Well columnist Gretchen Reynolds elegantly goes where many researchers have gone before, trying to determine for once and for all if long distance running is bad for knees–and comes up essentially with this conclusion: if it is, it isn’t obvious. Reynolds cites two important studies, one showing that in the days after a marathon, there are significant biochemical changes in the runners’ knee cartilage. Specifically, the racers had elevated values for two technical measures, known as T2 and T1rho values, which have been linked to cartilage degeneration and arthritis. But three months after the race, the runners’ T2 values had returned to normal, but their T1rho values were declining. A second study cited by Reynolds looks at extensive running and bone spurs, and is, yes, equally inconclusive. The bottom line: long distance running may damage knees, but if it does, it’s going to take some marathon research to prove it.
Health, fitness and lifestyle tips for people over 50 who still like to play hard
Sunday, June 1, 2025