Running is one of those sports that is incredibly easy for people to take up. There is no age limit or restrictions, both males and females can enjoy it, there isn’t much you need in terms of “equipment”, and there’s no need to join a fancy and expensive gym just to take part. As long as you have a pair of supportive running shoes and the willpower, pretty much anyone can take it up and run at their own pace.
As a first-time runner, it is quite possible that you’ve got some preconceived notions already in your mind about running, how to prepare, and what to expect. While some may be accurate, there are also a lot of myths that float around about running. Here we’ll take a look at four myths and debunk them for you.
A Warm-Up Isn’t Necessary
Another myth that you may have heard is that a warm-up isn’t necessary, or perhaps it’s only necessary if you are racing. This couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, a good solid warm-up will boost your heart performance, improve your blood flow, it will increase your body temperature, help you better your speed and endurance, and help you to prevent the risk of an injury.
This guide on how to run longer from Vitamonk outlines the basic type of warm-up to do. As suggested, it’s good to start by walking for three to five minutes, then a light jog for the next three to five minutes, and then follow it up with dynamic stretches.
Running in Cold Weather Isn’t Good for You
One of the greatest things about running is that you can do it year-round, yes, that means even in the cold weather. Despite what people may think, running in the cold isn’t unhealthy at all.
In fact, if it’s the germs you’re worried about, you’re more likely to get them indoors when you’re around other people. Instead, use common sense and dress for the temperature. Ideally, you will want to dress in layers, making sure your hands and head are kept warm at all times.
The Best Type of Hydration is a Sports Drink
The sports drink companies have done an excellent job through their marketing campaigns to make many believe they need to drink a sports drink before, during, or after their workout in order to hydrate adequately. While these drinks certainly count as hydration, in most cases you likely don’t need one. Unless your run is an hour or more, you can stick to water and not worry about the “lost calories and electrolytes”.
Don’t forget these sports drinks are filled with sugar in many cases, which makes them high in calories. That can defeat your whole purpose for running in the first place.
Have a Big Serving of Pasta before Your Run
This particular myth is one that has been circulating for quite some time, and could really lead to disastrous results. Not only is there no reason to eat anything specific before a run, but a giant plate of carbs is one of the worst things you could do. The last thing you want to do is deal with an upset stomach or feeling bloated and sluggish while running.
Those who compete in races tend to be more aware of this myth. Instead, it is recommended that if you are competing, you start to slowly by increasing your carb intake during the week leading up to your event.
Nothing to Hold You Back
So, if you’ve been holding back on giving running a try because of a myth or two you’ve heard, these responses should help you to realize running can be a fabulous sport to take up.
