Top 10 Myths About Running

Running is simple, therapeutic and widely misunderstood. Jhelum Biswas Bose talks to seasoned runners to kick the myths.

- Jhelum Biswas Bose

MYTH: Not everyone can run.

TRUTH: With the right training and enough discipline, anyone can take up running. “Running is like breathing. You have to find the best way for yourself through patient self exploration,” says actor Milind Soman, who is known to run barefoot. He took part in his first half marathon in 2004, and has been hooked ever since. It took him five years to graduate to full marathons. This year, at the age of 50, Soman successfully completed the Ironman Triathlon, one of the world’s toughest races.

MYTH: Running is bad for your knees.

TRUTH: “Running causes knee injuries when you only run,” says Delhi-based wellness and fitness expert Sumaya Dalmia. “To avoid them, supplement your running with exercises that strengthen the muscles around your knees, glutes and core. Also remember not to increase your mileage too quickly running for two to three days a week is sufficient. Plus, you should run on different terrains, sometimes on a treadmill, sometimes on soft tracks and sometimes on road.” 

MYTH: Start with basic stretching.

TRUTH: “Static stretches don’t warm you up and can cause injuries later,” warns fashion designer Namrata Joshipura, 44, who’s been running for the last five years. “Dynamic stretches, wherein you gently propel your muscles towards their maximum range of motion, warm up your body, and help you run better.” Leg swings, heel-ups, tip-toe walking, single leg squats and push-ups with rotation are examples of dynamic stretches.

MYTH: You should start young.