Re:

The opinion that sustained, or long distance running is bad for the body, is an opinion that is gaining popularity with many orthopods and other scientists. I tend to agree with them, (and you), after seeing the results of what this does to the joints and the rest of the body.

I also disagree with the whole notion of "pushing through the pain barrier" stuff. Pain is a signal from the body telling us that we need to stop what we are doing because we are causing damage to the body. To ignore pain is folly and dangerous. Constantly pushing the adrenal glands to perform, either by using stimulants (coffee etc), stress, or things like long distance running, causes adrenal fatigue, and adrenal fatigue (as many on CZ know) causes many other health problems.

Things like chronic fatigue syndrome, is becoming very prevelant in many athletes, including runners.

Like most things in life, a little bit of running is good for you, a lot will cause damage. Everything in moderation :)

spud