Running Myths Busted

Sensationalist headlines spring up every now and again telling us to bin the running shoes immediately and retreat to the safety of our settee – running is far too dangerous to even contemplate, let alone actually do! But don’t believe everything you hear.

If you love to run, run. Don’t be deterred by common misconceptions, like these 6 running myths.

Running Has An Age Limit

As ridiculous as it sounds, some don’t run because they feel that their age stops them; but the truth is, running has no age limit. If you’re free of medical conditions/injury and hate sitting around, what’s the harm in heading out for a run once in while? Especially if you’ve always made time for sport in the past.
If high contact sports like football or rugby don’t suit you anymore, give running a chance. It’s a fun way to blow off steam, maintain muscle strength and keep your heart healthy. What’s more, a study published in the Psychonomic Bulletin & Review found that running could also help beat ‘age-related mental decline.’ Time to ditch the crosswords and dig out the Lycra!
If you’re still unconvinced, get this; Fauja Singh completed the London Marathon in 6 hours, 7 minutes at the age of 93 in 2004, and the Hong Kong Marathon in 2013 at 101. What’s your excuse?

You Need To Have A Certain Frame

Similarly, there’s no archetypal running frame. If you aren’t suffering from any illness and want to run, what’s stopping you? Watch any running event, a marathon or your local 10k, and you’ll see runners of all shapes and sizes powering to the finish line.
There’s a huge pressure to look a certain way in today’s society, which unfortunately stops many from pursuing the things they love – like running. In a controversial bid to get girls embracing their curves and running when they want, how they want, where they want; Julie Creffield created ‘The Fat Girls' Guide To Running.”
At 20 stone, she decided to get back into running and took on a 3k fun run, followed by the London Triathlon, then her first marathon. She hates the fact that many believe there is ‘one type of runner’ and uses her site to help others realise “that the idea of there being just one type of runner is ludicrous – if you run… you are a runner SIMPLE!”

Stop Running And Your Fitness Levels Decrease

Of course this depends on the length of your break. A year? You’re definitely pushing it. But having a few days away from the track is fine. Rest days are welcomed as much as the training itself, and your tired legs will be grateful for a day or two in recovery.
If you’re keen to keep on top of your progress, don’t assume that long runs are the be-all and end-all. Improvements happen as you rest-up, as it creates the opportunity for your muscles to repair themselves/lung capacity to increase. Make the most of your rest days, and don’t worry, your fitness levels will be fine.

The More You Run, The Better

Likewise, it’s not all about racking up the miles. Excessive running leads to exhaustion, simple. If you’re training for an event, run after run after run isn’t the way to do it. You need to increase your mileage gradually and in a way that pushes your body just enough to progress without tiring it out completely.
Quality beats quantity every time. Plan and stick to an effective program of miles vs. rest, steadily increasing each week, and you’ll eventually reach the long run you need before race-day.

Runners Can Forget Strength Training

If you aren’t progressing in your runs and feel like you’ve hit a plateau, don’t give up – you may just need some strength training. Runner’s benefit from lifting weights too; it enhances speed, prevents injury, improves posture/technique and sculpts a leaner you.
Whatever your goals might be, they can be achieved with the help of a few strength-training sessions each week. Before, your training may have consisted of running, running and more running; but one type of workout will only get you so far. You need variety in your training to truly maximise your potential.

Running Can Kill You

Journalists love this claim.  With headlines like “Fast running is as deadly as sitting on couch, scientists find” it’s tempting to ditch any training plans you have in the pipeline and live in front of the TV. But not so fast.  
Let’s get one thing clear – too much of anything isn’t great for your health. You know your body, and if you’re running more than it can handle, you need to tone it down. Everything in moderation.
In fact, Iowa State University found that even “running at a slow speed for just 5-10 minutes a day can significantly reduce mortality risk.” It’s about finding the right balance, remembering to stretch/warm up correctly and knowing when you need to rest. Do this, and no, running won’t kill you.