Anonymous wrote:It a combination of the sun and runners tend to be thin/sinewy, which can showcase muscles but also doesn't hide facial aging.

I think these things can be avoided, but for a real true 6 days a week runner, it seems likely. Lots of avid runners past 50 or 60 look vibrant, but weathered.

I agree with this. Its probably due to the fact that these older runners haven't been disciplined about wearing sunscreen literally every single day.

Anonymous wrote:Not running makes you look fat. Pick one.

Or option 3: stay thin through diet and stay fit through weight training and daily brisk walks. "Runners face" is real. Google it.

The only possible way running could make you look old is if you don't use sunscreen; then you might get some UV skin damage. It's mostly the opposite; regular vigorous cardio (HR @ 85%+) drives long-term epigenetic changes that reduce your biological age. In fact, studies on mouse models have shown that vigorous exercise reduces telomere shortening. Telomeres are part of our body's aging process; we lose them over time as we age, which literally tells our cells to die. More telomeres, less aging. Regular exercise also increases expression of anti-tumor genes and decreased expression of oncogenes. So, run away--it's a great form of exercise, and it's totally free (well, the shoes cost some money.)

Anonymous wrote:I just think any low fat athlete looks old. You find that with intense competitive and long distance runners. Yes, you can add onto that sun damage, but that’s true for skiers, hikers, anything outdoors

And who cares? I'm not a runner (don't have the knees) but I have been exercising 5 days a week for decades. I'm now in my 60s and I have to say, I feel great - full of vitality every day! Do you think I care what I look like? FWIW, this is what laughing last looks like. You know, she who laughs last, laughs best. I suffered as lot being a teenage girl jock in the 60s and 70s. That just wasn't done back then. And now....it really feels good.

Anyway, I understand if people don't want to look old - so don't run. But do exercise regularly. It will make you feel better and that is what counts.

Running IME doesn't give you muscle mass. Your legs will be toned and maybe if you have a very specific body type your thighs will swell but it does nothing for your upper body or abs compared to a more well rounded workout plan that includes lifting and pilates type manipulations. SO lots of times runners just look weather and string bean ish. Worst looks obviously but it wasn't for me. The elements really hit your face and joints too. My knees aged (yes thats a thing) quite a bit the few summers I did marathons.

Weather exposure and thinness.

Are these runners not wearing sunscreen or hats when they're out running? Or are they sweating off the sunscreen, rendering it ineffective?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m 39 and I’ve been running for 25 years. I don’t have a single wrinkle and the only skin discoloration I ever had was from BC pills and went away when I changed them. Personally I think things like drinking alcohol too often and not getting enough sleep age you more quickly and I rarely drink and usually get 8-9 hours of sleep.

I know the miserable people of DCUM will say I’m making this up but I’m always mistaken for younger than I am. I was a college coach and mistaken for a team member. But everyone here likes to make snide generalizations that tear others down so go ahead, reply with quote and say there’s no way.

Ok. But you're 39, which isn't old. Talk to us when you're 59. (I'm 37, so not bitter).

At 59 I’ll be happy to be a reasonable body size. Whatever happens to my face, fine. I don’t expect to have no wrinkles at that age.

Excess running does make the face saggy and sinewy

Anonymous wrote:It’s not the age, it’s the mileage.

Any “hard” living like too much alcohol, too little sleep, too much stress, and even too much exercise will make you look and feel old.

All things in moderation.

This. This is pretty much than answer to all aging of the body. We weren’t build to have any one food, drink or activity dominate our body. 3-5 mike runners loom feat. 10+ mile runners don’t.

It’s not the age, it’s the mileage.

Any “hard” living like too much alcohol, too little sleep, too much stress, and even too much exercise will make you look and feel old.

All things in moderation.

Wow I didn’t know running was horrible for you.

Genes make you look older.

Anonymous wrote:It a combination of the sun and runners tend to be thin/sinewy, which can showcase muscles but also doesn't hide facial aging.

I think these things can be avoided, but for a real true 6 days a week runner, it seems likely. Lots of avid runners past 50 or 60 look vibrant, but weathered.

That's my new goal "vibrant but weathered"

Seriously - thanks for that - as a 50somethign long term runner that describes where I'm heading. I didn't start to feel like I was looking old until past 50 so...

Anonymous wrote:I’m 39 and I’ve been running for 25 years. I don’t have a single wrinkle and the only skin discoloration I ever had was from BC pills and went away when I changed them. Personally I think things like drinking alcohol too often and not getting enough sleep age you more quickly and I rarely drink and usually get 8-9 hours of sleep.

I know the miserable people of DCUM will say I’m making this up but I’m always mistaken for younger than I am. I was a college coach and mistaken for a team member. But everyone here likes to make snide generalizations that tear others down so go ahead, reply with quote and say there’s no way.

Ok. But you're 39, which isn't old. Talk to us when you're 59. (I'm 37, so not bitter).