329: Bad Running Advice - Part 1

Have you ever received running advice from a friend or well-meaning individual? What about on social media? The amount of running advice out there now is immeasurable.  What's good, what's bad, and what's in between? That's what we are diving into this week on our latest episode. 

BAD RUNNING ADVICE - PART 1

1. Just running more will make you a better runner.

As runners, we need to look beyond just increasing mileage and explore other crucial aspects that contribute to a well-rounded training regimen.  While it's true that many runners could benefit by running more, it is not the only thing you need to do to become a better runner. We also need to focus on our mindset, strength & mobility, recovery, and nutrition.

2. You need to stretch more to prevent injury. Not necessarily true. 

While stretching can have some benefits for some people, static stretching does not prevent injury. There's a stark difference between static stretching and dynamic stretching, each with its own set of benefits and uses. Knowing when to use each type can be a game-changer for your training routine.

3. Push harder on every run if you want to get faster.  Nope. 

Our training needs to have a balance of easy days and hard days to reap the benefits of hard training.  Pushing hard on every run leads to injury and breakdown, especially when it's not being followed by proper rest and nutrition.

4. You should eat less on the days you don't run. Please don't believe this.

Your body needs consistent nourishment to recover from hard workouts and to maintain peak performance. Your body is not a math equation every day.  Some runners think that they their calorie input should match their calorie output, and this simply isn't true.  On rest days, even though you're not technically burning as many calories as on workout days, your body is still working to repair the damage done in your workouts and build the body back stronger.  It needs food for that.  If you restrict on rest days, your body is not able to fully repair itself, and this can lead to breakdown and injury.

5. HIIT is the best way for runners to strength train. We disagree.

Strength training plays a vital role in a runner's training schedule. It helps in building a strong foundation, enhances muscle power, and improves running efficiency. It is about focusing on the quality of movement rather than just clocking in hours. Contrary to popular belief, High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) might not be the best approach for runners. Although HIIT workouts can be beneficial in certain contexts, runners already get plenty of cardio from their regular running sessions. Thus, dedicating time to functional strength training and heavier lifting is a more efficient use of training time for runners.


Becoming a better runner isn't solely about running more. It's about implementing a holistic training approach that incorporates strength training, goal-setting, proper fueling, and understanding the importance of stretching and mobility. It's about looking beyond the miles and focusing on the myriad of factors that contribute to making you a stronger, more efficient runner.