Runners: How has running changed your life?

[Anonymous]

I'm on the cusp of turning 45 and I am determined to take up running. Although I'm pretty fit, running is next level difficult for me. I'd love to just get to the point where I identify as a runner and can do a 5K without killing myself or walking. I'm going to start slow but I'd love to hear from others about the impact running has had on their life. Please tell me the good (and the bad) on how running has changed you physically, mentally, etc. I'm open to any advice you have!

[Anonymous]

I’m 45 and have been running regularly since I was 18 or so. It is something I have to do, not something I force myself to do. I look forward to it. It sort of feels like the glue that holds a lot of other things about me together. Mental health, weight control, even a social outlet, as I often meet up with a friend to run. It has been the one consistent thing that I do solely for myself, so I try to relish every minute of it. (Even in this heat.) And there are so many life lessons that can be practiced and reinforced through running: learning how to persist through discomfort, how to moderate your pace/effort depending on conditions beyond your control, how to accept your own limitations, to name just a few.

[Anonymous]

Running wrecked my skin, knees and hips. I don't do it anymore.

[Anonymous]

I'm 42, and have been a runner all of my adult life. I love it - love the mental boost I get from the endorphins, the feeling of pushing my body. I love big races - there's nothing better than running alongside crowds cheering you on, and the camaraderie that comes with it.

But...I've recently come to acknowledge what I've known for a while - running is terrible on your body, and at least for me, not something I can do with any frequency anymore. My knees are shot, my hips hurt after runs...just not worth it to me anymore. I still allow myself one run every other week, and adding in a lot of weight training has helped me with the joint pain.

My advice - find something else to help you attain this physical goal. Swimming has been mine, and I always feel great afterward. Just make sure you get waterproof earbuds, because it is otherwise boring!!

[Anonymous]

I'm 47. I'm with 11:58. I ran for a long time. Noting extreme, no more than 20 miles a week at my highest - usually only 3-4 days/week.

My knees are done. Persistent back pain that abates when I back off from running. My hip hurts. And I did go in for a study at one of those highly specialized running centers to identify gait issues way back when. It's just a high impact exercise esp on concrete and asphalt.

We didn't grow up like the Tarahumara. Starting later in life is not going to be kind to you. Take up weight lifting, with proper form. Hike - hilly hikes. That will be better for body in so many ways.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Running wrecked my skin, knees and hips. I don't do it anymore.

Not sure about hips, but running being bad for your knees has been debunked as a myth, provided you’re not overtraining or using bad form. My skin is wrecked, too, but can’t say for sure it would’ve looked any better if I wasn’t a runner. I use sunscreen and a hat and mostly just don’t care. The way running makes me feel trumps any concern about “runner’s face.”

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’m 45 and have been running regularly since I was 18 or so. It is something I have to do, not something I force myself to do. I look forward to it. It sort of feels like the glue that holds a lot of other things about me together. Mental health, weight control, even a social outlet, as I often meet up with a friend to run. It has been the one consistent thing that I do solely for myself, so I try to relish every minute of it. (Even in this heat.) And there are so many life lessons that can be practiced and reinforced through running: learning how to persist through discomfort, how to moderate your pace/effort depending on conditions beyond your control, how to accept your own limitations, to name just a few.

This is exactly it for me.

OP, I admire your goal, but I would also say that you don't have to force yourself to do this. Some people just don't like running. For me, it's a source of joy. It IS hard on the body, so I only encourage people to get into it if they really want to. You can always dabble. Start working some running intervals into your walks. Make sure you have really good shoes. And know that it will feel better in fall than it does right now!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’m 45 and have been running regularly since I was 18 or so. It is something I have to do, not something I force myself to do. I look forward to it. It sort of feels like the glue that holds a lot of other things about me together. Mental health, weight control, even a social outlet, as I often meet up with a friend to run. It has been the one consistent thing that I do solely for myself, so I try to relish every minute of it. (Even in this heat.) And there are so many life lessons that can be practiced and reinforced through running: learning how to persist through discomfort, how to moderate your pace/effort depending on conditions beyond your control, how to accept your own limitations, to name just a few.

+1

Life long/all-weather runner here too (started in HS). Echoing above.

Yes, there are specific physical (core strength lean muscles, etc) and mental strengths (high threshold for pain, clear your head, etc), but systematically overall it feels right even when I have a sluggish run.

Plus, it's so habitual for me. Skipping a day is like morning w/o brushing teeth.


For you Op - your specific situation is starting to run, right? Youre getting advice fro. lifelong runners here so your experiencewill be different

Find a program/running group. It will keep you accountable, help with suggestions, and help.

Don't let the weather or the longevity (it can seem monotonous and tiresome especially when it seems like you've been running forever, but you're only on mile 1).

[Anonymous]

I am a perennial beginning runner, and I recommend the Nike running club app. It has a lot of guided runs, including some for beginners. The runs emphasize listening to your body and putting forth easy effort most of the time. In the past I injured myself every time I tried to scale up my running, but I am having success now by slowing down my pace and building mileage very very slowly. That's even more important for you if you are just starting.

[Anonymous]

I am 45 (m) and have been running for different portions of my life. I took some time off and then got back into running with a vengeance right before the pandemic, to the tune of running 15-20 miles at a time. It was hell to get to that kind of mileage without my body being racked with pain. But once I got there, it was (and is) awesome!

Here is the good (for me):
- Confidence boost
- Burns a ton of calories
- Helped me reduce my fat around my waist
- Endorphins after running keep me in a good mood ALL DAY LONG
- It clears my head. I can wrestle through problem as I run
- Joined a running group and made new friends
- I don't get tired easily when doing other sports

Here is the bad (for me):
- I've sustained some injuries (pulled muscles mainly) from running when tired - don't run if you are exhausted
- Sunburn
- I overeat after a long run because hey, why not
- Shoes (good running shoes) are expensive ($200+ per pair)
- I spend too much time massaging my muscles (foam roller, massage gun, etc) and watching Netflix (not sure if this is an excuse to watch more Netflix)

For those that are having knee pain, that isn't a function or running in my experience. That's a function of tight muscles - probably hamstrings. Same with the lower back. It will probably take some dedicated stretching over a couple months to loosen that up properly after years of your muscles being tight and pulling against the muscles or tendons that cover your knee. Just a thought from a person who is not a doctor or a physical therapist so take it with a grain of salt.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Running wrecked my skin, knees and hips. I don't do it anymore.

Op is 45, though. She hasn't wrecked her knees. I took up tennis at 35 and my knees are still going strong 16 years later.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Running wrecked my skin, knees and hips. I don't do it anymore.

Not sure about hips, but running being bad for your knees has been debunked as a myth, provided you’re not overtraining or using bad form. My skin is wrecked, too, but can’t say for sure it would’ve looked any better if I wasn’t a runner. I use sunscreen and a hat and mostly just don’t care. The way running makes me feel trumps any concern about “runner’s face.”

Dp. Is running like alcohol in the sense you build a tolerance and have to increase speed and/or miles to get the same effects? Can one simply run for an hour every day (or however often) and enjoy the same boost in mood week after week?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Running wrecked my skin, knees and hips. I don't do it anymore.

I'm 44 and my joints are fine ...to counter

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Running wrecked my skin, knees and hips. I don't do it anymore.

Not sure about hips, but running being bad for your knees has been debunked as a myth, provided you’re not overtraining or using bad form. My skin is wrecked, too, but can’t say for sure it would’ve looked any better if I wasn’t a runner. I use sunscreen and a hat and mostly just don’t care. The way running makes me feel trumps any concern about “runner’s face.”

Dp. Is running like alcohol in the sense you build a tolerance and have to increase speed and/or miles to get the same effects? Can one simply run for an hour every day (or however often) and enjoy the same boost in mood week after week?

This is kind of a weird question and I'm not sure I'm interpreting it correctly.

I would say NO.

I've been running for a long time. I did marathons in my 20s, but I have no desire to do them now. In my late 40s, most of my runs are 3 to 6 miles. Once a year, I'll train for a half marathon and do long runs on Saturdays. At this age, I have to back off the mileage a little bit because it's more important to me to be able to run for many more years.

I am very content with this and I still get mood boosts from ordinary 3-mile runs. I do vary pace (because that makes you a better runner) but there's not a direct relationship between pace and mood. Sometimes yes, sometimes no.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Running wrecked my skin, knees and hips. I don't do it anymore.

Not sure about hips, but running being bad for your knees has been debunked as a myth, provided you’re not overtraining or using bad form. My skin is wrecked, too, but can’t say for sure it would’ve looked any better if I wasn’t a runner. I use sunscreen and a hat and mostly just don’t care. The way running makes me feel trumps any concern about “runner’s face.”

Dp. Is running like alcohol in the sense you build a tolerance and have to increase speed and/or miles to get the same effects? Can one simply run for an hour every day (or however often) and enjoy the same boost in mood week after week?

I think most runners (or at least I) have a sweet spot that I need to hit to feel the benefits. Was minimum 5-6 miles for many years, but as I get older (and as it gets hotter), I’m content to do a little less distance, but perhaps more frequently.