Runners: How has running changed your life?

[Anonymous]

Years ago, in my early 20s, running helped me a ton with portion control because I learned just how few calories a five-mile run burns and that "treating myself" as a reward for running completely wipes out the benefit from a weight perspective (there are other benefits).

At 40 I switched from daily running to alternating days of lifting and swimming and wish I'd made the switch 20 years sooner.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: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.

What? Good shoes are not $200+. The only over $200 shoes are race day only super shoes that 99% don't need and no one should be training in.

+1. I have purchased lots of running shoes over the years from quality brands--Saucony, Brooks, Hoka, etc.--and I have never spent $200 on any of them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Years ago, in my early 20s, running helped me a ton with portion control because I learned just how few calories a five-mile run burns and that "treating myself" as a reward for running completely wipes out the benefit from a weight perspective (there are other benefits).

At 40 I switched from daily running to alternating days of lifting and swimming and wish I'd made the switch 20 years sooner.

How many calories did you think a five-mile run would burn? That distance, whether you walk it or run it, will burn about 500 calories for the average person. That is not at all insignificant from a weight-management perspective. I'd certainly agree that cross-training offers all kinds of benefits, but running still provides the most bang for your buck in terms of simply burning calories.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Years ago, in my early 20s, running helped me a ton with portion control because I learned just how few calories a five-mile run burns and that "treating myself" as a reward for running completely wipes out the benefit from a weight perspective (there are other benefits).

At 40 I switched from daily running to alternating days of lifting and swimming and wish I'd made the switch 20 years sooner.

How many calories did you think a five-mile run would burn? That distance, whether you walk it or run it, will burn about 500 calories for the average person. That is not at all insignificant from a weight-management perspective. I'd certainly agree that cross-training offers all kinds of benefits, but running still provides the most bang for your buck in terms of simply burning calories.

1000% false. You do not burn the same calories mile for mile running vs. walking. I burn about 100 calories/mile running, and 55 calories/mile walking. And running gives me an "afterburn" so I continue to burn more even after stopping.

[Anonymous]

Hip replacement

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Years ago, in my early 20s, running helped me a ton with portion control because I learned just how few calories a five-mile run burns and that "treating myself" as a reward for running completely wipes out the benefit from a weight perspective (there are other benefits).

At 40 I switched from daily running to alternating days of lifting and swimming and wish I'd made the switch 20 years sooner.

How many calories did you think a five-mile run would burn? That distance, whether you walk it or run it, will burn about 500 calories for the average person. That is not at all insignificant from a weight-management perspective. I'd certainly agree that cross-training offers all kinds of benefits, but running still provides the most bang for your buck in terms of simply burning calories.

Run five miles in the morning in then wipe it out any calories lost with a Frappuccino after lunch.

[Anonymous]

I started running at the beginning of the pandemic, in my late 30s. I needed the mental health release, time just for me, and to be outside for a bit everyday. It probably has changed my life in that I feel so much healthier now - mentally and physically. I don’t run much, 3 miles 3x/week. But I do love it. I alternative days with yoga. Typical week is 3x run, 3x yoga, 1x hike. It won’t really make you lose weight (diet is everything), but it has really changed my body.

And for you face people - wear a hat and serious sunscreen, always! And stick to shady routes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Years ago, in my early 20s, running helped me a ton with portion control because I learned just how few calories a five-mile run burns and that "treating myself" as a reward for running completely wipes out the benefit from a weight perspective (there are other benefits).

At 40 I switched from daily running to alternating days of lifting and swimming and wish I'd made the switch 20 years sooner.

How many calories did you think a five-mile run would burn? That distance, whether you walk it or run it, will burn about 500 calories for the average person. That is not at all insignificant from a weight-management perspective. I'd certainly agree that cross-training offers all kinds of benefits, but running still provides the most bang for your buck in terms of simply burning calories.

Run five miles in the morning in then wipe it out any calories lost with a Frappuccino after lunch.

Don’t have a Frappuccino after lunch. Or ever. Waste of money and calories.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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

Do others agree? This concerns me. You do always hear about runners needing early joint replacements and the like. What about treadmill running so no sun, and not marathon miles, just a few??

I've been running since my late 20s and am now 47. I have no back, knee or joint issues. I run outdoors and try to run 4 days a week for about 30- 45 minutes (usually 3-4 miles). I think it depends on how much you push yourself. Also, i think if you played sports as a kid you are more likely to have issues with those mentioned above and other things.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: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.

What? Good shoes are not $200+. The only over $200 shoes are race day only super shoes that 99% don't need and no one should be training in.

+1. I have purchased lots of running shoes over the years from quality brands--Saucony, Brooks, Hoka, etc.--and I have never spent $200 on any of them.

Same. I usually stock up on Brooks when they go on clearance to make way for the new year’s model. Usually it’s just a new colorway so I just buy the old colorway. About $80/pair. I change out every 500 miles. So I buy like 4 pairs. I did buy one pair of Nike Vapor Fly once for $200+ and they really did make a difference in speed. Would save them for races.