Last week, when the Chronicle published a controversial article (“Extreme distance running: Too much of a good thing?”), it challenged many long-held assumptions of runners and non-runners alike. Using information from two small studies, the author contended that long distance running might present some health risks along with its benefits.
I was photographed and quoted as an example of a runner who could be at risk. Running about 80 miles per week on average, sometimes getting as high as 100 miles per week, I was their example of an athlete taking this ultrarunning lifestyle to the extreme.
Yet, study after study has shown the myriad health benefits of running and exercise. I’m not a medical professional in any sense of the term, so my response to the article was not “you’re wrong,” but rather “why do I care?” More importantly, why should you?
As outsiders, the non-running community assumes that we lace up our shoes to get fit, lose weight, and ultimately strive for optimal health. To them, running is something we do to stay in shape, not a source of enjoyment or sport. Until the last decade or two, marathon and ultramarathon participants were few and far between. Now, they’re all over our Twitter feeds, the evening news, and standing in line with us at the grocery store.
I’m not old or wise enough to tell you why this endurance running has blown up overnight, but I would argue that it has a lot less to do with health and a lot more to do with love of the sport and the mental and psychological value.
We run to be free, we run to feel our lungs expand and contract, to feel the trails and pavement beneath our feet, to hear the wind whistle, and to see and explore places we wouldn’t otherwise see. We run to discover more about the world we inhabit, to connect with ourselves and others, to find out who we are and what we’re capable of, to seek solace in sorrow and to celebrate life’s blessings. We run from our primal instinct to move and transform. Sometimes we’re driven to run by forces unknown.
Just like any other sport, running with poor form or inadequate nutrition can lead to injury and medical implications. But by and large, I’m not convinced that running is any more dangerous than tackling each other to the ground to get a ball, swinging a bat or club, or zooming across ice chasing down a puck. No physical activity is injury-proof and sitting on the couch dooms us to an even scarier line-up of diseases. In sport, we accept that there are risks associated with chasing down our dreams.
Some readers commented on the article by noting that runners like me must be “delusional” and have “psychological issues.” I would argue that running is the glue that binds my life. I come from a family of runners, I’m connected with great friends in my running community, and I’ve met inspiring and incredible athletes along my journey who create philanthropic initiatives like Worth the Hurt. Runners are a supportive breed; we help one another succeed. We’re fiercely committed to our collective success and keeping the sport alive.
Working at The SF Marathon, I’ve seen the power of running to transform bodies, give up their unhealthy vices, and form healthy relationships. Running may be my vice or my virtue, but in any case, it brings me joy. Am I crazy? To some people I am. But to me, I’m just crazy about the trails, pavement, and running community that I call home.
I hope to see you all out on the course in just 12 days, I’ll be the girl in a hot pink shirt tweeting and snapping pictures along the way. 
Love this post my friend – Well said!
I seen a similar article in Canadian media, and quite frankly, I could care less if running more than an hour a day is bad for me, I’m still going to do it.
Incredibly well said, Jojo! Thanks for sticking up for us ‘crazies’ and for doing so well.
Loved the post. I think being smart and educated about what we do is the most important thing… it all comes back to listening to your body. It is true that some ppl have serious problems without exhibiting any serious signs and appearing to be 100% healthy. Only thing I can suggest with that is to get regular check ups with your physician… but shouldnt we all be doing that?
“to feel the trails and pavement beneath our feet,” running all over me, huh?
The running community gets so much crap over running-related deaths, when, in fact, it’s one of the causes of death that takes the lives of the fewest number of people annually. This article is really interesting – not only is sudden death during a marathon extremely uncommon, but the marathons actually reduce fatal car crashes and death by this means:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/12/071221094840.htm
Nice post!
Great post. That must have been tough to read the comments on that article in which a lot of them criticize/bash you. I like to refer to a lot of comment areas of news articles as keyboard warriors. People that say really mean stuff that they wouldn’t say to someone’s face.
And who knows what the right answer is about distance running – likely for most of us except for the extreme elite (Dean Karnazes, Ryan Hall, etc) doing tons of mileage is probably not the best thing long term for our body. But I enjoyed being able to run longer distances, and hopefully I’ll be able to get back to that soon.
But if you are going to be addicted to anything, running is better than a lot of things out there (alcohol, nicotine, etc). Heck, I am probably addicted to running, and I’m okay with that, even if it may shorten our lives. In life you need to follow your heart, and if that results in dying early – then that is a live well lived.
I love your post Jojo! People tend to disparage what they don’t understand and are intimidated by. If you’ve found JOY in something that “is” healthy then you’ve found something that remains elusive to most! I cheer you on my young running Titan!
Go Jojo! Non-runners do not understand. I hope someday to be able to run 50 miles a week – my friends and family already think I’m crazy to do 35!
Great post. Until 2 months ago, I hated the very idea of running. I’m 28 and not particularly out of shape, but my body is definitely not what I then considered to be one of a “runner.” Then, one May evening, after a particularly difficult work day, I decided to do a 3.3 mile trail run/hike in a nearby park. I never expected to enjoy it as much as I did. Since then, I have done three 5k races and have one more coming up next week. I’m hoping to do a 10k at the end of August. I’ve been to countless Bay Area parks (many just minutes from home) to run (or jog, or walk) and I remember what it’s like to be outdoors. I love what my body is capable of doing, even though I doubted it. I love when I realize I ran that mile 17 seconds faster than three weeks ago. Maybe one day I’ll be able to run a half marathon!
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I feel that if you love the freedom and self-fulfillment of running, it is your personal choice. I have been running since 2006 on a steady basis, even though it has been interrupted by a shattered tailbone, and recently kidney failure. I am training for a half-marathon in October, and I will hopefully get to keep doing what makes me happy.
I will be quoting that paragraph in the middle – precisely stated WHY WE RUN..
Thanks Jojo!
I did my 1st marathon when I hit 65. I go out on the track every morning …because I can’t not go.