DIET | DETECTIVE^®

I’ll probably tick some people off by saying this – so what else is new? – but there are few things that are more destructive than long-distance running.  If you can stand the truth, keep reading.

The running/jogging craze was one of the major fitness phenomenons of the 20^th Century, and running is still “da bomb” for tons of people as we sit here in the year 2006.  The problem, as I see it, is that as the jogging generation has aged, they have become hobbled and hamstrung by overuse/over-training injuries that come from years of pounding. 

As a result, running has created a whole bunch of people who are physically one-dimensional and injured.                

If you don’t believe me, check out the crew at any local track.  Older, healthy joggers are a rare sight.  The older joggers usually look older than they really are, and run with an altered, ungainly gait brought about by the ravages of the road.  And these folks are the lucky ones, as they at least are still able to run.  They also look like they are in the severe need of a meal.

I have extensive experience working with people who have come to me after having done nothing but run.  As a result of these experiences I have coined a phrase to describe the hard-core runner; “functionally unfit” or an “FU.” 

“FU” is kind of like the term “functional illiterate.”  A “functionally unfit” person is someone who has regularly participated in road races and consistently logs weekly mileage, yet has little if any flexibility in their trunk and extremities, and little strength to boot. 

An “FU” gets dizzy when forced to actually exert themselves by doing something along the lines of calisthenics, or anything but jogging.  When I get my hands on a jogger who, because they can complete a 5 kilometer run in less than 20 minutes, claims to be in great shape but can’t complete ten body weight squats, or labors through a sprint/speed workout I tell them “FU.” 

To a runner who suffers from stress fractures, tendonitis, feet problems, back ailments, joint issues and/or shin splints, I say “FU.” 

To serve as a contrast to “the runner,” I submit “the swimmer.”  If you have the occasion to frequent your local Y, check out the pool.  The hardcore swimmer of the same age as the hardcore jogger will look healthier, have less in the way of nagging ailments, and will be able to do what it is they do longer and better. 

There are a lot of older swimmers; there are not a lot of older runners.

The swimmers that I have encountered are heartier than most regular citizens, and definitely in better shape than the runners.  Swimmers have great muscle tone, posture and endurance.  “Water lubbers” are lean, not gaunt and are capable and not frail.  The chlorine-drenched are quick to improve when introduced to resistance training since swimmers doesn’t have the litany of nagging ailments to deal with and work around.

With the “blame everyone else” mentality that has been responsible for spate of nonsensical legislation dealing with fast-food providers, will it be long before the anti-running movement picks up steam and we see lawsuits filed against sneaker makers?  Will those people who have had joints replaced or have lost cartilage and ligaments because they ran countless miles sue Nike and Brooks and New Balance? 

Will these running shoe makers be blamed for promoting an activity that undoubtedly led to countless, painful injuries?  How many people have been motivated to run - and run a lot - by the Nike advertising campaigns?  You may laugh and think that we are exaggerating, but stranger things have happened.

Don’t agree with me?  FU! 

Bookmark:

TrackBack URI for this entry

Comments (4)

Subscribe to this comment's feed

...
written by Sal Marinello, C.S.C.S., C.P.T., December 17, 2006

Many moons ago I had my brief college football career ended by bad shoulders. For years after and when I was well into my late 20's early 30's my shoulders were constant problems, at times so bad that I couldn't play the drums effectively.

After embarking on a bit of a self-made shoulder rehab program, I've had no problems for over a decade. And swimming has never bothered my shoulders, and is in no way as destructive as running.

And Mike, you have to ask yourself why you are running that much. What are you trying to accomplish? You may be injury free at this point, but at our age logging those kinds of miles is asking for trouble.

And running 20 miles a week will prevent you from getting any other effective exercise, as you are not letting your body fully recover.

...
written by Mike (North Easton, Ma*s.), December 13, 2006

What do you consider "long distance running?"

I am 43 and run 3 to 5 miles a day five days a week. I've been doing this for nearly a year (on a treadmill), and have yet to experience any injuries or abnormal aches and pains.

I buy well-made and appropriate running shoes ("Brooks Adrenaline") -- and I am on my second pair. I stretch as needed, do resistance training, and play some basketball with my kids.

Any worries?

...
written by Sue "A Triathlete", December 13, 2006

Yup. It's easier to train for 3 sports than for one. And less boring! I also recommend stretching/Yoga/Pilates to offset all the other work done! I don't think we can make corporations responsible for making us run any more than we could make McDonald's responsible for obesity. Although we think it might be nice, we all want freedom of choice.

...
written by Richard "A Runner", December 10, 2006

I agree and disagree. First of all, swimming repetitively can be harmful as well. Shoulder injuries, etc. In fact, any repetitive athletic endeavor creates injury. That’s why we should cross train. Also, I do think that Nike, New Balance, and other sneaker makers that are making all sorts of claims should be responsible for those health claims. Don’t you? Shouldn’t corporations be responsible for what they say to the public? At least on some level.