Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Flexible and made to last.

Meet the Other Phone.
Flexible and made to last.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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.

OP posts:
Thread gallery
5
Labobo · 04/01/2021 14:37

Thank you Eckhart. All the runners I know look great. A lot better than the non runners. It's all genetics really isn't it? One of the wrinkliest people I know is a yoga teacher who spends half her year inside studios and upside down. She's still young but just has skin that ages fast. She looks lovely though, and has a good body.

Eckhart · 04/01/2021 14:46

@Merryoldgoat

My 48 year old friend runs regularly and looks fabulous.

I look like a whale.

This really made me laugh Smile

With regard to your other comment: If you had sat in a chair all your life (literally all your life, barely ever getting up) your body would probably respond to walking in the same way that your 'I've barely ever run' body responded to running.

Human bodies are designed by eons of evolution to walk and run. They are also designed to adapt, so if they're not used to something, they'll find it hard to start with. We adapt much quicker to running than we do to other things (like paying the piano, or learning to drive, or anything else we're not evolved for) but that doesn't mean it's not hard to start with.

Doing other things like aerobics etc doesn't use all the same muscles as running, so they're not really comparable.

SunshineCake · 04/01/2021 14:55

Can anyone recommend decent running trainers please? In tier 4 so can't go to the shop for checks and advice so needs to be on line purchasing. I have a pair of Asic's now and have been running since May. I started with couch25k and now run 3-5 times a week 6-8km ish. I was running ten km three times a week but felt that was too much on my knees.

Cavagirl · 04/01/2021 15:06

@SunshineCake what asics do you have now and do you like them?

SunshineCake · 04/01/2021 15:11

I don't know exactly as dh bought them. I like them. I just think there might be some with more support for my knees.

Eckhart · 04/01/2021 15:19

@SunshineCake

Can anyone recommend decent running trainers please? In tier 4 so can't go to the shop for checks and advice so needs to be on line purchasing. I have a pair of Asic's now and have been running since May. I started with couch25k and now run 3-5 times a week 6-8km ish. I was running ten km three times a week but felt that was too much on my knees.
Depends how you run. Have you investigated forefoot landing? It could save your knees.
Cavagirl · 04/01/2021 15:25

@SunshineCake

I don't know exactly as dh bought them. I like them. I just think there might be some with more support for my knees.
If you know they're a good shape for you and you just need an updated pair, google the style number in the label under the tongue. They update their technology every year, I just bought a 2020 version online of my old ones which were £40 cheaper than the new 2021 version but (reading reviews) not much difference. However if you want to play around with different makes etc probably best to go to eg runners needs & get a full gait analysis (some day in the future....)
redcandlelight · 04/01/2021 15:32

@SunshineCake

Can anyone recommend decent running trainers please? In tier 4 so can't go to the shop for checks and advice so needs to be on line purchasing. I have a pair of Asic's now and have been running since May. I started with couch25k and now run 3-5 times a week 6-8km ish. I was running ten km three times a week but felt that was too much on my knees.
trainers should be replaced after 300-500miles, looks like they havd come to thd end of their running life.
SunshineCake · 04/01/2021 15:32

They are Gel Windhawk and no longer available.

Malbecca · 04/01/2021 15:35

@SunshineCake the right trainers for you will depend on how you run. e.g. I wear Asics because they're quite firm and I roll my foot a lot. The men in my family use Nikes but I found those didn't offer enough support. Everyone is different.

Asics are a good brand, so as long as they fit you properly (and nothing currently hurts when you run?) I'd be inclined to carry on with them until you can get a proper analysis. Otherwise it would just be trial & error

amusementPark · 04/01/2021 15:40

I have knee injuries through playing tennis and running isn't good for me. I know being outside is the best for mental health and you make great friends but I tend to invest in very good trainers with quality soles and also have a knee pad if I ever dislocate it. When I ran on the treadmill at the gym, it felt kinder on my knee than the concrete floor, gravel, pavement steps etc did. I know people who look like the image from "Body Worlds" exhibition who have overdone the cardio over years, maybe that's what you mean by runners face?

SunshineCake · 04/01/2021 15:49

I only got my tracking watch in August so since then I have run 519.92 km (323 miles).

gannett · 04/01/2021 15:50

@SunshineCake they do online gait analysis now - I can't vouch for any of it as haven't tried it, but just google. Looks like you take photos and videos and book Whatsapp appointments. I'd give it a go.

Asics are the best running shoe brand IMO.

SunshineCake · 04/01/2021 15:51

@Malbecca. They are comfortable. The heel part has started to wear away which makes me think it is telling me something about how I run but I don't know what!

notalwaysalondoner · 04/01/2021 16:01

I’ve never even heard of runners face, I’d imagine it would be just general weatherbeaten look if you were an ultra marathon runner who was outdoors all day every day? So not a risk for almost everyone.

Knees, I haven’t researched, no issues personally. I’ve noticed my hip flexors are definitely tighter (too tight) and I get hip pain after running sometimes, but not sure if I’m just not stretching enough. I’m 31 and run 7-10km 3x per week and have done for 4 years.

likeamillpond · 04/01/2021 16:03

Can I ask seasoned runners a question?
If someone is very overweight should they be taking up running, or is it best to take up low impact excercise first and once they're lighter THEN take up running,
I see so many overweight runners out and about since covid and part of me thinks Good on them but then I think that must be so damaging on your joints (and boobs) because theyre not wearing sports bras.

Malbecca · 04/01/2021 16:06

@SunshineCake is one side of the heel more worn than the other, or is it even across the shoe?

If they're worn out they do need replacing, but if they're comfortable and nothing hurts then it would probably be easiest to find out what the equivalent is of your old shoes that Asics make now.

UsedUpUsername · 04/01/2021 16:27

Runner’s Face is definitely a thing.

It’s a combination of a couple of things—obviously being outside in all weathers is one factor, not using SPF every time you are out (some people only do it on sunny days but you need to do it every damn day). Tensing your face whilst running can also cause this issue

Then, not so obvious is that the lack of facial fat will cause drooping. Fat people actually do look younger as they age, the rest of us get fillers.

I have no idea about the knees, anecdotally I do know some hard-core runners that struggle with it

IntermittentParps · 04/01/2021 16:35

I've just started running. I've had a grumbling knee for donkey's years and while I'm not sure running makes it worse, it is definitely not getting better.
I've been neglecting my yoga and am starting up again soon – I always feel like that keeps me more supple overall, so hopefully it'll help the running.
Those of you who stretch, what do you do particularly?

Eckhart · 04/01/2021 16:36

@likeamillpond

Can I ask seasoned runners a question? If someone is very overweight should they be taking up running, or is it best to take up low impact excercise first and once they're lighter THEN take up running, I see so many overweight runners out and about since covid and part of me thinks Good on them but then I think that must be so damaging on your joints (and boobs) because theyre not wearing sports bras.
You can be overweight and otherwise quite healthy. An overweight novice runner is unlikely to be able to run very far right off the bat, so it's about listening to your body and building up gradually. Walk run walk is a good way to start. Running so hard that your boobs are taking turns to hit you in the face, and your face is puce and you're thinking you're going to be sick isn't a good way to start.

You're talking about 2 different things. Running with good form, in a way that your body can manage, and with appropriate equipment, is great for anybody and everybody. Running too fast in your slippers, holding your boobs in the crook of your elbows... not so great!

It's frustrating how many people start wrong, decide 'I can't run!' and never try again. I met quite a lot of these as a personal trainer and taught them that they can run. I still see some of them pounding the streets and I'm really pleased for them.

MissConductUS · 04/01/2021 16:42

Runners World magazine's website is a fabulous resource for everything from stretching to shoe reviews:

www.runnersworld.com/uk/health/a760484/the-rw-complete-guide-to-stretching-for-runners/

I don't do quite that extensive a stretching routine but I only run about 20 miles per week. I love the New Balance Fresh Foam shoes but it's a very individual thing.

The only running injury I've had is tear in the ligament for my right gluteus medius. It's a very common running injury. That was a right bastard to come back from.

Eckhart · 04/01/2021 16:43

@IntermittentParps

Have you tried ITB stretches? A tight ITB can pull your knee alignment out, and is often neglected in the usual running stretches as it includes a side-to-side action, when most of the recommended stretched are just front-to-back. A figure 4 stretch is good. Stretches are good diagnostically, because we all know what it feels like to have a bloody good stretch of a tight muscle (think of the relief and release when you stretch your arms up and out first thing in the morning) If you get that feeling when you do particular stretches, that'll tell you which bits of you are too tight.

IntermittentParps · 04/01/2021 16:45

Eckhart, thank you. A physio I saw ages ago about my knee did think it was to do with a tight ITB. He did massage on it (which was bloody painful!) as he said self-stretching often isn't enough because it's tough tissue. I guess some stretching would be better than nothing though.

Eckhart · 04/01/2021 16:53

Yes, better than nothing, and a little and often is good. You're trying to stretch gristle! Stretch it and move it and stretch it and move it. It's like blue tack (musculature all is); if you stretch it cold, it'll just break. Get it warmed up first, make it pliable. And have you got a foam roller? You can put yourself through the same agony the physiotherapist gave you, but for a fraction of the price! (I'm not on commission)

tttigress · 04/01/2021 16:55

I know what you mean about running being a great way to clear your head.

Maybe I am quite cynical, but maybe your gym instructor doesn't like the fact that running is totally free??!!

I was actually part of a "boot camp" style exercise class, which I found to be pretty bad for my body, and it actually put me off exercise for some time.