KT