Last December, we had a really fascinating discussion about the best piece of running advice you’ve ever heard, which elicited so many great comments from each of you (that I learned a tremendous amount from too).
So I’d like to turn the tables a little today and ask, what’s the worst piece of running advice you’ve ever heard? Or, a piece of advice you got and tried out, and then figured out you actually needed to do completely differently to make it work for you?
The worst advice I ever received was from my HS track coach... "Work through the pain... it'll make you stronger... Ya Right! Like that's going to heal a pulled muscle ....
Worst advice I ever got was to wear running shorts. Ugh. I have big thighs, even when I’m at my skinniest. My thighs chafe. No amount of Vaseline or runner’s balm helps. I switched to bicycle type shorts to run in (it was 1999 & I couldn’t find running tights or shorter capris or thigh length tights back then) & never looked back. People gave me some weird looks at first, but my comfort came first. Now people run in all kinds of stuff!
Not advice, but sales pitch ... for my wife: “I have these ladies’ running shorts.” My wife has been buying men’s running shorts for years because they have real pockets (not pockets that you might be able to stash a single stick of gum) and the pants legs are of a decent length!
If you're not comfortable with what you're wearing...don't wear it! When I find something that's comfortable I buy two sets... worth it in the long run...
I understand all too well (same problem)! They don't make running shorts that I feel comfortable in. They all seem to have a 3" inseam. I wound up getting some 7" inseam PhysEd shorts that do the trick. That way large thighs don't matter
Love reading all the comments! I've also heard people be kind of negative (to say the least) about running. I'm so glad I've been able to keep it up all my life through good times and bad times.
I've been told by a few part time runners that running killed their knees and to stop running now. I know the facts about runners knees and luckily so far, knock on wood, not one of those people that are predisposed to these problems.
You've gotta reach with your heel! Stupid advice! Only if you want Knee Pain and Shin Splints among other ailments.
I'm a Chi Runner. It's all about posture, lean and a mid-foot strike. Once I learned technique & form, which didn't take long. . . it's an ongoing practice, I feel like I can run for miles--literally--and have! I'm only 73 years old and keep on going.
I am looking into this method right now. Found an instructor in my area. My knees hurt so much when I run, I hope this type of running will allow me to continue to run painfree. Loved all your comments!
If you learn from an instructor, I'll guarantee you'll never look back to your old methods. Keep an open mind! Gradual progress, give it time. . . Progress, not perfection. Have fun! :)
My PT is having me work on mid-foot & leaning forward. 👍🏼 I have to concentrate. Hope it becomes second nature. I want to be 73 & still running! You are a hero to me Nilima!
Watch a little kid run and you'll see that they lean forward, landing in the middle of the foot. I do wish I could run as relaxed as they do!
I used run that way until I was about 8, maybe 9 years old, when my well meaning Dad and brother told me I was doing it wrong--stayed away from running until I was sixty some years old. Took a lot of relearning, but for me, running is now a real joy!
That was the worst running advice I'd ever received. My problem was corrected by changing my form and running habits. I'm sure you have received conflicting advice through your experiences. Take care. :)
The Chi Running book is a classic. Find a workshop or an instructor in your area at https://www.chirunning.com/ Working with an instructor really helps. Once you get into Chi, you'll wonder how you ever ran any other way! It may seem like there is a lot to remember at first, but once it clicks, everything becomes second nature. You'll love it!
Being told that if you don't run a competitive and fast pace, you shouldn't bother entering and running races. Give me a break...if I had listened to that bad advice years ago, I would have never run marathons, started trail running and generally given up running.
When I started running, I followed the mantra "no pain, no gain", and pushed far beyond my limits. I ignored painful warning signs and eventually became injured.
I hear you -- I had to quit running for an entire year once b/c I did something similar. (I didn't pay close enough attention to some Achilles pain, and ending up really hurting it. The only thing that helped was rest... for a long time!)
To stop running by my Rheumatologist. I was diagnosed with Lupus in 2020. I asked "When can I run again?" She replied, "Maybe you just shouldn't run any longer".. I broke up with that doctor.
I'm with you. I just had total knee replacement in January, and diagnosed with MCTD (mixed connective tissue disease....a cousin to Lupus) in February. My rheumatologist just shook his head about running; my orthopedist told me I could run/walk as I felt like it, just listen to my body. Ortho said he wasn't picking a side, it was up to me. I told the rheumatologist doctor that my ortho wasn't discouraging it, and I would be back to running.
I think if that particular doc isn't an athlete themselves, then its easier for them to poo poo running.. I have sat in my doctors offices' just crying because I have missed 14 months of running due to my illness. Some get it, some just sort of look at me with a sad face. But we as runners are a determined bunch... and I know that I am going to have running in my life.
Very true! My ortho used to work for the STL Cardinals, so he gets it. My rheumatologist......I doubt it. However, everything I've researched says that exercise is actually "good" for lupus and MCTD to help ward off the deterioration. I go with my ortho! It's my knee, my body, just listen. Yes, we runners are definitely a determined bunch! :-)
One foot doctor I visited told me the best thing to run in was the cheapest shoe I could find…and gave me a tax-exemption prescription for purchasing them at any sporting goods store. I never did…nor did I ever go back to that doctor. (I know Hollie would freak out reading this one!)
That advice comes from a coach, I think Christopher McDougall mentions it in Born to Run. The rationale is, that the higher-tech the shoe is, the more mistakes they allow you to make, which ultimately ends up bad posture and bad habits over years, which wear you out. I’ve been barefoot running and vibran-five-finger running since 2011, which helped me understand the advice. My clocking knee, back pain all disappeared after a 3 month period that taught me how to run barefoot, in a way that’s not wearing out my parts.
You are an inspiration to us all to be our best selves regardless of age, Moe, and that age is a state of mind. Rock on. I'm only 38--but I want to be like you, running at 79, and plan to!
Love that THAT was your response!! As someone who works with people who are working hard to prioritize their health (sometimes successfully for the first time) I hear about SO many missed opportunities by their doctors to be a real force for positive change. How about, "Wow, good for you! What's your secret?" It's a mindset that would have a tremendous impact on his/her patients.
Wow! I'm 63 and started back running at 56, and I have had people my age and younger ask if I wasn't afraid of falling and breaking a hip. Then, they usually go on and on about all of their ailments. I usually share that if they'd get out and exercise even walking regularly they might feel better and 20 yrs younger!
I also just started running in my 50s and just turned 62. Feel great and when I trail hike and scramble over boulders I thank these past 10 years of running for allowing me to do that.
This. Even on "bad" run days where I'm pressed for time or not feeling my best or tired, I still can't complain, because I still made it out and didn't give up and either stay in bed or end up on the couch! The older I get the more I realize the only one I'm competing against is myself, and even then although I want to do my best, I should treat myself with the same love and compassion as I strive to treat others in the same way.
Falling and breaking a hip...give me a break. You don't magically turn into glass once you hit 50. Silliness.
Exactly! And if they were that smart, they'd realize that by doing some impact exercises their bones would actually be stronger! My bone density has improved over the past 10 yrs. My chiropractor told me I had a spine of a 20 something year old, to keep doing what I was doing. Good enough for me!
What a stupid question, but what an excellent retort! It seems to me that a lot of GPs, because they need such a broad knowledge base that they simply don't have the time to get into the weeds, aren't really up to date on things like sports medicine and nutrition. GPs are invaluable, but those referrals to specialists are the ticket sometimes.
"Lengthen your stride," which was the go-to school gym coach advice for gaining speed that resulted in knee pain as I started running more earnestly in my 30s. An excellent physical therapist and a ChiRunning trainer fixed my overstride and completely remedied the knee pain, even on formerly problematic downhill stretches.
That's really, really interesting, Vanessa. I'm always fascinated when people can make changes to their running form/stride, because I feel like mine is so ingrained that I have a hard time changing it. How hard/how much time did it take to make a change?
Terrell, when I reconciled with running focusing on my form was at the top of my list (this was based on work with my PT and the chronic problems I was having) and it was a part of every run for about a year. When my focus strayed I felt it in my knees and it would be my cue to tighten things up and realign! Now my new form is my default and my new ingrained.
Thanks, Terrell! I love these Friday forums, by the way; I agree that it's so interesting to see what everyone has to say. Surprisingly, I was able to change my form pretty quickly and easily, I think because the results were immediate and I had really begun to think I might have to quit running. If I have any knee twinges on a run, they serve as an instant reminder to check my form. Pain is a strong motivator!
"I don't think you should listen to your sports medicine doctor; I think you should do what you want." (I had a BROKEN HIP and someone was trying to get me to register for a marathon that was a month away and that I hadn't trained for because I still had a broken hip and was in a wheelchair, for goodness sake...)
"You've gained too much weight to start running. You're too heavy." (From a personal trainer.) And while that was true--that I had gained weight--I was not obese, nor would some even say heavy.
I simply can't hit LIKE for this comment because there is no emoji that conveys how much a comment like that pisses me off! And from a trainer, no less! People can be such ignorant jerks!
Indeed! And if I had received that comment in my 30s, I would have been devastated or shamed--but what's wonderful about being 60, is you get centered on who you are, and what serves you best--and when there is a 'jerk' in your life--you smile, and then graciously let them go! And of course, it opened the space for a trainer who makes me feel like I'm 20 again.
Whoa! I'm not sure whether to say that's hard to believe or not -- either way, that's terrible that the trainer wasn't encouraging. How is it going now?
Well, thanks for asking and 1) I got a new trainer--who I adore! 2) One of the reasons for weight gain was a back injury due to car accident in 80s--so I'm taking it slowly--Couch to 5k style, and getting into shape with ease and "compassionate" expectations--and it feels GOOD!
The worst advice I ever received was from my HS track coach... "Work through the pain... it'll make you stronger... Ya Right! Like that's going to heal a pulled muscle ....
Worst advice I ever got was to wear running shorts. Ugh. I have big thighs, even when I’m at my skinniest. My thighs chafe. No amount of Vaseline or runner’s balm helps. I switched to bicycle type shorts to run in (it was 1999 & I couldn’t find running tights or shorter capris or thigh length tights back then) & never looked back. People gave me some weird looks at first, but my comfort came first. Now people run in all kinds of stuff!
Not advice, but sales pitch ... for my wife: “I have these ladies’ running shorts.” My wife has been buying men’s running shorts for years because they have real pockets (not pockets that you might be able to stash a single stick of gum) and the pants legs are of a decent length!
If you're not comfortable with what you're wearing...don't wear it! When I find something that's comfortable I buy two sets... worth it in the long run...
Always 2 sets!
I understand all too well (same problem)! They don't make running shorts that I feel comfortable in. They all seem to have a 3" inseam. I wound up getting some 7" inseam PhysEd shorts that do the trick. That way large thighs don't matter
Love reading all the comments! I've also heard people be kind of negative (to say the least) about running. I'm so glad I've been able to keep it up all my life through good times and bad times.
I've been told by a few part time runners that running killed their knees and to stop running now. I know the facts about runners knees and luckily so far, knock on wood, not one of those people that are predisposed to these problems.
You've gotta reach with your heel! Stupid advice! Only if you want Knee Pain and Shin Splints among other ailments.
I'm a Chi Runner. It's all about posture, lean and a mid-foot strike. Once I learned technique & form, which didn't take long. . . it's an ongoing practice, I feel like I can run for miles--literally--and have! I'm only 73 years old and keep on going.
I am looking into this method right now. Found an instructor in my area. My knees hurt so much when I run, I hope this type of running will allow me to continue to run painfree. Loved all your comments!
Out of curiosity, Susan, where do you live? I'm in Washington.
I live in the Denver area. I contacted a Chi instructor so hopefully she will get back to me.
Oh, you're lucky! There are some really good instructors there. Mary Lindhal comes to mind. There are several others as well. Have fun!
If you learn from an instructor, I'll guarantee you'll never look back to your old methods. Keep an open mind! Gradual progress, give it time. . . Progress, not perfection. Have fun! :)
If you're doing it at 73... it has to work...
The folks I admire who are still practicing are the ones who are 82, 83 years old!
My PT is having me work on mid-foot & leaning forward. 👍🏼 I have to concentrate. Hope it becomes second nature. I want to be 73 & still running! You are a hero to me Nilima!
Watch a little kid run and you'll see that they lean forward, landing in the middle of the foot. I do wish I could run as relaxed as they do!
I used run that way until I was about 8, maybe 9 years old, when my well meaning Dad and brother told me I was doing it wrong--stayed away from running until I was sixty some years old. Took a lot of relearning, but for me, running is now a real joy!
Heel pain is not caused my heel striking. That mid foot stuff is causing problems too.
That was the worst running advice I'd ever received. My problem was corrected by changing my form and running habits. I'm sure you have received conflicting advice through your experiences. Take care. :)
I actually picked up a book on Chi Running recently, and need to give it a closer read. It sounds like I have a lot to learn!
The Chi Running book is a classic. Find a workshop or an instructor in your area at https://www.chirunning.com/ Working with an instructor really helps. Once you get into Chi, you'll wonder how you ever ran any other way! It may seem like there is a lot to remember at first, but once it clicks, everything becomes second nature. You'll love it!
Being told that if you don't run a competitive and fast pace, you shouldn't bother entering and running races. Give me a break...if I had listened to that bad advice years ago, I would have never run marathons, started trail running and generally given up running.
Everyone's goals are different but in the end, you run for yourself...
...being told to tie my shoes having a rare pair of Saucony 'velcro' trail shoes.
When I started running, I followed the mantra "no pain, no gain", and pushed far beyond my limits. I ignored painful warning signs and eventually became injured.
Been there... and at the time didn't know any better.
I hear you -- I had to quit running for an entire year once b/c I did something similar. (I didn't pay close enough attention to some Achilles pain, and ending up really hurting it. The only thing that helped was rest... for a long time!)
I've had two meniscus surgeries because of my ignorance. I also stopped taking Advil to mask any discomfort and I learned to recognize the signs.
from spectators: you are almost there (advice offered miles from the finish)
Ha! Yes!
I've never understood that! Crazy, isn't it?
...and this is from people sitting in their chairs on the side that haven't a clue where the finish line is.
To stop running by my Rheumatologist. I was diagnosed with Lupus in 2020. I asked "When can I run again?" She replied, "Maybe you just shouldn't run any longer".. I broke up with that doctor.
I'm with you. I just had total knee replacement in January, and diagnosed with MCTD (mixed connective tissue disease....a cousin to Lupus) in February. My rheumatologist just shook his head about running; my orthopedist told me I could run/walk as I felt like it, just listen to my body. Ortho said he wasn't picking a side, it was up to me. I told the rheumatologist doctor that my ortho wasn't discouraging it, and I would be back to running.
I think if that particular doc isn't an athlete themselves, then its easier for them to poo poo running.. I have sat in my doctors offices' just crying because I have missed 14 months of running due to my illness. Some get it, some just sort of look at me with a sad face. But we as runners are a determined bunch... and I know that I am going to have running in my life.
Very true! My ortho used to work for the STL Cardinals, so he gets it. My rheumatologist......I doubt it. However, everything I've researched says that exercise is actually "good" for lupus and MCTD to help ward off the deterioration. I go with my ortho! It's my knee, my body, just listen. Yes, we runners are definitely a determined bunch! :-)
Yes, I have read that exercise is good for lupus as it helps joint pain and keeps fluids moving around. Plus its our happy place!
One foot doctor I visited told me the best thing to run in was the cheapest shoe I could find…and gave me a tax-exemption prescription for purchasing them at any sporting goods store. I never did…nor did I ever go back to that doctor. (I know Hollie would freak out reading this one!)
That advice comes from a coach, I think Christopher McDougall mentions it in Born to Run. The rationale is, that the higher-tech the shoe is, the more mistakes they allow you to make, which ultimately ends up bad posture and bad habits over years, which wear you out. I’ve been barefoot running and vibran-five-finger running since 2011, which helped me understand the advice. My clocking knee, back pain all disappeared after a 3 month period that taught me how to run barefoot, in a way that’s not wearing out my parts.
My first foot doctor told me when I went to him for a case of planters... buy the best shoes you can afford ... if not, I'll be seeing you again...
Smart man! (And I'm sure she would!)
I am 79 years old.I went for my annual physical-everything was fine. The doctor said to me
"Gee your 79--Don't you think you are too old to be running???????? I replied "NO Doctor-I would be OLD if I didn't run. HA
I marvel at the 70+ age groups. People who run way into their 70s and 80s look younger happier and are are so kind to the young runners.
Amen to that!!!
Amen!
Thank you for this!👍🥰🥰
You are an inspiration to us all to be our best selves regardless of age, Moe, and that age is a state of mind. Rock on. I'm only 38--but I want to be like you, running at 79, and plan to!
Bless you caroline
Love that THAT was your response!! As someone who works with people who are working hard to prioritize their health (sometimes successfully for the first time) I hear about SO many missed opportunities by their doctors to be a real force for positive change. How about, "Wow, good for you! What's your secret?" It's a mindset that would have a tremendous impact on his/her patients.
Thank You Jeanne
Wow! I'm 63 and started back running at 56, and I have had people my age and younger ask if I wasn't afraid of falling and breaking a hip. Then, they usually go on and on about all of their ailments. I usually share that if they'd get out and exercise even walking regularly they might feel better and 20 yrs younger!
I also just started running in my 50s and just turned 62. Feel great and when I trail hike and scramble over boulders I thank these past 10 years of running for allowing me to do that.
Me too, I hope to see them on the track when they're older!
Thank You
This. Even on "bad" run days where I'm pressed for time or not feeling my best or tired, I still can't complain, because I still made it out and didn't give up and either stay in bed or end up on the couch! The older I get the more I realize the only one I'm competing against is myself, and even then although I want to do my best, I should treat myself with the same love and compassion as I strive to treat others in the same way.
Falling and breaking a hip...give me a break. You don't magically turn into glass once you hit 50. Silliness.
You are so right
So, so true -- I love everything you've said here, especially "you don't magically turn into glass once you hit 50" (b/c I just recently hit 50!)
Exactly! And if they were that smart, they'd realize that by doing some impact exercises their bones would actually be stronger! My bone density has improved over the past 10 yrs. My chiropractor told me I had a spine of a 20 something year old, to keep doing what I was doing. Good enough for me!
I love that, Moe!
Thanks,Terrell
What a stupid question, but what an excellent retort! It seems to me that a lot of GPs, because they need such a broad knowledge base that they simply don't have the time to get into the weeds, aren't really up to date on things like sports medicine and nutrition. GPs are invaluable, but those referrals to specialists are the ticket sometimes.
Sports medicine has come a long ways from the 70's and 80's...
Thank You Venessa
"Lengthen your stride," which was the go-to school gym coach advice for gaining speed that resulted in knee pain as I started running more earnestly in my 30s. An excellent physical therapist and a ChiRunning trainer fixed my overstride and completely remedied the knee pain, even on formerly problematic downhill stretches.
That's really, really interesting, Vanessa. I'm always fascinated when people can make changes to their running form/stride, because I feel like mine is so ingrained that I have a hard time changing it. How hard/how much time did it take to make a change?
Terrell, when I reconciled with running focusing on my form was at the top of my list (this was based on work with my PT and the chronic problems I was having) and it was a part of every run for about a year. When my focus strayed I felt it in my knees and it would be my cue to tighten things up and realign! Now my new form is my default and my new ingrained.
Thanks, Terrell! I love these Friday forums, by the way; I agree that it's so interesting to see what everyone has to say. Surprisingly, I was able to change my form pretty quickly and easily, I think because the results were immediate and I had really begun to think I might have to quit running. If I have any knee twinges on a run, they serve as an instant reminder to check my form. Pain is a strong motivator!
"I don't think you should listen to your sports medicine doctor; I think you should do what you want." (I had a BROKEN HIP and someone was trying to get me to register for a marathon that was a month away and that I hadn't trained for because I still had a broken hip and was in a wheelchair, for goodness sake...)
😱
I think we have a winner!! Wow!
Yes, this one takes the cake.
"You've gained too much weight to start running. You're too heavy." (From a personal trainer.) And while that was true--that I had gained weight--I was not obese, nor would some even say heavy.
How many stories have you read about people who have lost weight through exercise... and not the kind that lifts a donut into your mouth...
I simply can't hit LIKE for this comment because there is no emoji that conveys how much a comment like that pisses me off! And from a trainer, no less! People can be such ignorant jerks!
Indeed! And if I had received that comment in my 30s, I would have been devastated or shamed--but what's wonderful about being 60, is you get centered on who you are, and what serves you best--and when there is a 'jerk' in your life--you smile, and then graciously let them go! And of course, it opened the space for a trainer who makes me feel like I'm 20 again.
Oh you're so right about the benefits of being solid on who you are and what serves you best!
Whoa! I'm not sure whether to say that's hard to believe or not -- either way, that's terrible that the trainer wasn't encouraging. How is it going now?
Well, thanks for asking and 1) I got a new trainer--who I adore! 2) One of the reasons for weight gain was a back injury due to car accident in 80s--so I'm taking it slowly--Couch to 5k style, and getting into shape with ease and "compassionate" expectations--and it feels GOOD!
Glad to hear that!