3 Myths—and 1 Truth—About Running and Your Health

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I can see that youre putting plenty of time and effort into your blog and detailed articles!

fingertip pulse oximeter of AL 10:33PM June 24, 2011

I am 42 and have been running most of my adult life. Not marathon running, just everyday exercise. I cannot tell you how much it relieves stress, helps me sleep, and has kept my weight at 120 pounds. As with everything, moderation is the key. I have no desire to run 10 miles a day, nor do I think jogging from the front door to the mailbox is great exercise, either. The best part is running is free. You don't need an expensive gym membership, personal trainer, or fancy equipment. Just put on your sneakers and head out the door !

Ana of KS 9:17PM September 26, 2010

Hi Jessica,
In my opinion it doesn't matter what time of day you run - after all, you're still running! If anything, running at night is better for you because there is less traffic on the streets (unless you're running in the middle of a big city that has constant traffic 24/7) and your lungs are taking in cleaner air due to a reduction of car exhaust fumes. I run at night myself most of the time and haven't encountered any problems. It's better to run close to street lights if you can, and to avoid dark public parks for personal safety reasons. Also, try to carry a phone in case you get into any kind of trouble like injuries, etc. I would avoid grass if possible when running at night because you won't see any holes in the ground or uneven surfaces that could twist your ankle and end your night-time running for a while! But once you stay near lights and, preferably, where other people are walking, you should be okay. Good luck!

Kieran of IL 12:54PM August 14, 2010

I got into track and field back in high school and I remember how they made us jog (about 16 or us) from the high school to the junior high which was about a mile and a half, I think. My whole body was red and I felt I was not going to make it. I did not last in track and field (maybe 4 days, that's it..!! ) but the seed of jogging did. I've stayed active ever since. I used to fast walk alot but now at the age of 48, I'm always jogging and love the benefits it has over me: physically, mentally and spiritually. I love having that sense of well-being. I prefer mornings because I hate jogging in the straight heat! I put on my music (techno, Coldplay, purcupine tree, etc.)and I go. It's helped me go through many tough times and as someone mentionned, it's helped me with peace of mind...

Dayanna of TX 11:41AM July 15, 2010

I started running after I quit smoking at age 43. I decided to quit on my son's 17th birthday. I smoked for 23 years. I gained about 15 to 20#'s after I quit and could not stand the weight, so rather than start smoking again, I started biking and running. I started out power walking (if they still call it that). I am now 50. I love running and could not imagine my life without it. It really has been good for my mind, body, and emotional well-being. It has helped me deal with some very trying times in my life. I feel better now than I did when I was 20. I participated in many high school athletic teams, but started smoking after I graduated. Stupid huh? I guess exercising was always in my blood. I do it for many reasons and find reasons to just do it.

S of IL 8:06AM July 15, 2010

I used to run alot in highschool, but stopped for three years. I began running again, but I run around 8 to 9 o clock. Does anyone know if this is bad for my body to run during night hours, or if it really does not matter?

Jessica of IL 11:04PM June 16, 2010

I have been running since I was 12 years old. I am 45, strong and running. Every time someone says to me...you're going to be sorry when you are 50...I reply...I was told that when I was 30 and I am still running. Yes, I am slower and sore sometimes, but If I got stranded somewhere and had to make a 25 mile journey on foot to survive, I could do it without a heart attack and feel okay....could you? These comments usually come from people that think yoga is a cardio workout, get sore doing yard work, or spend their Sundays with a 12 ounce curl of bud and a clicker in hand. If you can't do push ups and if you can't walk or run 3 miles, then you are out of shape and weak.
As for the running shoe myth...most heel and foot injuries come from the shoes and sneakers you are wearing. Try to wear shoes and sneakers that have same heel height and do not constrict the foot.
The sun cancer myth is not a rational excuse for people not to run.
Weight baring cardio exercise, like running, builds bone and improves blood flow and oxygen to your organs. Running, in moderation, is beneficial for your heart and the prevention of osteoarthritis.
My father had his first heart attack at 42 and a quad bypass at 46. My bother (never overweight) had a massive stroke at 40....neither of them run or did cardio exercise consistently...."consistency" is the key. Running has saved my life, I am a healthier person because of it...it is how I find peace of mind.

Betsy of MA 11:08AM February 05, 2010

I think the article points could be relevant depending on the individual. I worked for a PT who never encouraged running because of the damage to joints. I don't know if that's true for all people, but I know for me, running (even though I like it at times) always hurts me. It never fails, I always end up spraining my ankle or hurting my knee. Yes, I workout, and am in considerably good shape, but some workouts just don't work for my body. Pilate is one of those workouts I just can't do without injury. Others, however, do just fine with both of those.
As for heart attacks...I never thought about exercise and heart attacks. I would think continuous exercise would help reduce the chances. But I guess that's why they always say to consult a doctor before starting any exercise routine. You never know what could happen to your body, or what risks certain exercises can pose to your health.
The skin cancer part I can see how that could be an issue. Most marathon runners train outdoors. Sunblock and not running during peak sun hours is a great solution.

Dave of IA 1:53PM February 02, 2010

The title is 3 Myths and 1 Truth. The statements in bold are the 4 main points/myths. These are not meant as statements that the author believes in. The information in the following paragraphs describes whether it is actually is a myth or a truth. Please pay attention to what the author is actually saying before you shoot that person down.

Michelle of RI 8:50AM January 28, 2010

i do not agree with the author. In my mind sport is every time good. I think especially running is good for our heart. Also the second point is not true in my opinion because you can run with special shoes which are individual. The third point is very funny because you can get skin cancer because of the whenever you are outside. It doesn´t matter if I am walking or running. All in all I disagree because as I know sport is good for our health and I like to make sports. But you should not exaggerate it. I would never make extreme sports because it is to dangerous I think but running is not really extreme.

Serdar of CA 2:59AM September 21, 2009