Some Myths about Running

Last Monday I wrote a post with some truths about running covering various benefits of running. Today I’ll tackle the other side of the coin… some myths about running. These are perceptions that many (mostly non-runners) often have.

If you run, you will have knee issues.

This is false. The truth is if you are human you might have knee issues. Knee issues are not limited to runners, anyone can have them. I addressed the myth about running hurting knees before with links to research. Research shows that having knee issues is not just a runner’s problem, it is a human problem. So you’ll have to take that one up with whatever you feel is responsible for creating knees as they are… God or the process of evolution.

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To be a successful runner, you have to run everyday.  

No, you don’t. Actually for many people, running everyday is a sure way to get injured. If you are a new runner, if you carry extra weight or if you have any aches or pains, giving your body a day off from running between runs is key to being a successful runner. 

When I returned to running post-accident, two of my doctors gave me permission, but both encouraged me not to run everyday. They said giving my legs two days between runs will be crucial to my success and they have been right!

On the non-running days, I might hike, bike, do yoga or I don’t do any strenuous exercise, but I walk more while working on my treadmill desk.

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Taking walking breaks means you aren’t really a runner

I’ll be the first to give kudos to anyone who can complete a run or race of any distance without taking a walking break, especially the people that complete 10 miles in the same time that I do 5 miles. I’m in awe of them.

But I also know walking breaks are key for many, including me. I would not have been able to return to running post-accident if I would have refused to take walking breaks. And I would not have been able to complete 4 half-marathons and 1 full marathon in 14 months without walking breaks. I want to run to be healthy now and long into the future, so if that means I have to take walking breaks, I will. It sure beats sitting on the couch.

Since I run at least twice as much as I walk, I’m comfortable calling myself a runner, usually adding that I take walking breaks. But a few times, I’ve tried to come up with a new word to replace runner for the run/walk/run method I use… but I don’t like rulker, ralker, runker, wunner, walner, walkner or any of them. Any suggestions?

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You are too old to run.

This is nothing but an excuse, because many people of all ages run or run/walk. But don’t take my word for it, instead meet Joan and Catherine. Joan started at age 57 and continues to run today, almost 15 years later.
Catherine started running at age 40 and is still running today, 44 years later! 

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I’m writing running posts every Monday, because of what running means to me and because I’m a blogger for Runner’s World Half Marathon and Festival weekend happening in 15 weeks on October 20th and 21st.

I’ll be doing the half-marathon with my 3 minute/1 minute routine. Right now I’m making sure to get a few 3 or 4 mile runs in each week and beginning this weekend, I’ll be doing long runs again. I had planned to do a long run last week, but the extreme heat and the stupid bug-in-my-ear fiasco messed up my running all week, but I’m back on track now.

If you are registered for the half, make sure you are getting regular runs in now and consider having a half-marathon training plan to follow beginning about 12 weeks before the race. Runner’s World has three plans, which are specific to the Bethlehem course… you’ll find the three specific half plans here. Or if interested in a general half-marathon plan, RW has some here for any level runner.

If you aren’t ready to tackle a half, RW also has a 5k and a 10k that weekend, along with an expo, various running movies and seminars. Check out all the info here.

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There’s many other benefits and myths of running…. feel free to share yours below or to ask if a thought you have about running is a fact or a myth.