Breaking Down 5 Myths of Running

Written by Kieser Physiotherapist, Mitch Hodgson

What’s the best way to prepare for the Kieser Great Ocean Road Running Festival? Do I stretch? Do I run every day? How do I stay hydrated?

As a runner and a Physiotherapist, I have heard many myths and misconceptions about how to get the most out of your runs. Read below as I break down some common running myths.

Myth 1: Running gives you arthritis

As a Physiotherapist this is a common myth that I hear. Recent research has shown that while family history, age and surgical history are predictors for arthritis in marathon runners, running history has no affect on the risk for arthritis. In fact, the opposite may be true! The study concluded that the arthritis rate of active marathon runners was below that of the general population.

Myth 2: I need to drink to replace sweat

There are a number of myths and misconceptions around the best way to hydrate during a run. One of the main myths is that you need to drink to replace every litre lost so that you weigh the same after a run as you did beforehand. If you try to do this, you’re going to be very full at the end of your marathon. My recommendation is to adjust your hydration based on the heat but don’t be afraid of losing a little weight during the race.

Myth 3: I need to stretch to prevent injury

This one is probably the most common myth I see as a Physiotherapist! Studies have shown that stretching will only reduce your injury rate by about 1%, which means that it is not the best use of your time.

Myth 4: You don’t need to be strong to run

If you want to run without injury, this one is a myth. Studies have shown that strength training can reduce your risk of overuse injuries by about 50%. So, if you want to spend more time running and less time recovering from injuries, it is important to incorporate strength training into your weekly routine.

Myth 5: I need to run every day

As much as I love running, this one is actually a myth. Your recovery is equally as important as your training. Aim to run 3-4 times per week as only elite athletes need to train more than that.