Is there a myth about how running alot is bad for your knees and legs?

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 24 Dec 2013 10:22:00 -0500

 So far I have not seen any ill effects from maintaining a 12:45 2-mile run pace. Am I in the minority?? I only have 3 years in the military, so I am trying to see how my body will react to the next few years. We Run Run Run in the 82nd Airborne.

Response by SSG Robert Burns made Dec 24 at 2013 10:23 AM

SSG Robert Burns — Tue, 24 Dec 2013 10:23:28 -0500

Everything in moderation.  That being said running properly and changing your shoes every six months (the proper shoes) will help tremendously.

Response by SGM Matthew Quick made Dec 24 at 2013 10:52 AM

SGM Matthew Quick — Tue, 24 Dec 2013 10:52:38 -0500

SGT McGlynn,<br><br>I would suggest taking advantage of the Army's Wellness Program (not that you need it, but it'll open your eyes to many different conditioning factors).<br><br>Like SSG Burns mentioned, 'moderation' is the key...also, good stretching (especially as you get older) & broadening your cardio workouts will reduce future injuries.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 5 at 2014 4:26 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 05 Jan 2014 16:26:29 -0500

I run 12:52 and I only run 3 times a week, no more than 2 miles. It depends on your anatomy, genetics, intensity and the frequency you do it. 

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 16 at 2014 3:25 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 16 Dec 2014 03:25:23 -0500

Just wait 5 minutes, it will change....lol

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 30 at 2014 4:54 PM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 30 Dec 2014 16:54:22 -0500

AATW! It doesn't matter what time of day it is, there is always someone running in and around fort bragg!

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 30 at 2014 4:58 PM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 30 Dec 2014 16:58:03 -0500

There are two Army Wellness centers on Fort Bragg. The best one to visit is behind the Division HQ in Gavin Hall.

The ability to run will be different for everyone.

DB

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 31 at 2014 6:44 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 31 Dec 2014 18:44:00 -0500

It really depends on a lot of factors. I run a lot and have had injuries here and there but I am always able to make a full recovery. But try to be smart about my running. I try to run on even trails and not exhaust myself too much. I have seen guys run well into their 50s. Your shoes, weekly mileage, terrain, and weather all play a role. Even your recovery time.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 1 at 2015 4:04 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 01 Jan 2015 16:04:03 -0500

At 42 I still run 12:52. I just don't go as far in that much time.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 1 at 2015 10:58 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 01 Jan 2015 22:58:56 -0500

It is not a myth, too much of anything is bad for you in general. It could be running, rucking, or nutrition. Twenty years ago, taking care of yourself properly just wasn't all that important. The way you recover is debatable as being more important than the actual exercise.

Response by SFC Richard Haugh made Jan 2 at 2015 7:35 AM

SFC Richard Haugh — Fri, 02 Jan 2015 07:35:13 -0500

I have been running since 1976 - Junior HS, HS, throughout my career... 9:27 in boots at the airborne course in 1981 for the 2 mile run. 10Ks with PRs 32 minutes, 82nd Marathon in 1982 in 3:05.00, US Army 10 Miler in 50:10.00 in Washington DC in 1983, use to be one of the top 3 runners at Ft Bragg - ran with FARA (Fayetteville Area Running Association), ran at least 8 of the Engineer Classic races (from the 1/2 Marathons - 10Ks) and continued running into 2011 my last races back to back in Bangkok Thailand: a 5K in 19 minutes the next day a 10K in 47 minutes (I was 49 years old then) NO BSing I have orders, pictures, awards to prove it all (it turned down the US Army Marathon team back in 1981 at the Presidio of San Francisco because I was focused on going Airborne school followed by the 82nd.... I heard the same BS all throughout my Airborne jumping career.... we my friend I am 52 years old today and my knees hurt like a SOB!!! all that hardcore Rucking, Jumping, pounding then knees and then some, Running, etc... it finally caught up to me. UGH!!! I thought I was going to beat the odds as I did in 1983 when I over came "Runners Knee". Some days I feel great and others not so... I now will be shifting my running days into Biking and see where it goes from there - I am in no way shape or form gonna roll over and quit. But, yes reality did finally hit me. Good luck with your goals and plans...

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 2 at 2015 7:39 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 02 Jan 2015 07:39:38 -0500

All depends on the person. I did too much hill running when I was younger, now I have tendinitis and bone spurs in both ankles from years of minor tearing where the tendons attach to the heals. I can still run 5-6 miles without much difficulty and am still down around a 15 minute 2 mile, but every morning I have to take the first few steps on tip-toes because of tightness. There's just no "spring" left in them.

Response by SPC David S. made Jan 2 at 2015 7:52 AM

SPC David S. — Fri, 02 Jan 2015 07:52:24 -0500

Me being on the large side 250lbs I run two 5's and a 8 every week. Just broke my femur, fell ice skating with the family. I haven't had my follow up yet but I'm betting this was due to stress fractures from running.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 2 at 2015 5:57 PM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 02 Jan 2015 17:57:29 -0500

Here are a couple good reads about knees and running.

http://www.npr.org/2011/03/28/134861448/put-those-shoes-on-running-wont-kill-your-knees
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2556152/

Put Those Shoes On: Running Won't Kill Your Knees

Contrary to popular belief, running isn't damaging to your knees. In fact, a light running regimen may actually strengthen healthy knees. But researchers say if you've just had knee surgery or if you're overweight, don't suddenly jump right into an intensive running program.