Busting the Running Myths

We have been running for thousands of years. After all, it is a fight or flight response that every person has within. In fact, it is also a great weight loss tool that can be used alongside a healthy, balanced diet in order to shed some extra pounds. Since the running industry is booming with information, it can be difficult to know what you should and shouldn’t believe. Here at BookitZone, we want our readers to run safely and effectively which is why we have decided to bust some of the biggest running myths around! Read on to find out more…

Myth: Stretching is essential

Many people will start a run by carrying out a couple of static stretches in order to ‘warm-up’ their muscles and prevent an injury. Whilst it is true that stretching is important, it isn’t the most effective thing to do before a run. After all, your muscles are cold and untrained which means that it can actually slow you down. Instead, you should warm-up by carrying out a 5 minute fast paced walk before you run and save stretching for after long periods of inactivity.

Myth: You need to carb-load the night before a big race

For years people have believed that consuming a lot of carb-rich foods the night before a big race is the best way to maximise your performance. After all, carbohydrates are the bodies source of energy. Whilst it is true that carbo-loading can benefit a marathon runner, it has to be done strategically to provide the results required, which means that it will not benefit a runner competing in a local 5k.

Myth: Sport drinks are good for rehydration

When we sweat, we lose electrolytes and sodium and the sports drink industry has built a multibillion-dollar platform based on this idea. After all, we need to replenish what we have lost, right? Whilst a sports drink can be a good idea if you are running for over an hour, they aren’t ideal if you are running for less than 60 minutes. This is because the extra calories and high sugar contents can do more harm than good for your body.

When it comes to your running regime or training schedule, it is important that you do the best thing for your body. After all, it is common sense that a beginner should build up stamina before they sign up for their first marathon! Here at BookitZone, we have a wide range of running events that can help even the most inexperienced runners feel right at home. To find out more information, get in contact with a member of the team today!