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Original poster

Runners face and knees

175 replies

CarmenSanfrancisco · 03/01/2021 22:29

I took up C25K in lockdown 1. I’m a pretty poor runner but I really enjoyed it, not a huge amount of exercise as such but it clears my head.

However, I’m also 35 and starting to age. I mentioned I was running to a (very beautiful, well maintained) acquaintance and she said she’d never run to avoid the risk of a droopy runners face. My gym instructor is also extremely anti running for the impact on knees.

I guess I just wanted to ask about other peoples experience of running. Do you regret it? On the one hand, I really enjoy it but obviously don’t want to bugger my face and knees for the future. I’m not sure if these concerns only apply to serious runners or the occasional 5k as well? I’m desk based so I really struggle to fit in enough steps in the time I have each day without a run. I’ve tried researching it but most research seems pretty inconclusive.

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SquidInALid · 03/01/2021 22:34

The benefits of running far outweigh those risks for me.
No idea what runner's face is actually but runner's arse is pretty awesome!

I stretch to avoid any damage but if I get an injury I rest til it's gone.

Running gives me great mental health, a lovely group of new friends, achievements I never thought I could do, a great glow and means I can eat whatever I want without thinking about weight gain.

Well done on what you've achieved. I'd ignore them and keep running.

UrAWizHarry · 03/01/2021 22:35

Running being harmful to knees is a myth.

Cantdoitallperfectly · 03/01/2021 22:36

I think that to get “runners face” you need to be clocking up serious miles. The people that I know that run (myself included) are fit and look a healthy body weight, none of them look gaunt or droopy, quite the opposite.

When it comes to looking after your knees yes, it’s a consideration but there is evidence to suggest that non runners are just as prone to knee injuries than moderate runners (I know this as my DH had knee surgery 2 years ago and read up on the subject).

If you enjoy running and the headspace it gives you - do it. Personally speaking the high I get after running a few miles sets me up for the day and it balances out my mood.

Grandtheft · 03/01/2021 22:38

Yeah I've probably got runners face (in my 50's and run long distance) I love it though and what it does for my mind and body is amazing, certainly kept me going through all this .

Northernsoullover · 03/01/2021 22:40

I'd never even heard of it until I read about it on here. I had a look at people running in order to carry out my highly scientific study Wink. The first runner I saw did indeed have pronounced jowls, but that was it. I've observed many since as I live by a park and I haven't seen anyone else have this 'affliction'.

Original poster
CarmenSanfrancisco · 03/01/2021 22:46

Thanks, your list of pros really resonates with me. I can’t quite get out of my own thoughts on a walk unless it is really long and I don’t always have the time to devote hours to walking, but running always chills me out and cheers me up.

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Original poster
CarmenSanfrancisco · 03/01/2021 22:48

@Northernsoullover

I'd never even heard of it until I read about it on here. I had a look at people running in order to carry out my highly scientific study Wink. The first runner I saw did indeed have pronounced jowls, but that was it. I've observed many since as I live by a park and I haven't seen anyone else have this 'affliction'.
That’s true, a friend runs everyday and looks great but I wondered if she just had fab genes
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Original poster
CarmenSanfrancisco · 03/01/2021 22:49

@Grandtheft

Yeah I've probably got runners face (in my 50's and run long distance) I love it though and what it does for my mind and body is amazing, certainly kept me going through all this .
I’m so impressed you still run long distance - I am wheezing my way though c25k in my 30s.
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Ditchedtheuselesswanker · 03/01/2021 22:51

This is the first time I had heard of runners face. Just found this:
www.healthline.com/health/runners-face#about

I get a beetroot red face mind when it is very hot. My knees were knackered from previous injuries before I started running. However I am aware that decent trainers, proper “form”, e.g. not over striding etc also prevent injuries along with of course the important warm up and stretches afterwards.

Most importantly enjoy it. The running crowd are great 😁

OverByYer · 03/01/2021 22:53

I’m nearly 50 and have been running since my 30s.
No knee problems ( touch wood)
I don’t think I have runners face , I think I look younger than I am. I think people say these things so they don’t feel guilty about not keeping for themselves

littlepattilou · 03/01/2021 22:55

Runner's face. (According to shapeyourface.com)

I don't think I will take up running.... ever.

Runners face and knees
Hippopotas · 03/01/2021 22:57

I just googled runners face and it seems it’s a bit of a myth and is probably just down to sun exposure so a good SPF and you should be fine.

Re the knees I spoke to a sports physio which said that was also a myth and that running actually makes your knees stronger. I have arthritis in my knees and since I have been running the pain has practically gone away

Mummadeeze · 03/01/2021 22:59

It really helps me with back, shoulder and neck pain, so I think it is good for my joints in general. No knee issues touch wood. Pretty sure you would have to run miles and for hours to get that face thing!

Ultimateblends · 03/01/2021 22:59

Watching with interest, I've done C25K a few times, and just as I get past the "oh my god I cant breathe" weeks, the enviable injury happens.
Last time it was shin splints. Stopped me right in my tracks.

Considering trying (AGAIN) this jan, but so sick of the inevitable injuries!

Macncheeseballs · 03/01/2021 23:03

I have been running for years without any knee probs but I also do yoga so guess that helps

SunshineCake · 03/01/2021 23:04

I started running in May and run 3-5 times a week and run 5-10km a time. My face is lovely and slimmer, my arse is peachy and my knees are sore at times, fine when running, usually painful using the stairs when they do hurt. I take the odd extra rest day. Worth it for me.

LimitIsUp · 03/01/2021 23:04

I regret it. I ran for years and it contributed to my severe and debilitating plantar fasciitis- which means I can't walk without heel pain

Original poster
CarmenSanfrancisco · 03/01/2021 23:08

@Ditchedtheuselesswanker

This is the first time I had heard of runners face. Just found this: www.healthline.com/health/runners-face#about

I get a beetroot red face mind when it is very hot. My knees were knackered from previous injuries before I started running. However I am aware that decent trainers, proper “form”, e.g. not over striding etc also prevent injuries along with of course the important warm up and stretches afterwards.

Most importantly enjoy it. The running crowd are great 😁

Thanks, I did come across that article but it seemed based on the opinion of one doctor rather than hard evidence IYSWIM. I will definitely be slathering on sun protection and thanks for the tips about injury prevention
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HeyLala · 03/01/2021 23:08

Keep running but take care of your boobs!

The amount of young girls I see out running with no or too little support.

Original poster
CarmenSanfrancisco · 03/01/2021 23:09

@Macncheeseballs

I have been running for years without any knee probs but I also do yoga so guess that helps
Thanks @Macncheeseballs, I try and vary my workouts as well with strength training so hopefully that’s enough to protect my koibts
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Original poster
CarmenSanfrancisco · 03/01/2021 23:12

@LimitIsUp

I regret it. I ran for years and it contributed to my severe and debilitating plantar fasciitis- which means I can't walk without heel pain
I’m sorry to hear that, @LimitIsUp. My gym instructor had a similar experience and eventually required surgery on her feet. Can I ask if you ran long distance/ every day/ did you have any contirubuting factors for PF/ did it come on suddenly? Sorry for peppering you with questions and please don’t share if you don’t feel comfortable. I can find a lot of generic info or opinions online but I’d really appreciate detailed experience.
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Original poster
CarmenSanfrancisco · 03/01/2021 23:13

@HeyLala

Keep running but take care of your boobs!

The amount of young girls I see out running with no or too little support.

Haha yes, my boobs require lots of scaffolding. I’m currently wearing sweaty Betty sports bras, any recommendations?
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BlairCorneliaWaldorf · 03/01/2021 23:14

I think running highlights weak knees (or ankles for that matter) but doesn’t necessarily cause issues itself.

Some people are just made for running, others aren’t. My sister can run an ultra marathon on very little training and never gets injured. I struggle with injury if I run more than 5k a week nowadays. I’m very fit, my body just can’t cope with the impact of running. I struggled my way through a few marathons and half’s in my 30s though so maybe that’s responsible for my increasingly wrinkley face!

Mustreadabook · 03/01/2021 23:15

I’ve been doing ‘very mild’ running for about 18months, and it has cured my knee pain which used to occur randomly when going up stairs. I haven’t had it since. Just build up very gradually.

TokenGinger · 03/01/2021 23:15

My dad is 60 this year and has been a keen runner for over 40 years. Back in his day, he ran marathons, too.

He does have bad knees but he doesn't put that down to running. In terms of his face, he'd easily pass for a man in his early-mid 40s. My step-mum is 62 and also has been a keen runner all of her life. She looks absolutely amazing, again could pass for mid 40s, so it's not given either of them runner's face. Though neither of them have ever smoked and eat a healthy diet and she really takes care of her skin with decent lotions so I think that helps.

Step mum has no problems with her knees.