Debunking Some Running Myths

​You’re not a runner unless you run this pace or distance? You’re not a runner unless you have a certain body type? You’re not a runner unless you race?
This is False. You don’t have to be fast or run a bunch of miles a day or week to be called a runner. You don’t have to run a marathon or run a 6-minute mile to be called a runner. The distance or pace does not define who runners are. Running considers you a runner. Any one can be a runner. You can be any age, size, shape, and color, anyone can be a runner. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Never let anyone tell you that you can’t do something. Check out other people running, I’m sure you’re bound to see someone that looks like you, and they run. You don’t have to be any person, to run. Just because you’re running doesn’t mean you have to be training for a race. Maybe some people like to run because it makes them feel good, or maybe just to stay in shape. They don’t have to be training for any race just to take part in our sport. Everyone’s goals are different, their goal doesn’t have to be a race. Others just enjoy the simplicity of a run. 

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​Runners don’t need to strength train? Runners don’t need to strong upper bodies.
There is a lot of other things you must do to train for your running. Most people think you only must focus on running, which is a key part to training but it’s not the only thing we need to do. Strength training is great for boosting your performance and preventing injuries. Strength training will not only improve the power of your muscles giving you a stronger kick but will also help muscles imbalances that lead to injury. Yes, we run with our legs, so of course you’re wondering what that has to do with our upper bodies. But our upper bodies play an important role in running as well. As your body starts to become tired, the first thing to start to go wrong is your running form. A stronger upper body will help you maintain your good form and have correct arm swings.
Taking a few days off will ruin and hurt your fitness.
False. If you must take a few days off from running, maybe because you’re sick, or maybe an emergency occurs, do you really think that all the consistency and hard work you’ve been putting in will be all gone to waste? Do you get worried that you’ll lose all the endurance you’ve built up all this time? Studies have shown that there is a little decrease in VO2 max over 10 days of not running. So, if you need that rest day, or you happen to get sick, or even injured, take that day off. It won’t ruin everything you’ve trained for. Sometimes you need that rest day! 

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​Runners can eat anything they want.
Now I won’t say exactly if this is true or false. There’s a difference between can and should. I will be honest that when it comes to eating anything I want, I do. I don’t exactly watch what I eat, but I should. Now I’m sure lots of people have been told that you must eat a lot of carbs before a race, to boost energy. That isn’t true. There are some foods that are great for your body, and great to prepare you before a race, but eating a bunch of carbs isn’t it. You want to make sure that you’re getting the CORRECT nutrients your body needs to nourish your body, so that you perform well. You don’t want to be eating McDonalds and drinking Coke. Now, I am giving this advice and I honestly try to follow it, but I don’t always.