Runners face and knees

[CarmenSanfrancisco]

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.

I've had really bad knees with bursitis since a skating accident in my teens. I used to run regularly a few years ago and it didn;t effect my knees at all. Aerobics/cardio jumping up and down did but running in good shoes never did.

A plastic surgeon did tell me running was bad but who knows 🤷‍♀️. I don't run though.

For me ... running out ways any negatives

I'm no Paula Radcliffe mind you!

Ladies and Gentlemen, the class of '99. Wear Sunscreen.

For the knees, run mixed surfaces, wear footwear that suits you, cross-train and build up sensibly.

If I make it to a ripe old age with a full set of hips/ knees the same age, I'll be surprised, but running improves my chances of delaying osteoarthritis (dodgy genes). It's also good for the cartilage as it boosts circulation, and although puts more pressure on, it also interperses low pressure from the weightless moment when you're in the air which you don't get from walking.

I've been running for more than 40 years and my face and knees are fine. Wear very good running shoes and you'll be fine.

Well done OP and keep up with the running. You just made me smile - I have a friend who runs a lot and has exactly the face you are worried about. But you shouldn't worry, she is a die hard runner who has been out every day battling the elements and pounding the pavements for all of the 20 years I have known her. It is probably due in part to her being so thin, part genetic and part weather. I think you are a long way from that.

@Ultimateblends I have had plantar fasciitis as well. It was so bad I couldn’t walk properly. Someone even commented on it that I was much faster walker at 8 months pregnant then when I had pf.
I don’t have it now. I do run , but I have paid over £100 for my running shoes and have it fitted 1.5 size bigger and had my gait checked too. Worth every penny. I also only wear Skechers shoes/sandals etc. Even my dog walking boots are Skechers.
No bear feet at home, I wear Skechers flip flops and no I don’t work for Skechers. 😁 Hope it’s goes for you soon as I know how painful it is.

@Joeblack066 - re your fibro, has running really helped with pain? I only ask as I'm a similar age and also have fibro but would love to run again. I keep starting C25K and have a flare within the first few days to week. This sets me back - I don't want to de-rail but would love to hear more about how you did it, if you don't mind

My GP advised me not to run or jog to avoid knee problems (I’m 56)
Although I do already have arthritis in hip and shoulders
GP suggested swimming, weight training and walking were better exercise

I have to say I got a bad knee from running where I stumbled on an uneven path and my knee swelled up. I changed the trainers got a support and rested when needed but 6 months ago on a run I returned home in agony. I haven’t been able to run since. I am going for an X-ray tomorrow but to scared to run now... just had to settle on long walks. But I do agree the feeling after a run is amazing.

Choice between runners face or non-runners stomach?
Congratulations on getting going with C25k. - I'm still thinking about it.

Would suggest you try walking, maybe speed walking, I know that always makes me feel better. I have a sibling who is fairly young but has developed knee issues, and required an operation as a result of marathon running.

Personally, I do think it also affects face/chest which are 2 additional reasons for finding an alternative way of working out.

This is why I don’t run. There are other forms of exercise that are lower impact such as cycling. Although tbh I exercise mostly to lose weight and look good so I avoid doing to much cardio.

Runners face and runners knees are real.
I know a few women who are big runners and they all have droopy faces and droopy eyes. They have ruddy, wrinkled, lined faces and they look really haggard for their ages.
I also know a few big runners who all needed knee replacements before they were 50.
Running outside in the elements and in all weathers will age you.

@ZuluWarrior

Also I bet there are no men worrying about "runner's face". Yet another stick to beat women with.

I know men with runners face too. Men get it too, not just women.

Knee problems are real, worrying that some physios don’t believe that. In my early 20s, I ran on a month schedule (5km every day the first week, 10km the next, 15km in W3, 20km the final week). I did this on a cross trainer as per the recommendation of a physician to reduce impact. I have short calf muscles, and thick tendons, so that combined with the running schedule left me with knee pain even with great shoes, physio support etc. I went into running at a high level of fitness (gymnast) but with no decent nutritional foundation.

I injured my back and can’t run anymore, and my knees have improved but aren’t up to 100%. I also ended up breaking my hip doing Wadi Rum. Didn’t know until I finished, thought the pain was what everyone was experiencing. Yoga seems like a safe, gentle alternative.

Used to be a keen runner but entering 40s the runner's face did become a consideration. I don't have a soft looking face anyway and wanted to avoid it becoming even more rigid. Especially since running never did solve the issue why I took it up in the first place: the wide-ish hips and bottoms due to the pear-shape body type. Running never helped me lose weight in those areas and all the others were fine anyway.

Plus I found that I did eat more on the days when I ran. I became noticeably slimmer when I switched to long walks instead- got a dog!

I have been running for over 30 years, currently do around 70 - 80 miles per week (I am in my 40s). For me the benefits far outweigh any negatives - I haven't got runner's face (I don't think) although my lifestyle in general (mostly former career) means that I have had a lot of sun / exposure to the elements in general. I don't have beautiful alabaster skin by a long stretch, but don't look older than I am and have a firm healthy - looking face...so far. Running is brilliant for my mood and mental well - being and I will take my face looking a bit weathered but happy over perfect but unhappy.

My knees etc are fine - there are an awful lot of myths surrounding running, it's worth reading some studies if anyone is particularly worried.

The mistakes that often lead to injury in those just starting to run is trying to go too far, too fast, too soon. A sensible run / walk programme building up over time coupled with strength training is the way to go. Joining a running club can be helpful, loads have friendly beginners' groups which will provide some camaraderie and also training support to ensure that you start off safely with lots of guidance.

Runners Face is definitely a thing but it usually only happens to hard-core marathon runners.
People who are constantly training and running a couple of marathons a year.

Otherwise I think that if you don't go overboard about it, the benefits of running outweigh any risks.

As for knees.
Dancing can be far more damaging to knees than running especially if you're not doing it right. You can twist and damage the knees.

For running bras try runderwear, I love them.
For PF and Mortond neuroma (I have both) I have insoles which work wonders when I remember to wear them, properly fitting shoes all the time and no ballet pumps or flip flops, which are what destroyed my feet in the first place. My tuning shoes are well fitted by an expert and I have a few pairs that I rotate. My podiatrist was fine with the running, but did work on landing on my foot rather than my heel and wants me to avoid too much concrete.

Oh and Rnners Face doesnt necessadily mean the face is sun damaged.
Runners face, as I understand it', happens because the constant ponding up and down over time results in the breaks down of the collagen in the skin, plus the jogging up and down affects the musclesand ligaments in the face.
Those two things, combined with low body weight + gravity can result in a loose skiinned, gaunt, haggard look.
Which is Runners Face.

Limit have you tried arch support. The half shoe ones for your condition are good

I've had dodgy, creaky, sore knees on and off for years, since I was a teen. I started c25k in the first lockdown and was worried they would let me down but they were 1000 times better. Stopped running as much in September, then altogether at the beginning of December because life and my knees are painful and creaky again, especially after 2 weeks of inactivity.

So on a highly scientific analysis of 1 fat lass, running helps my knees.

With regards to jowls, I am heading that way because 1. I'm fat and 2. I drink. Will let you know in a few months when I'm not (as) fat and have cut right down on the drink.

No flat shoes

Running is great for bone density