[SBprone]

Humans were born to run. And to walk.

But I don't believe they were born to jog. Shin splints, stress fractures and spine problems are the reward for splitting the difference between running and walking, and then doing it for years on end.

[ElkGroveDan]

Yeah, sad to say I think I agree. Even extended running will do that to you. I went from being a chubby kid, to lean 5-mile-a-day runner as a young man, to a flabby 40-something again due to ankles that simply couldn't take it anymore.

But I will say to the people who do still run, or are just getting started, get off the concrete and onto the asphalt.

[DennisR]

"Shin splints, stress fractures and spine problems are the reward for splitting the difference between running and walking, and then doing it for years on end."

Been jogging for oh, nearly 30 years, and have none of the problems you mention.

[shadowman99]

"Shin splints, stress fractures and spine problems are the reward for splitting the difference between running and walking"

We were probably much better at running earlier in our evolution. Just as we have become taller in the last 100 years, we also over time have probably lost some of our physical qualities that made us good runners/hunters.

"...and then doing it for years on end."

We live on average at least 4 times longer than our prehistoric ancestors. They didn't deal with long term wear and tear like we do.

[Taliesan]

Just finished my second marathon, and have never had shin splints or a stress fracture. And there is no evidence that "jogging" causes spine problems.