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3 myths about running that can hurt you

We all know it. We enthusiastically embark on a new physical activity, but as soon as we confide in someone, they shower us with lots of advice and insights. Of course, good advice and ideas are always welcome. But it is no exception that most of this type of knowledge falls into the category of myths and legends, which have never been confirmed but still remain a common part of runners’ training. Today we will focus on myths about running. Running is probably one of the most popular physical activities. All it takes is a good pair of sneakers and we can run outside. Or is it not that simple?

Stretching before running – a necessity or stupidity?
During my practice, I have heard many times that stretching before running is a complete waste of time. Needless to say, most of these statements came from sketchy runners. In the first moment you need to get
realize that there is no stretching like stretching. Dynamic stretching will help you improve your running performance. However, avoid static stretching before running, which has exactly the opposite effect.

Strength training – the eternally condemned form of exercise
Especially with marathon runners, I encounter constant condemnation of strength training. Most runners don’t see a single benefit that strength training could bring them. Strength training can bring several benefits to your running routine. The first is the undeniable improvement in both performance and running economy. Targeted strength training can also reduce the risk of injuries such as hamstring or Achilles tendon strains. It serves as a great prevention of shin pain, which in my experience every runner will encounter at least once.

Running and knees – an inseparable pair that doesn’t have to be a problem
I’ve heard about destroying knees by regular running countless times in my practice. And so I focused on the scientific research that years of observation hold. The truth is that runners are less likely to have arthritis of the knee than those who perform normal sedentary work. One of the causes of knee pain when running is unpreparedness for the physical load (improper warm-up, poor running technique, muscle weakness or inappropriate footwear). The second reason is that running as an intense physical activity can reveal problems that have been hidden for a long time. And so the erroneous association of running and knee pain arises.

Running can bring many positive moments to your life. Don’t underestimate the preparation and don’t believe myths based on unverified experiences of others. Put yourself in the hands of an expert, book your appointment today at 0910689440.

Resources for the article

  1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28504066/
  2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18550323/
  3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31642726/
  4. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/23446043_The_Effects_of_Resistance_Training_on_Endurance_Distance_Running_Performance_Among_Highly_Trained_Runners_A_Systematic_Review
  5. https://journals.lww.com/nsca-jscr/fulltext/2015/11000/acute_effect_of_dynamic_stretching_on_endurance.6.aspx
  6. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19918196/