This thread is open to anyone to post their experience or opinion about incorporating running as a part of their regular training or condition regimen. You can post here regardless of which peaks you have summited or the highest altitude you've visited.
I'm 52 years old. I run off and on, I usually increase the amount I run when I'm getting in shape for an upcoming trip. sometimes I run a flat 3 mile loop. I have entered a few 10k's, half-marathons, and one 26 mile marathon. I've been running varying amounts since I was 18. I started running back then to get in better cardiovascular shape for downhill skiing. But then I found out that I enjoy running.
Unless I'm training for a distance run, I usually run between 10 & 20 miles per week. Running is the best workout for me since I work and don't have all day or several hours to train. In an hour I can get a good work-out almost anywhere without any special equipment or facility.
I also ride a road bike and mountain bike. My typical road bike rides are 20 to 30 miles and mountain bike rides are 5 to 12 miles. My knees sometimes hurt after bike rides but they never hurt after running. Last year I had my knees checked out by an Orthopedic specialist and had an MRI. The doctor told me my knees are fine and I can keep doing any activity I want. He suggested that I add some specific exercise to build some strength in my knees. Now I'm doing some lunges and squats in addition to my running and riding.
I don't meet the criteria to post on the thread about not running. I haven't been to 8,000 meters. I haven't summited Denali or Rainier (yet). I have summited most of the California Fourteeners. I made it to the tops of Polemonium, North Palisade and Starlight last August. A few years back I did Thunderbolt as a day-trip.
Ed Viesturs climbed all of the worlds 8,000 meter peaks without supplemental oxygen. The foundation of his training regimen was running.
Running does not destroy everyone's knees, feet and hips. Running is not for everybody and I don't suggest that it is. Running is good for some people, including me.