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

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With all the recent information about the positive effects of vitamin D, I am wondering if sun screen or morning running is such a good idea. I have been thinking about changing from mornings to mid-day.
Did the study have any information relating results to number of miles, times/week, pace, or any other factors?

Mark of WI 5:23PM August 14, 2008

Just running and ending up on junk food wont be of benefit to anyone.Accompanied by a well-balanced diet, running and other all-round exercises like bicycling or swimming is going to make you healthy and happy. But if you eat junk food,drink and smoke with the good old boys or girls for that matter,no amount of running even to the moon,is going to save you.

Simon Kato of AR 4:59AM August 14, 2008

Here's a tip in regards to the skin cancer dangers of running; run indoors! Virtually all fitness clubs have treadmills.

Pat O of AZ 1:49PM August 13, 2008

Chuck, you said it! I am just hitting 55 having started running in my late 30's. The feeling of relaxation, alertness and well-being really make it worth it. Most people who don't run could if they wanted to. And I don't run because I want to, but because I have yet to find a more efficient way to exercise. Running 200 minutes per week is just a half-hour every day with one day off, and no equipment or gym required-- just one or two pairs of shoes every year.

Bix Dugan of WA 1:30PM August 13, 2008

i wish all the headlines associated with this study were changed to "Regular Exercise Slows Aging Process" so we could all just think "Duh!" and get on with it rather than think there's something special about running, which in my opinion is just about the worst way I can think of to get my exercise
i absolutely hate running - it's so boring and hot - it's a complete slog with every step sending hundreds of pounds of impact through your feet, knees, and hips
i am an avid road cyclist - zero impact sport providing every bit of cardiovascular fitness a human being could possibly need (think tour de france)
so if you don't like crushing your feet, knees, and hips in an overheated slogfest try road cycling - your joints, mind, and sweat glands will thank you
for this guy's next study i'd like to see him do a long-term comparison between the zero impact sport of cycling VS the mega-impact sport of running on joint health.

KH: This study actually specifically looked at runners vs. non -runners, but you are right: the authors are not making any specific claims that running beats other forms of vigorous exercise like biking or swimming hard. The key is the "vigorous" part. As for cycling vs. running -- how about we all do the exercise we most enjoy, so we're more likely to do it? The one caveat, as I've said before, is that cycling is a non-impact activity, so women ideally would add some impactful activity to boost bone mass.

robert of GA 12:21PM August 13, 2008

For the new or aspiring runners with questions about frequency, aches and pains, and other things, I have a new blog post with an interview with an expert on this stuff.
http://www.usnews.com/blogs/on-fitness/2008/8/13/ready-to-give-running-a-try-heres-how.html
In coming days, I'll address the impact of running on joints and bones, beyond arthritis.
KH

Katherine Hobson of NY 12:18PM August 13, 2008

When I got out of the Army in 1978, I swore I would never run another step for exercise. I've certainly kept my word on that score, largely because I find running to be a lethal combination of painful and boring (although not as bad as swimming). I do enjoy walking, however and given the state of my knees I'll stick to that.

Millon de Floss of VA 12:12PM August 13, 2008

I've been following the research on distance running and health for years in JAMA and NEJM, beginning with Paffenbarger epidemiological studies in the 70s. There is overwhelming evidence that exercise in general, and distance running in particular, statistically results in a longer, healthier, happier, more vital life is overwhelming.
Dave Vause

Dave Vause of MD 11:24AM August 13, 2008

Americans are getting heavier and heavier and the trend is not good, which is causing major health problems. As you age it’s harder to keep the weight off and running would be a way to accomplish that, at least brisk walking. According to statistics 70% of us will need long term care (guidetolongtermcare.com)- long term care is costly and effects us and those we are close to, which means the longer we can postpone it the better for everyone.

Daniel Robertson of VA 11:13AM August 13, 2008

I wonder if these benefits would apply to other similar types of regular exercise, such as daily swimming, cycling or even brisk daily walks of 2 or more miles.

Julie Marino of NY 10:20AM August 13, 2008