Running seems to be one of the easiest physical activities to do. To some people, running is merely the act of putting on your sports shoes, stretching out a little, and heading towards the jogging tracks! Although running is not as complex as other sporting activities, there are several running myths you must always be aware of before going out for a run.
Being a runner, you must have been faced with this question “Do You Wear Underwear with Running Shorts?” at least once. In this blog, you’ll come to know more about the common myths associated with running. Read on to find out more.
15 Most Common Running Myths
Myth 1: The more you stretch, the safer your run will be
There always have been lots of controversies and myths related to stretching before running. According to health experts, stretching is quite important both pre and post running. Especially, if you are going for a run in the morning, it’s always wise to perform stretching exercises like high knees, lunges, leg swings, and skips. Doing so warms up your muscles and tissues and prepares them for a long, durable run. Performing these dynamic exercises before running, lowers the threat of any injuries or sprain, or a muscle pull.
On the other hand, various studies have shown that excess static stretching can have a negative impact on your running performance. Hence, you should limit yourself to 15-30 second holds, once per position. To perform your stretching exercises flawlessly, you can switch to running shorts with inner briefs. For this purpose, you can order for any top-branded shorts like the Nike running shorts, Under Armour workout shorts, etc.
Myth 2: One should always run at maximum speed
It is a highly common myth amongst the beginners’ runners that the more you run, the stronger you become. However, this myth is not true at all! Running enhances your strength, durability, boosts your overall stamina. But, if you want to increase your daily run length, it’s always wise to do it slowly. Overtraining, running with enhanced speed, increasing your run time continuously are all such factors that might result in injuries and burnouts. Thus, make sure you give your body a proper rest time in which it can regain its stamina and ability to run more safely. Keeping a day off from running week will do the needful!
Myth 3: It’s only the running shoes that matter
There are numerous myths linked with running and running shoes. Your running shoes play an integral role in providing you a smooth running experience. Moreover, they keep you against all the risk factors associated with running like injuries. Also, they allow you to practice running on any surface. However, your shoes are not the only thing you should focus on before going out for running.
You should select your running workout gear smartly. Similar to shoes, having top-notch quality running shorts can make your run more joyful. Go for the running shorts with good moisture-wicking properties and made using high-grade stretchable material.
Myth 4: It’s safer to wear underwear under running shorts
Do you wear underwear with running shorts? If yes, then, why? If you are a professional runner, you might have been asked this question multiple times. It is a popular myth that wearing garments under sports shorts reduces injuries. Again, this is not true!
There are no proven benefits of wearing underwear beneath your running shorts. In fact, wearing an undergarment under workout shorts creates an extra layer of fabric that causes problems like itching, irritation, etc. Moreover, nowadays, you can buy running shorts with inner briefs. Likewise, women can order women’s running shorts with built-in underwear. Not only do these shorts give you a trendy sporty look but also provide extra stretching ability. Hence, you can run or workout with an increased range of movement and these running shorts with built-in underwear have amazing moisture-absorbing properties.
Myth 5: It’s better to run barefoot
It is an ancient philosophical belief that running barefoot is always good for the runners. Also, it is believed the barefoot running has a lower probability of injuries or any related damage. Well, this belief might prove to be beneficial in some particular cases. However, it doesn’t stand true for all the runners across the globe. There are no scientifically proven facts about the advantages of running barefoot. Even all the international runners participate in the races and all related events while wearing shoes. Rather, running while wearing quality shoes can minimize the risk of injuries.
Myth 6: Running is not really beneficial for bodybuilders
Next in our list of the top running myths is the belief that you shouldn’t run if you’re bodybuilding. There exist beliefs that cardio and strength training should not be practiced together. However, physical fitness experts strongly condemn this running myth. Various studies have shown running builds cardiovascular capacity. This allows the easy flow of blood and oxygen throughout your body. Receiving proper blood-oxygen supply strengthens your bones, ligaments, and boosts your muscle health.
Myth 7: You have to keep yourself hydrated throughout the run
Drinking water is good for your health and stamina. Nevertheless, excess intake of water while running can lead to serious health consequences. Especially, if you are a marathon-runner or love to run for miles, drinking too much water can cause electrolyte disturbances like hyponatremia. This further increases the threat of health issues like vomiting, headache, confusion, lethargy, fatigue, loss of appetite, restlessness, etc. Therefore, it’s never good to overhydrate yourself before heading out for a run!
Instead, you can switch to sports drinks that serve as a stamina booster and help restore calories and electrolytes lost during training!
Myth 8: You have to include more carbs in your diet before the run
One of the common beliefs amongst athletes is that consuming a carb enriched diet will be of great help during the event. Many people recommend eating pasta before a race. Well, this is not a healthy way to boost your stamina! Increasing carbohydrate consumption in your daily diet is helpful for the runners. However, there is no proven benefit of consuming loads of carbs just a night before the big event!
Instead, your diet must comprise of all the essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, healthy fats, and animal-derived omega-3 fatty acids. Regularly consume foods that help to fight stress and are good for your overall health.
Myth 9: The longer you run, the better a runner you are
Some runners only emphasize their running mileage. In other words, they judge a runner’s performance depending on the total number of miles he runs for in a day. However, it is never right to define a true runner based on the distance he runs for every day. Rather, if an individual wants to boost his running performance, he should frame his weekly running strategy smartly. There must be an alternate day between the hard days and one day should be kept reserved for the long run. Nevertheless, it’s you who has to decide the best for yourself!
Myth 10: One should practice running only on a running track
Like all the other running myths, this is also not true in every case! Practicing speed running on a well-maintained track is a good choice. However, it is not the only possible way to practice a healthy speed workout. One may choose from a wide range of alternatives like a tempo run on the road, hill workouts, etc. Besides this, simply running on a treadmill can be of great help in boosting your running speed.
Myth 11: Resting is never good for runners
It is a widespread myth that is even believed by professional runners. Some professional athletes believe that keeping a day off in between their workout routine will adversely affect their fitness. However, it isn’t a thing for which one has to be a lot tense! In case of any illness or injury, you might have to break your daily exercise routine. Nevertheless, you should not worry much as taking rest will help you recover a lot faster. Also, you should give your body the proper amount of rest it demands, or else, it will have a negative impact on your performance.
Myth 12: Older people shouldn’t run for long
Running is a physical activity that not only keeps you fit but improves your overall health. Likewise, it is highly beneficial for the old-aged generation. The myth that old people shouldn’t run anymore is completely false. Rather, running is important for your elders as it helps them maintain an active lifestyle. Furthermore, it keeps their joints healthy and protects them from the threat of health conditions like obesity, arthritis, joint disorders, etc. But, one should run only according to their bodily strength and endurance!
Myth 13: Running leads to knee-related problems
Being a runner, you must have surely heard about this myth that running hurts your knees. However, there are no clinically-proven reports that indicate the adverse effects of running on your knees. Moreover, running regularly strengthens your muscles and boosts joint health. Thus, running does not increase the risk of knee-related problems rather aids in the treatment of knee injuries. Even if you are dealing with joint problems like osteoarthritis, you can practice running according to your strength.
Myth 14: Runners should focus on their flexibility
This has always been one of the common myths amongst the runners. The increasing popularity of yoga has encouraged many professional runners to work on their flexibility levels. However, it is not a wise decision! Rather, having more flexible joints makes you less stable. In simple words, highly flexible joints are not good for runners as they can make them deal with serious problems like overstretching. Therefore, a runner should focus on their muscle strength and try boosting their stamina through strength training and balance drills.
Myth 15: You are more likely to fall sick if you run in cold weather or rain
Last on our list is a myth that is popular almost everywhere around the world. However, one should understand that it’s never the rain or the cool climatic conditions that make you fall sick. Rather, it’s the microbial germs like bacteria, viruses, and fungi that enter into your body and weaken your immune system. Therefore, if you have a weak immune system, avoid going for a run in the rain.
Similar to the ones listed above, there are countless running myths you must be aware of! Make sure you get familiar with all these running myths and act wisely. Also, if you are a running freak, buying the right running shoes and workout gear enables you to enjoy a perfect running experience. Also, order quality running shorts that’ll help you run for long without any complications!
