I figure I might as well stand and fight - if I take off running, it's only going to be for 50 yards max, and then whoever's after me will be able to take their time walking over to where I'm laying on the ground, gasping for air and clutching my knee(s).

Yes, but many can run for ever (into the 80's?) with no damage. I suspect that how and how far one runs plays an important role in the damage issue beyond genetics.

There is some research in Canada that indicates that running shoes are the problem. They are are too "cushioned" which allows running with heel contact first rather than forefoot first as one does when running barefoot. There are some now who run triathlons barefoot. I don't know how they are faring.

Al

I found out over the weekend that pushing is bad for you too!

I know that I need to stretch and warmup before attempting to run. But when my lawnmower got stuck on a small hill, stalled and rolled backwards, rolling up on the arm of the grasscatcher, I had to push it up the hill to release the grasscatcher. Had to push pretty hard. And as I was pushing hard, I heard an audible "pop" from a muscle in my right calf. Torn up a muscle.

I immediately iced it, took ibuprofen, and then gently stretched it. I'm hobbling a bit, but its better than I feared it would be.

I hate the sound of those pops.