But only run on a soft track. You cannot tell me that running on asphalt is not going to result in some serious long-term leg and knee joint problems 10, 20 or 30 years down the road.

Ruby, if you enjoy running on a track, by all means save your joints. I've been running 15 years on asphalt and lucky enough to have my joints still working great - they need more stretching that they used to though. You've got to run, where & how you feel comfortable and enjoy it. Otherwise you're just punishing yourself, and that's not what running is for.

Great article. Running is definitely a great to keep in shape and stay healthy.

As for knee and joint problems, while softer surfaces ease the impact, most running injuries stem from several factors. One is ignoring the problem. Often times during a race or training, a runner will feel slight aches in the joints and run through the pain. Continuously doing so will eventually lead to long term joint problems. Remember to always stretch, especially after a workout. If you feel significant aches during a run, stop and stretch, then resume you pace. Your health is more important than running your 6 or 7 minute mile. Another thing to remember is to ease into running programs. Starting out with too many miles or increasing miles dramatically punishes your body. Ease into a training program and take increases in mileage gradually. Finally, like any sport you need the proper equipment. The article states to make sure you get good, well fitting shoes. The staff at Fleet Feet (I use the one here in Knoxville) are very knowledgeable in footwear. You may think any running shoe will do. But your feet are like fingerprints, no ones are the same. Have them check your foot's pronation (arch curve). Many people are flat footed or high arched and specific shoes or inserts to correct these problems.

Remember, running is a sport like any other and long term injury can be avoided with proper training and equipment. Oh and Metropolis, good luck on your race.