Hakone ekiden

This is a good sport (my sport at High School). Unlike soccer and baseball this is a healthy sport.

This is not a more healthy sport. Many runners suffer arthritus in the joints at as early as 30. Don't believe me if seen it. In my profession i've seen all types of sport injuries.

northlondon -- Have to agree. That group of 50 kilo, emaciated guys sure looks "healthy" to me.

There are always some anti-sport wet blankets sitting on their sofas and waiting to moan and complain about anything. I ran road relays (ekiden) and cross-country all through high school. Never had to diet in my life, will never suffer obesity problems and I can eat what I like and as much as I like. Stick to your sofas fellas.

I agree with you northlondon. I've done a lot of long-distance running myself, and it sure beats the hell out of all those fad diets I see around. Heck, when I played baseball, my coach used to make us run for three miles a day. It really helped to build our stamina and stay longer in the game.

northlondon-if you think you will never suffer obesity problems because you ran in high school, you are likely mistaken. I also ran cross country and road races, as well as track, summer track and indoor track (distance events) and have managed to gain quite a bit of weight. If you are still doing the running, then you will may not become obese, otherwise your slim build is a result of genetics, not something you did in high school.

NL: Neither NW or H4Now expressed an anti-sport stance, they just wanted to get your story straight for you. How is soccer not healthy, same goes to baseball: answer? They are not. Your statement is a fallacy and deserved the short thrift it received. Running is great, yes, but and what so? Eat what and how much you like? Oh, please do.

I done tons of running when i was a nipper. Our school made is do 5 mile runs, never done me no harm, and i am still the same weight as when i got married.

Ying Yang, what's your point ? Running is great but so what ? Make your mind up, either it's great or it's mediocre ? (mediocre means average by the way)

NL: Never doubted --did we people?-- that you'd know synonyms for average. Says a lot. Keep on eatin', those words that is. Keep on running, playing football, basketball, baseball, table tennis and the five fickle fingers of fate. all keep you healthy none better than other... besides swimming and squash, that is.

I played basketball through my school days and worked a nightfill job in my university years... I never started putting on weight till I came to Japan. Of course, I ate konbini a lot and my workplace was across the road, unlike my old jobs that required 2km or so walks to and from the station each day.

Now the kids call me metabo on a daily basis >>