Is it bad for my body to run five miles everyday?

Question

i need to know this because i run about 5-7 seven miles everyday but my dad tells me its bad

Answer 1

your dads wrong but right in a sense

wrong because it keeps BP under control

but right because it has long term damages ( knees, ankles)

Answer 2

It's great for you! Just make sure you have plenty of water to keep you going :)

Answer 3

Excercise in general is good.

Running can have long term affects that include an enlarged heart but you are not even close to running enough for that concern which is typically a long term issues for someone running 10 to 20 miles a day for years.

Years ago I read an article about the risk vs reward of exercise that explained that the chance of injury gets higher the more days in a row you exercise.  The optimum ratio was to exercise 3 days a week, IE: mon / wed / fri / with weekends off.  

The cart went something like this:

Days of Exercise per week / % Benefit / % risk

           3                       /                   70       /       30

           4                       /                   75       /       45

           5                       /                   80       /       60

           6                       /                   85       /       75

           7                       /                   90       /       90

Note the incremental gain per day added is quite small for the total gain vs risk of injury.  Note: I am going by memory and the numbers may not be perfectly accurate.  But consider your own experience that if you don't rest you can't push as hard when tired.

Also, muscle tissue is actually torn when exercising and needs time to heal.  It is in this tear / heal process that muscles expand and get more defined and develop strength.

Research for yourself that professonal weight lifters don't exercise every muscle group every day.  While they may exercise 7 days a week they do legs one day / then arms another day / then torso another day / etc. - you get the picture.

When you are running every day you are always exercising the same muscle group and not allowing any time for the healing / building process to complete itself.

As is the case with everyone, the final decision / choice is yours - do a bit of research and confirm what the professionals are doing.

You may wish to consider using joint suppliments such as glucosamine & chondroitin sulfate to help prevent bone and joint damage - BUT don't get cheap on the shoes.  I have heard that after about 300 miles toss the shoes and get new ones to keep impact control.

Good luck and safe running.

Answer 4

I am on the Nordic Ski team and everyday for practice we ran 5 miles around town and it strengthens you so keep running dont listen to your dad

Answer 5

Only your doctor can tell you for sure.  They have your medical history, and they are the ones who can check up on you.  Make sure to make a visit.

Answer 6

nah

Answer 7

It wouldn't hurt to take one day off a week.

Answer 8

My moms a proffesional boxer and she runs 5 miles everyday. It's totally 100% okay.

Answer 9

the more the merrier!!

Answer 10

Running wreaks havoc on your ankles, knees, and hips. However, it's good for the inside of your body, heart, and lungs.

I think as long as you wear a good supportive shoe, and change them regularly, they say every 500 miles there should be less impact on your joints.   I walk about that much and I've invested in some really good walking shoes, and have excellent results.

If you are concerned, I suggest going to your doctor, and getting your joints, checked out and listen to if he has any suggestions.

Answer 11

no exercise is good for you. But it can be bad for you if you don't drink water!

Answer 12

no, it isn't bad. a lot of runners run a lot more than that per day and they're perfectly fine. :)

Answer 13

Not if you slowly train your body use to it.

I have been running seriously for 3 years, been running recreational for 7 or so.  

Now I am at the point where I can run everyday.  Each day runs from 30 min to an hour.  On Sat a long run of 2-3 hr.

If you haven't run five miles and not very active, I would not recommend you start doing 5 miles everyday.  Instead, work your way up.  First, one mile a day.  Then if that is easy. Increase the distance (slowly) on alternate days.

Answer 14

he is right but he is wrong. it is bad on your knees and joints. walking or speed walking is much healthier than running. i am in the military and we HAVE to run a lot and since i have been in i have acquired knee and lower back problems mostly from running.

Answer 15

it depends on how long you have been doing it. like did you radomly start running 5 miles? because yeah that would be unhealthy, but if you gradually did like 2 miles for a while then 4, so on, than its okay and probably good for your health:) good luck!

Answer 16

Overall its not bad for you.  Make sure that you have the right shoes, that you listen to your body.  If things start to hurt stop running and take some time off.  If they still hurt go to see a doctor.  Running is great for your heart and bones, not to mention it is a great stress reliever.  Think of the alternative...here is a great articile to show your father.

Answer 17

no your fine dont let people get in your head, just make sure you run correctly. maybe have someone run with you to improve your style. most damage comes from incorrect posture, make sure you evenly distribute your weight

Answer 18

This will certainly put you in good shape.  It would be a good thing to do five days a week and you will see your times start improving again. The body does need some time for recovery, otherwise it is called over training. Relax, five days a week is still a lot and you'll have some more spare time for other things.  It is just something you feel compelled to do right now for a while.  If you are training for competitions you still need to give your body some rest and recovery (R & R).  At some point you will ask yourself "Why am I doing this?" and that thought will be the beginning of a change for you.  Running is a good way to meditate and steer clear of something you would rather not face.