As Dan and I recently found out, many people are, unfortunately, under a misconception about running and joint health.

Will running harm my knees and hips?

I want to start running, but everyone I know tells me that running is really hard on a woman’s knees and hips, and can cause problems in the future. What can I say to this? And if it's true, how can I avoid knee and hip problems? – Erin

Erin, If I listened to the many people (mostly sedentary) who gave me these doomsday warnings about running, I wouldn’t be celebrating 50 years of running next year. I suggest that you look at the research.

I made an extensive search of running and joint health when I wrote Women's Guide to Running with my wife, Barbara, last year. I could find no study linking running to long-term joint problems. In fact, a number of studies (cited in the book) showed that runners have healthier joints than non-runners after two to four decades of running.

It’s important to insert liberal walk breaks from the beginning of every run. You’ll find a very successful program in the book. I recommend that beginners alternate 10-second segments of running with 50-second walk segments for the first two weeks. Gradually, the amount of running can increase.

When someone says something negative about running, you have an opening to set the record straight. (May I suggest handing them a copy of my book?) You will get a lot of satisfaction when you help people change their lives for the better.

Jeff

Note: Olympian Jeff Galloway has helped thousands of runners achieve their goals through his e-coaching, Galloway Programs across the U.S., retreats, half day running schools, books, and individual consultations. For more information on this topic or Jeff's programs, visit www.JeffGalloway.com or www.jeffgallowayblog.com.

HAVE A QUESTION FOR JEFF? E-MAIL IT TO: GALLOWAY@RODALE.COM

(CREDIT JEFF GALLOWAY'S BLOG)