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You do get certain sources that like to scaremonger, but I wasn't aware that Channel 5 or the makers of this programme were one of them.  That's why I threw the issue over to this forum because I wanted to hear what everybody else thinks.  And it sounds if most think its rubbish.  Running isn't a new thing, so if the likes of Brendan Foster and Alberto Salazar are now wheel chair bound and crippled with arthritis then it would be a good indication that this is par for the course for somebody who runs a lot.  Some people might encounter problems of course and that might be why these programme makers have a story on their hands but is this because of an individual's stupidity or bad luck?  Over-doing it, not using decent shoes, or have a weak knee in the first place?

Hi

I was watching a program late last night on Channel 5 about health and exercise (I can't remember the name of the program but it had a number in it because it was one of those top x countdown shows).  They were rubbishing lots of things, for example fitness trainers with no real qualifications and sports drinks, which are no real big worries but then they talked about the damage you can do to your knees by running.  Relatively quickly you can make your knees look like they've had many years more wear, which is a concern, if there is real evidence/truth behind this.  I enjoy my running (which I only took up 2 years ago at the relatively old age of 45) and wouldn't want to stop as I know I wouldn't enjoy other forms of exercise, such as cycling. swimming or going to the gym, as much.  But I could try to avoid tarmac more and combine my preparations for races with other cardio-vascular exercising if it means I spare my knees more and future trouble with them.

Any thoughts from the community of runners out there?

Intermanaut, you are just showing yourself up now..why don't you go away.  I came on here with a serious point and you've been arrogant and provocative...this forum doesn't need people like you.

Skotty, of course other people impeded my progress during the race to some degree, as has happened in every other race I have run, but do you hear me mention those situations.  No, because I appreciate these things happen.  Even if some of these other situations have been with ipod wearers.  I have raised this because i could have been hurt badly and put out of the race this time and it was because of somebody being selfish and stupid.

And just for the record I don't drive like that and never have....do you or have you ever?  now be honest!

well said Russell....totally agree with everything you just said.

Let me guess....you too are one of these selfish people who won't comply with this safety request because you don't want to and can't appreciate the problem you are making for other people?  

Let me try one last time....it would have been a safe over-taking manoeuvre had he not disobeyed race rules and worn headphones, because he would have heard I was there.  He moved across my once clear path because he had no idea i was there because he had blocked his hearing out with music.  I don't care where you get your silly "official rules of running and etiquette" from, if you can't grasp even that simple concept.

Just out of interest.. what would you, 'fountain of all running knowledge', have done in my position?  Do you wait behind very slow runners until you absolutely sure it is safe to go past them, giving them a wide berth mind, just in case.    

And don't end things with 'QED', not if you want to be liked by other human beings, because it does make you sound a complete £%&$.