You’ve probably heard some wacky things about running. Allow us to break down what’s fiction and fact.
1. SERIOUS RUNNERS ONLY WEAR SHORT-SHORTS
Fewer inches mean fewer distractions, but you don’t have to don a singlet and racing shorts to be a legit runner. Nowadays, sport has become very much approachable for athletes of all styles.
2. YOU HAVE TO JOG IN PLACE AT EVERY STOPLIGHT
Killer moves on the corner, huh? Some people prefer to keep moving at all times and it’s a personal preference, but it’s okay to chill mid-run. And your numbers don’t have to suffer; almost every Running App will stop when you stop, so you don’t have to worry about rushing to hit pause.
3. YOU SHOULD CARB-LOAD BEFORE A RACE
Eating enough calories (and getting enough sleep) is super important before you’re taking the start , but you don’t got to have a pasta party unless you’re tackling a marathon distance or longer. Too many carbohydrates can actually slow you down on a shorter race.
4. RUNNERS ARE LONERS
Sure, running is a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of your busy life. But it’s a social sport. Attend any run club or race and you’ll see just how vibrant and welcoming the running community is.
5. RUNNERS ARE WEIRDOS WITH THEIR OWN VOCABULARY (AND WHAT’S WITH THE WAVING?)
Like any sport, running has some technical terms. Just check out our Running Lingo Guide for help with those. Runners do tend to be excited about stuff most people wouldn’t understand (“I knocked out five strides and a tempo run. Wooo!”). But we mean well. Runners just love running—it’s our subculture. Now you’ll start sharing your own training stories, and next time you’re out on a run, don’t be afraid to wave back.
6. RUNNING IS BORING
That’s not even a myth. That’s an excuse. Check out our comprehensive list of reasons why running is objectively awesome.
7. IF I’M HAVING FUN, I CAN’T BE a true RUNNER
This may be the most unfortunate misconception of all. Too many of us think running has got to be a grind—that serious runners are a specific sort of person who inexplicably enjoys pain. But it’s supposed to be fun! If you begin smart, develop a routine, make some running friends, find your groove and start seeing progress, you’ll fall crazy.
8. RUNNING BRINGS BATHROOM STRESS
The reality is, anything could happen. But try to be prepared. If you’re heading out on a Long Run, plan your route to take you by a few publicly accessible restrooms. If you’re hitting the trails, don’t be afraid to become one with nature. It’s a rugged sport, you know?
9. MILES ARE THE ONLY THING THAT MATTER
Don’t stress about hitting a certain mileage goal. A number can’t capture the standard of a workout—the true measure of a run is how you felt and what quiet effort you gave.