How to avoid runners face?

[Yadaaday]

I’ve been running for a little while now, only 5k but it makes me feel happy and satisfied.
My question is, am I likely to get runners face from running this amount? Or do you get it when you run longer distances? Is there anything I can do to avoid it??

[lljkk]

Give me a picture of runner's face so I know what you mean.

[Yadaaday]

Like this. The weather beaten look. Serious runners always have more wrinkles than the average person (excluding smokers etc)

[Pipandmum]

Never heard if runner's face. The people I know who run don't look any different to those that do.

[Yadaaday]

Here.

[SquishySquirmy]

I'm intrigued.
I do pull a face when running hard, but always thought it was a short term thing. It goes back to normal when I finish the run.
Is there a chance it could "stick"??
Maybe check the weather forecast before running, in case of variations in wind direction?

[SunbeamsOverhead]

Factor 50?

[SquishySquirmy]

Cross posted, see what you mean. Should be avoidable with a decent SPF surely?

Although tbf, we dont know how old the woman in the photo is. She could be 20, or she could be 60.

[FabulouslyElegantTits]

Is that you @Yadaaday?

[Yadaaday]

I think so. I’m in a runners group on Facebook and you can see that it definitely has an effect on their faces.
I don’t know if it’s maybe running in all weather conditions, and a lot of weight loss?
Either way I’d like to avoid it!

[doobiev]

Don't run?

Plastic surgeons advise against it, that's my excuse. Seriously I don't think a 5k jog a few times a week will have much impact.

[SquishySquirmy]

Oh and if it's a problem that "serious runners" have, you're probably fine if you're only running 5k a few times a week. I mean no offence by that, as that's what I do, but I don't consider myself anything close to being a serious runner!

[ElderAve]

It doesnt exist. The only reason people think runners have "old" faces is that they have such "young" bodies people underestimate their age.

[suze28]

SPF50 and a cap should held to provide adequate protection

[Yadaaday]

Not offended. I know it’s not a huge amount for some but it works for me.

[FrangipaniBlue]

I thought this was going to be a lighthearted thread about how to avoid looking like you're in pain when the course photographers snap you on the course/crossing the finish line 🤣🤣

[doobiev]

It may be the sun exposure or the fact people into running can have quite a strict diet/low body fat.

[thehorseandhisboy]

Frangipan yes me too! I was thinking of those photos they send you after the race which are, ahem, rather unflattering.

[AmazingGreats]

High SPF on your face, moisturise liberally and use retinol cream for eyes. I think people who run a lot it's a combination of sun damage and low body fat percentage. People who smoke and eat a lot don't look as old as skinny smokers. Also good fats on the inside and good hydration. A Mediterranean diet and plenty of water (and not too much coffee or wine!) should help from the inside out.

[doobiev]

It doesnt exist. The only reason people think runners have "old" faces is that they have such "young" bodies people underestimate their age.

I disagree & do see it (live opposite a park). Personally I don't like the shape serious runners have although they have good abs.

[2020BetterBeBetter]

An old manager of mine bragged a lot about the amount of exercise she did. Her face looked at least a decade older whilst she had a lovely figure, so maybe there is something to it. Then again, DH runs marathons and looks significantly younger than he is (which is getting more and more unfair the older I look! )

[Yadaaday]

No avoiding how awful I look at the end of a run. Does anyone look good after?!

Right, spf and a cap for summer are in order. I was thinking of a divers helmet to help protect from the elements but that might be going too far

[T0tallyFuckedUpFamily]

Is that a photo of you, OP? Sorry if you’ve already answered.

[ElderAve]

"I disagree & do see it (live opposite a park). Personally I don't like the shape serious runners have although they have good abs."

How do you know how old they are doobiev? There are women at my running club in their 60s 70s and 80s . They don't move like any other 60/70/80 yos you know but their faces are about right for their age, often younger actually, but they may seem old if viewed against an opinion that they're at least a decade younger, which you would get from watching them run.

[Yadaaday]

No it’s not me. I just googled runners face and she came up.

[Zaphodsotherhead]

I run 30 miles a week.

I'd rather have runner's face than diabetes, thank you.