Running: Alive and Well

By Richard Ferguson, PhD/Running Journal/August 2010
In April I once again ventured to Boston to compete in the Boston Marathon. It had been 18 years since my last Boston Marathon and I was curious as to how the race had changed in the interim. For one thing the race is larger with more than 28,000 entries, wave starts, and chip timing. Some things have remained the same, such as the enthusiasm of the runners, the classic Hopkinton to Boston course, and the thousands of fantastic fans and supporters that line the route as the course passes through the venerable towns of Ashland, Framingham, Wellesley, Newton etc. I came away from the 2010 Boston Marathon with a major theme being etched in my mind, that being the sport of running is very much alive and thriving.

On the other hand, during the past several years I have noted a growing negative tone toward running from a number of different fronts. Some medical doctors are vehemently against running, claiming running increases injury rates, joint trauma, and the occurrence of arthritis. On more than one occasion other runners have commented to me that their family doctor told them “running is the worst form of exercise they could do.” When I hear such comments I just scratch my head in amazement.

I have noted firsthand negative comments being made to running neophytes by so called “fitness professionals.” I actually heard a certified athletic trainer with a Ph.D. in health promotion, tell a young woman who had just begun a running program, “running is not good, runners are always injured and I don’t recommend running.” Needless to say I was taken aback by the comment to the young woman and presented my pro-running perspective to her in response. I thought it was interesting that the athletic trainer that made these comments actually markets an exercise program on DVD that does not involve running. No don’t run, spend money on my product. A little conflict of interest, don’t you think?

For whatever reason I hear more and more negative comments concerning running and I personally and professionally just can’t understand, from a rational basis, what is behind the running negativity. Yea, I’m biased, no ifs, ands or buts about it. I think running is great exercise and running is a great sport from a competition standpoint. With Americans becoming more sedentary than ever, the obesity rate approaching 40 percent of the population, Type II diabetes rates skyrocketing, and the cost of health care surging by the year, don’t you think running can play a major role in the well being of our country? But we have people in the health and fitness professions trying to convince people not to run. Go figure.

Running may actually be the cheapest, most time efficient form of exercise. Just think about it. What equipment do you need to run? Most times of the year a shirt, shorts, and a pair of shoes, and heck, there are now a growing number of barefoot running proponents, so some people may not even need the shoes! Probably the greatest plus to running is you can do it pretty much anywhere. City streets, country roads, athletic fields, trails, parking lots, and even hallways in large buildings are all running friendly places. I have done many pre-dawn runs in lighted parking lots when I’m traveling on business! Sure, a pleasant environment can make any run more enjoyable, but running can be done anywhere. You don’t need a health club facility, special equipment, slick instructional DVD’s, or personal trainers present. You can run when it’s hot (be careful!), cold, sunny, cloudy, rainy, and even snowy. Running is simply inexpensive, convenient, and enjoyable.
Just think what running actually brings to life. Running will certainly improve physical health by helping to maintain healthy body weight, reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease, reducing the risk of osteoporosis, and enhancing energy levels, among many other physical benefits. Running can also improve self-concept and self-confidence through successful achievement of goals and improved levels of fitness.

Aerobic forms of exercise, such as running, have been shown to improve mental health as well. Running can reduce anxiety levels, stress, and has even been used as an effective treatment for depression. It has also been reported that running can increase blood flow to the brain, improve problem solving skills, and may even help prevent dementia latter in life. Running can help you feel better physically and mentally.

Are there really negatives to running that hold water? Yes, running, or any other exercise for that matter, can lead to injury. But with proper equipment, sound training programs, and supplemental exercises, the risks are greatly reduced. Certainly running outweighs living a sedentary lifestyle. You do the math. Are runners healthier than non-runners? When runner injuries do occur, analyze the possible reasons why the injury occurred and then make corrections.

Just look around and I think you too will agree that running is alive and well. Marathons continue to fill quickly and classics like the Peachtree Road Race are filled in days. Look in the Running Journal race calendar and you will find new races every year. Just notice the number of people out running in your town each morning and evening. Can all these runners be wrong? Hardly!

If you’re like me you really love to run and think running adds a lot to life. Go out and spread the running word and get others involved in our great sport. Don’t believe it when you hear running is on life support. Running is alive and running is doing quite well thank you!