The simple answer is YES. Many of us already know that...we can see the physical changes, feel the emotional changes and those around us know that without our running fix we are not fun to be around. I may not be that fun to be around WHEN I am running consistently can you imagine what it would be like if I wasn't?
So we all can feel the differences in our lives that running has made but NOW there is empirical rock solid proof that running has a positive effect on our lives. Stanford University researchers began to study 538 middle aged runners back in the 80's. It was the height of the first American running craze and many critics were sure that the runners were destined to suffer serious knee injuries and other injuries as a result of running too much. DID IT HAPPEN??? No, in fact the Stanford study showed just the opposite. It showed that runners do not have higher rates of osteoarthritis and total knee replacements. AND the onset of normal aging disabilities appeared 12 to 16 years later in life within the runners studied than among non runners.
THINK ABOUT THAT.....being able to move more freely maybe without using a cane, walker or wheelchair for an extra 10 years or more...
The study also showed that there were half as many deaths in the group of runners than in the non runners studied. The co author of the Study Dr. James Fries, said "the longevity effect was big. It surprised us. But the even bigger difference was morbidity rate - your overall quality of life."
Running and other weight bearing exercise like vigorous walking or using an elliptical machine work to strengthen your bones, tendons and muscles. they also help you reduce your risk of America's biggest killer...Heart Disease.
One of the keys to avoiding injuries while running is the investment in a good pair of properly fit running shoes. Also confirmed was that the best time to stretch is after you run, ideally for 15-20 minutes. The muscles respond better after they are warm.
Dr. Amadeus Mason, an orthopedist at Emory University's Sports Medicine Center says "Studies show running itself is not bad on the joints. the issue is if you get an injury and keep running on it."
So what we intuitively knew all along is true...Running is good for you. What are you waiting for get out there and start running and don't stop.
Happy Trails
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3 comments:
Running absolutely improves your life, and you brought so many of us into it, Thank you, Bill!
Good information Bill - it is nice to get some real hard data about the long-term impact of running on one's life. My dentist has been telling me for nearly 25 years that running will damage my knees. I hope to be continue to prove him wrong for another 15+ years...
Thanks Bert and anonymous...bert take care of that calf and get ready to start that Boston training
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