: The writer of one article believes that running, with all its hard pounding,
: actually lubricates the knees and hips. Cadaver studies have shown that
: runners who habitually over train or who train while overweight have knee
: damage. Runners who avoid over training and training while overweight tend
: to show little sign of damage. Of course, there is mountains of anecdotal
: evidence that suggests otherwise.

I haven't read this whole thread but your comments on running caught my attention so I'll add my $0.02 CAD worth.

I've been running off an on for over 30 years now. My weight has been up and down during that time. I have regulated my running speed and distance according to the language of my body. The old knees are as good as ever. Everything in moderation whether running or paddling.

Euro or Gp, if your body hurts - give it a rest or try a new technique but give it a rest till it's ready to go again. Muscle imbalances between the right side of the body and the left can cause all kinds of strains that can become debilitating if not corected or catered to. I got out of home renovating because I was developing a serious left (weaker) shoulder injury that I could not afford to take time off to correct. When I paddle, I paddle with the weaker left shoulder in mind. Must be why I tend to paddle in large circles. :P

All that said, when I go out to run or paddle, I push the edge as much as possible. There is much to be said about long slow distance training, be it paddling or running - keeps the body strong and capable of more than the average person can handle.

Robert N Pruden