Runners Share The Best—And Worst—Advice They’ve Received
New runners get a lot of unsolicited advice...and not all of it is good advice. Our readers shared the best and worst things they heard.
We asked, you responded…what’s the best and worst running advice you’ve ever received?
Best Advice
“Before splashing aid-station water on your face, check that it’s not Powerade.” —Brad Stewart
“Never trust a fart after 2 miles.” —Jeff Vollmer
“Make sure you have a solid base before you start your 16-week marathon training.” —Stacy Bagal
“Run your race, stay your pace!” —Malini Nagpal
“Use lotion! After my first really long run, it wasn’t only advised, it was self-taught.” —Ryan Clifton
Worst Advice
“Store items (fuel, phone, etc.) in my bra. Terrible advice. It’s a great way to ruin a phone and chafe!” —Victoria Erin
“You can just use any shoes. No need to go buy running shoes.” —Mike Brosenne
“My foot strike should be from heel-to-toe.” —Steve Coleman
“Write the date you started wearing new running sneakers on the inside of the tongue with a Sharpie, then you’ll know when to change them. You’ll also end up with a black smudge on every single pair of white running socks you own because when you sweat, the Sharpie smears off!” —Lynn Stroup Latham
“A guy on a race shuttle tells the group around him, ‘Go out fast so you can bank your time!’ I DID NOT do this.” —Kendra Vandenakker Alcock