Running is considered as one of the best exercises. And surely it is one of best natural ways to keep your body fit and live a longer and healthier life. But there are some facts and myths about running that you should be aware of. Knowing these facts will not only make you a better runner but also make your body healthy. So here are some facts and myths about running.
Running Facts and Myths
Myth: Runners don’t need to go to the gym
Fact: Power training at the gym doesn’t make any bad effects on running performance. Instead, it’s found that those who visit a gym on a regular basis are less prone to running injuries.
Myth: It’s better to stretch before running
Fact: Stretching does’t improve your running performance. Some researches have proved the stretching actually reduces the running performance a little bit.
Myth: You should eat carbohydrates before running
Fact: This myth only works if you are going to run a marathon. If you are preparing for a marathon, then you should add extra carbs to your dinner. These carbs will get stored in your muscles and in the end provides you energy when you run longer. But for a normal runner there is no benefit. Instead, extra carbohydrate will get stored as fat.
Myth: Running on a treadmill is different from running outside.
Fact: It’s just a belief of our mind that there is difference between treadmill running and outside running. Some researches have proved that both are same. But the state of the treadmill used also matters. If the stiffness of the belt or the surface of the treadmill is not correct, your running will be affected. But if you are running outside, then there is nothing to worry about, as everything is natural there.
Myth: Running barefoot will be faster
Fact: It might be true if you are a barefoot runner from the start. It is not true for all types of surfaces. You might run faster barefoot on grass, but you can’t repeat the same performance on a running track. In fact, running barefoot is prone to injuries.
Myth: Running is bad for the knees
Fact: A number of studies are done on knees of runners and non-runners. The results were perfectly normal. Running doesn’t harm your knees but actually helps your complete body to be healthier.
Myth: Dehydration can cause muscle cramping during running
Fact: This isn’t true. According to research, muscle cramping is neither caused due to dehydration nor due to electrolyte loss. Instead, it’s caused if you try to run faster than what your body can handle. If you want to improve your running speed, then do it in correct manner. It takes a few weeks to improve you running speed and stamina. So don’t drink too much water if your muscles start cramping.
Myth: Only young and fit people should run.
Fact: There is no age for running. As long as you are not forbidden to run from your doctor, then you can run. So don’t think, just start running. It you can’t run continuously then you can use the run-walk-run method. It’s the best way for beginners.