10 Hard Truths About Popular Running Myths

Do you know the difference between harmless and dangerous myths? Because in running, there are a few of each!

This week we're looking at the 10 myths I hear most often, that could be a cause for concern for your running! Let's keep you out there, happy and health and bust those myths wide open....

Contact Us -
Insta - @thismessyhappy
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Facebook Page - This Messy Happy
Facebook Group - 'This Messy Happy - Running and Triathlon'
Fitness Freaks Podcast;

Ben's Running Gear

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Strength & Conditioning Gear
Weights Bench/Squat Rack (big money - mine was about £250 if that helps)

Camera Equipment

[evertthebassist]

Today is exactly 1 year since I started running for the first time ever. I am 36 and have had a couple of injuries this year, just because of my lack of knowledge. I run 16km weekly now, which isn't that far I guess, but it is good enough for me. My life has changed for the better amd I do consider myself a runner now. Never to old to start

[devathera]

Just completed my first ever marathon on my 43rd birthday as a single mum of 2 it wasn’t easy to find time to train. But I did it and the other runners commented about me constantly smiling 😊. Because I had a fab time and will never forget this moment 🎉

[rwilcox_]

"You don't stop moving because you get old, you get old because you stop moving" is the single best thing I've heard in some time! As a 215 pound, 51 year old man, who just rediscovered his love for running, I freaking love this! I have lost 20 pounds in the last 2 years and turned my life around. Walk almost every day with my wife and try to just move more daily whether it's simple calisthenics in front of the TV, basketball or anything move! I haven't felt this great in years and have now begun running again. No immediate running goals, just developing good form and focusing on good breathing and easy for sharing!

[Something]

I just completed a marathon as my first official race at the age of 55. It was bloody horrible but I finished it in 5 hours after following the Messy Happy plan, exactly what I was hoping for. I think I can shave 20 minutes or more off that time next year with tweaked nutrition to reduce the cramps that plagued me.

[cmorrison]

I hear Myth #1 (bad knees) all the time from my Senior friends and family. Of course none of them run. I'm 61 and my knees have gotten stronger from running for the past ten months. I've had two non-running knee injuries over the summer. They've healed quickly because I've been following your training protocol of consistency, proper rest, strength training, better nutrition, and acupuncture treatments when necessary. I was able to complete two races (20K Trail in September and a Half Marathon Ultra in October) and my knees never felt better! (My thighs on the other hand, are telling me where I need to concentrate my future workouts. ☺️)
Glad you're out there Mythbusting!

[Les.GoRunning]

Biggest one I’ve heard recently is junk miles

[christophermacwan]

"Love the process and trust the process" This is the most important thing that has to be drilled in one's mind. You guys mention this in almost all ur videos. Superb.

[jimfrazier]

Love the content, especially the old bit.
I did not start running until I was 48, now at 50 I am better and faster than the last 30 years in which I didn't take care of me at all!
Love the channel, Thank you Ben and Mary.

[MrChaddersFitness]

53 and have run a 10K PB this year. I also think I will beat this in the coming years. Thanks for the great content - keep it coming 🤗

[tmaz.m]

As an ultra runner, you learn FAST that yes, you HAVE TO WALK! And soon, you learn to ignore the stares from people who don't acctually stare at you

[jesterc.]

"You dont stop moving because you get old. You get old because you stop moving" - 10:18 😮 very profound.

[rayriddell]

Thank you for reminding me ok its ok to walk sometimes. After returning to running after over 20 years it’s needed sometimes 🏃‍♂️

[tommylobotommy]

static stretching before running gave me only injuries. I agree with that one. I only do the dynamic stretches during warm up.

[AnTalk_blog]

Good content, very bad background noise.
22 years ago. while preparing for my first marathon I had hip pain. The doctor told me to stop running and avoid any impact sport because I have an arthritic hip. I did not run for 20 years. Restarted at age 48 during the COVID lockdown. Now, approaching my 50th BD I think I'm faster than I was at 25.
I don't race, not on Strava, do not run marathon, only 10k to HM. I do it for health and it works.

[markdyer]

I'm 57 and feel better for watching 😁 .. thanks both... planning to do Budapest Marathon next year

[ollie]

Love your mindset about these things. Although i am some way off your level as a runner i am definately on the same wavelength. Just got a HM pb at 1:42(2 mins faster and on a harder course)at Bath yesterday following my training plan which was very much based around your PB one so many thanks. Every other HM training plan i found had (imo) ridiculous weekly mileage which was much higher and certainly would have left me injured. Annoyingley covid paid me a visit at week 5 of the plan so the week after the step back but it still worked very well.

[mr.h.]

Been out for now 11 months to a heel spurs/Achilles injury that ended up requiring surgery. 19 weeks post op and it’s still not right, but each week it s a bit better and stronger. Dark days. Been watching a lot of your vids as I just recently discovered your channel. Really liking the process/journey message and taking things slow. I just got cleared last week to start cross training and hitting the bike and you can insert Rocky montage here! 😂 I am trying to just control that and ease my way back into it all.

[GrooveyBobby]

Brilliant I agree with every single reason 💕💛 I could possibly add that you don’t need fancy, expensive gear - I think you just need a few things you love and enjoy wearing, shoes that support and keep the toes happy and a great smile 😊

[advanced_beginner]

One thing that scared me off of running at one time was the hype about cardiac arrests and heart attacks runners get. It was around the time a man died at the finish line of a race I was in and then Cavallo Blanco died... Articles about "running and cardiac issues it causes" written by couch potatoes suddenly sprouted like a mold on a... couch potato. It got to me just enough to cause a lot of anxiety and nearly quit.

[leahmarsh]

Thank you guys for being inspiring to me!!!