5 Myths About Running

Ever since I have gotten really into running, it seems like more and more I hear or see myths from people all around me. People have so many reasons NOT to run, and you know what? Most of them aren't true! Here are some of the top myths you will hear about running.

1. Running is bad for your knees. I am putting this one first because it makes me the most upset when I hear it. To me (and this sounds harsh), this is an excuse, not a fact.

For sure, you can injure just about any part of your body just like you can with any other sport. However, one of the biggest things I learned last year is that if your knees hurt, it's because your hips are weak. Our hips aren't normally naturally super strong, people just don't normally notice it because, well, they aren't running. But with strength training (not necessarily weight lifting, but yoga or biking) your hips can be good as new, ready to hit the road, and ready to be strong enough to keep everything else in line. Strengthening the hips helps your knees. Atlanta-based running coach Carl Leivers said, “Running is one of the best activities for your health and there aren't any studies that show joint damage is related to running. It may not be the only exercise you need — or the kind that you like best — but there is certainly nothing unsafe about becoming a runner.”

There is actually research that shows that running strengthens your knees.

2. I just don't have the running body type. Here is a picture of my running group. We are ALL shapes and sizes and ALL of us are runners!

I have seen people of all shapes and sizes cross the finish lines of 5ks to marathons. Our bodies were designed to run. It is HARD at first, especially if you are starting new and have some weight to lose. Running is actually one of the best ways to lose weight because it burns calories so quickly. It is also one of the best ways to keep your heart healthy. I was at the doctor for an EKG a couple months ago as I was having some chest pain, and she said, "Your heart looks pristine." I would like to keep it that way! Check out this guy's awesome story here!

3. You should always stretch before you run.

Stretching cold muscles is never a good idea. This is when they are most prone to injury. Instead, warm up your legs before a run by doing some walking toe touches, butt-kicks, walking on your heels/toes, or slow jogging the first half mile before you really take off. Always stretch AFTER you run when your muscles are still warm.

4. Faster is better. I have been told, even by a doctor once, that it would be better for my joints to pick up my pace.

This actually, in a lot of the research I've done, isn't necessarily true. The faster you run, the harder it is on your body (obviously), especially if you aren't ready for it. Slow down and you will be able to take in the scenery and enjoy your run. There isn't research to support that running faster is easier on your joints. You'll also be able to run much farther the more you slow down. As your body gets used to it, then you can speed up.

5. Everyone should barefoot run or use minimalist shoes. Minimalist shoes, low- or zero-drop shoes, are not for everyone. I have some friends that run in them and enjoy them, but I tried

a lower drop shoe and hated it. If you're going to try it, it's something to work your way into. Run very low distances in them and then work your way up. If you don't like them, that's okay! If you like them, that's okay too! I always run in shoes I feel great in, even though they're a high drop shoe. If you're not sure what "drop" means, it is the distance in drop (in the shoe) from heel to toe. I run in a 12mm drop shoe (Mizuno Wave Inspire 10). High, but it works for me.

I hope that I have debunked some common running myths for you. What are some myths about running that really bug you?

#running