A brisk day rolls around with the sun shining and the road awaiting. A typical runner reaches for his or her gym shoes and heads out on a casual run; however, this routine run may cause harm with poor practice.

While studies have shown that there are negative effects associated with running, Jeffrey A. Woods, professor in kinesiology and community health, argued that running is usually more beneficial than harmful to one’s health. However, he said a person’s lifestyle plays a role in running injuries, whether they are sedentary or extremely active.

According to Livestrong, the most common defect of running is joint pain, which is caused by repeated motion and impact to the joints. This impact could eventually lead to their wear and tear. 

Moira Gilroy, sophomore in DGS and current member of the Fighting Illini Triathlon team, said when one is involved in intense training, changing his or her normal weekly exercise routine is essential. This helps to avoid intense impact or stress on the same joints and muscles. 

“I try to change up my exercise routine each day in order to maintain a balance, so I do not overwork myself or cause any injuries,” she said.

Woods said there is no particular harm to a runner’s joints or body if they keep a consistent duration and intensity. However, if they choose to drastically alter their typical routine, there could be potential negative side effects.

“Anything extreme could be problematic for someone not accustomed to it or in a harsh environment,” Woods said. 

While environment can play a large role on the impact of joints, Woods  that joints often can withstand high impact exercises. 

However, he said as people age, their joints become more susceptible to exercise-induced damage. Runners may also find that their flexibility and endurance decrease with age. 

While age may often come quickly and with consequence, Woods believes it is up to the runner to decide whether or not to call it quits. He said that it “depends on how your body feels — it is always good at telling you.” 

Talia Avci, junior in ACES, ran the Christie Clinic Illinois Marathon in spring 2012 and recalls the strain it exerted on her body. 

“When training for the marathon, the long runs I did on Saturdays really threw me off for the rest of the day,” Avci said. “I couldn’t focus on anything after pushing my body so hard, especially when it got past 16 miles.”

Nonetheless, she believes the long Saturdays paid off in the end.

“These days were definitely worth it and made me capable of finishing the full 26.2 (miles),” she said. 

There are always other options for those whose bodies may be ready to take a break from high-impact exercises. 

“I had to give up running eight years ago due to low back problems and am now a long distance cyclist,” Woods said. 

For those Illini runners who may be suffering from runner’s joint pain, there is always another option in the long run.

Christen can be reached at [email protected].