Podcast•Apr 16, 2026•31 min
Running: Will It Wreck Your Body?
In this episode of Science Versus, hosts Akedi Foster-Keys and senior producer Meryl Horn examine the science of running, focusing on injury risk, optimal training progression, and the physiological benefits of the activity. They cite research showing that about half of runners experience a disabling injury each year, with knee injuries most common, and reveal that increasing weekly mileage by just 10‑30% can raise injury risk by up to 60%, prompting a recommendation to limit mileage jumps to 5%. The discussion also highlights the protective role of strong gluteal muscles—particularly single‑leg glute bridges—in cutting injury risk by 64%, and presents evidence that regular running is linked to lower cardiovascular disease, reduced all‑cause mortality, and improved blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose control. Expert insights come from Dr. Rasmus Ostergaard Nielsen, an associate professor in public health, and Professor Duxo Lee of the University of Pittsburgh.
