Weird Effects of Running Every Day on Your Body

Running Has Profound Effects on Your Body

Running, especially daily running, can have transformative effects on the body. While most are positive, some of the changes are admittedly a bit strange. Daily runners often notice shifts in their physiology and appearance that non-runners may find odd or even unattractive. But these weird effects are generally harmless side results of the running lifestyle.

The Impact of Daily Running

Running every day signals your body to make specific adaptations to meet the increased demands. You take more steps, burn more calories, require more oxygen, and generate higher impact. This prompts changes to maximize running efficiency and performance.

Increased Calorie Burn

Frequent running accelerates your metabolism to burn extra calories both during exercise and at rest. This can suppress appetite and body fat storage.

Greater Lung Capacity

Running daily prompts your cardio and pulmonary systems to increase capacity for oxygen utilization and delivery during exertion.

Higher Red Blood Cell Count

Your bone marrow steps up production of oxygen-carrying red blood cells and hemoglobin to meet running demands.

Tissue Adaptations

Muscles, bones, connective tissues and joints adapt to the repetitive impact of daily running.

Changes in Biochemistry

Neurochemicals, hormones and electrolyte levels shift to optimize bodily processes for running-related needs.

5 Weird Things Daily Running Does to Your Body

While most of the bodily changes that accompany a daily running routine are positive performance adaptations, some may seem less than desirable from an aesthetic standpoint. Here are 5 of the weirdest effects:

Runners Face

Daily runners often develop a runners face, with thinning of the fat pads in the cheeks and cheekbones becoming more prominent. Sunken eyes or dark circles under the eyes are also common.

This gaunt facial appearance stems from the fat loss related to high calorie burn. Water loss from heavy sweating can exacerbate it. Runners face is harmless, though some find it aging.

Loss of Menses

Female runners logging high daily mileage often experience irregular or absent menstrual cycles. Hormonal shifts caused by intense training and low body fat inhibit ovulation.

However, loss of menses is reversible once mileage decreases and body fat increases. Its not generally harmful, but can impact fertility.

Dead Butt Syndrome

Daily runners frequently suffer from dead butt syndrome where the gluteal muscles seem flattened or underdeveloped. Inactive glutes lead to other leg muscle compensation and higher injury risk.

Targeted strength training, form work and glute activation can counter dead butt syndrome.

Black Toenails

Repeated impact stresses the toes, causing bruising and blood collection under the toenails. This leads to ugly black or lost toenails. Its painful but harmless.

Properly fitted running shoes, trimmed nails, and padded socks can help avoid black toenails.

Cankles

Some frequent runners develop cankles - ankles that appear swollen and indistinguishable from the calves. It results from inflammation and fluid retention around the ankle joint.

Compression socks, massage, and icing can ameliorate cankles. Weight training helps support joints.

Other Visible Effects on Runners' Bodies

In addition to those highly noticeable effects, running every day drives more subtle physical changes over time:

Skin Sun Damage

Years of sun exposure during outdoor running leads to accelerated skin aging, wrinkling, and hyperpigmentation.

Bulging Calf Muscles

The calf muscles develop significant definition and bulk from daily running. While a benefit for performance, some dislike the look.

Widened Feet

Long-term impact and force generated during running can incrementally widen the feet as tissues flatten out.

Thicker Skin

Runners often develop thicker skin on the soles of their feet as well as calluses and blisters as protection from constant impact.

Gaunt Features

Leanness and muscle definition achieved through high training mileage gives some runners an overly ripped appearance.

Salt Crystals

Salty sweat dries on skin and clothes leaving behind visible white salt crystal residue.

Chafing

Skin rubs during runs causing redness, rashes, and irritation on thighs, armpits, and other contact points.

Why Running Effects Seem Weird

The evolutionary purpose of exercise is improving physical performance and fitness. The body isn't concerned with making you look fashionable while doing so. Running-induced changes aim to enhance function, regardless of form.

Optimizing Performance

Changes like increased muscle definition, capillary density, or lung capacity support better running capability.

Meeting Increased Demands

Higher red blood cell concentration allows better oxygen transport for running miles.

Protecting the Body

Effects like thickened foot skin or fluid retention around joints shield them from impact.

Promoting Leanness

Muscle definition and fat loss improve power-to-weight ratio for running performance.

Conserving Energy

The body minimizes non-essential functions like menstruation to conserve calories for running.

Are the Changes Permanent?

In most cases, the odd adaptations that occur from consistent running will reverse once your running volume and intensity decreases. However, some effects may persist long-term or even permanently:

Skin Changes

Sun damage, pigmentation, and wrinkling accumulated during years of running won't disappear when you stop.

Foot Size

The widened feet and toes caused by high-mileage impact are unlikely to return to baseline.

Joint Deterioration

Long-term excessive mileage may accelerate joint degeneration that remains even post-running.

Muscle Memory

Your muscles will retain "memory" making it easier to redevelop running-specific strength and endurance.

Can the Effects Be Avoided?

While some changes are inevitable to reap the benefits of running, you can minimize the weirdness by:

Running in Moderation

Aim for consistent running without overdoing distance or pace. Allow for rest and recovery.

Strength Training

Build muscle, improve running form, and support joints.

Stretching

Increase flexibility and range of motion to counter muscle imbalances.

Massage

Relieve muscle tightness and improve circulation to prevent injuries.

Proper Gear

Get fitted running shoes and use lubricating products to minimize friction-related effects.

Balanced Nutrition

Don't overly restrict calories or miss key nutrients that aid running recovery.

Sun Protection

Use sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses to protect skin from photo damage.

Embracing the Runner's Body

Rather than viewing running-induced body changes as weird, aim to celebrate them as badges of pride reflecting your commitment to a healthy, active lifestyle. The aesthetic shifts are generally harmless proof of the amazing feats your body can accomplish.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.