If you’re looking for answers to the most burning questions on Google about running, look no further, I’ve done the hard work for you!
Here are the top questions that people are asking Google about running:
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1. Does running get easier?
YES! Absolutely, running does get easier. Running will give you back just as much as you put into it. If you run consistently and train properly you will reap the benefits.
You might find that running is never ‘easy’ for you but I can guarantee that if you train consistently you’ll be able to go faster and further than you could when you started.
Stick with it. If you find running hard, run more is the best advice I can give you.
2. Does running help you lose weight?
Yes, running does help you lose weight but you must be in a caloric deficit to see any change in weight. This means you need to be burning up more calories than you’re consuming.
3. When does running become fun
When this question popped up on Google I didn’t understand how anyone could think that running wasn’t fun!
But I get it. When you’re a beginner, running feels hard. It can make you feel terribly unfit, awfully self-conscious and make you hate it instantly.
If you don’t think running is fun there are tons of ways to make you like it just a little bit more.
Try listening to your favourite music, if you don’t already. No depressing, slow songs allowed, only upbeat tunes that make you want to move.
Tracking your runs can help keep your motivation up when you can see your running progress.
4. Can running make you sick?
I’m not sure whether this question refers to catching an illness or just making you feel not-so-great.
If you haven’t heard of it already, there is such a thing a runners trots and it can strike any level of runner at any time. Some people find that they suffer from this particularly badly when they start running and they’ll do a looped run which passes their house just in case the need should arise.
Some people will also feel nauseous during or after a run. There are many reasons why people suffer from upset stomachs or nausea but generally, this gets better the more you run (at least in my experience).
After every race, I’d feel nauseous and generally not that great, however, over time I feel absolutely fine once I’m over that finish line.
5. Why do runners eat jelly babies?
Not so great for the vegetarians out there but jelly babies are often handed out mid-race for runners to snack on.
The reason jelly babies are so great is that you will get an instant sugar rush from eating them which in turn will give you an energy boost. They’re easier (and cheaper) to eat than energy gels while on a run and they taste much better too!
This isn’t good race-etiquette but I’ll pick out my favourites (black and red if you’re interested) when presented with a tub of babies to eat.
6. Is running bad for your knees?
I think this is perhaps the most common myth about running and the short answer is, no!
There are many reasons why you might pick up an injury from running but running isn’t inherently bad for your knees.
Running can take a massive toll on your body especially if you’re new to the sport. Things like, wearing the correct running shoes, having enough rest days, stretching, warm-ups and cool-downs, not increasing your distance by more than 10% at a time and generally looking after your health, can all help to prevent injury.
Don’t ignore any early signs of injury as these will often be the ones that can put you out of action long-term, which is the last thing you want as a beginner.
7. How do runners listen to music / carry their phones?
I’m going to cover both of these together because if you can carry your phone you can listen to music (I use the free version of Spotify and make great playlists).
The cheapest way is to buy a pop socket or a loop. When I was starting out trail running I wanted to be able to safely hold onto my phone without fear of dropping it. Click here for the elasticated loop I bought, which sticks onto the back of your phone. It cost me £3 and lasted me years without falling off!
If you’re not so keen on carrying your phone I’d suggest you invest in a running belt. I bought this running belt which is £5 and a total bargain!
I’ll use it for all of my training runs and every race. Even though it’s slimline it fits a lot of items inside. I have an iPhone 7+ and it fits this easily along with my keys and snacks/gels.
Lastly, you’ve got the running armband. I’ve never used one of these because I like to have my phone somewhat hidden when I’m running and you also need to be mindful of your outfit.
8. Why is running so hard?
Running IS hard. It uses not only a huge amount of the muscles in every part of your body but it also requires a strong mental attitude as well.
If you’re lacking in either of those you’re going to find running pretty tough. As you move through your training you’ll likely find your body is much easier to train than your mind!
9. How do you run faster?
In short, run more and make each training run count.
This means challenging yourself to each of the different styles of running, interval, fartlek, long runs, short runs, easy runs, challenging runs. The only way you’ll get faster as a runner is to work hard at it.
10. Is running bad for you?
Running is not ‘bad’ for you in all senses of the word. What is ‘bad’ are running injuries, mental breakdown (in terms of what you believe you can or can’t do), being unsafe as a solo runner and becoming addicted to it!
Other than those things, which you can absolutely overcome, running is actually pretty darn good for you.
11. Is running on a treadmill easier than road running?
I have an unpopular opinion here but I believe running on a treadmill is much more difficult than road running.
This is probably because I don’t have the mental ability to run in one place while constantly looking at my time/distance and feel ‘happy’.
In terms of running on a treadmill being ‘easier’ I believe that physically, it is. You can choose your pace, gradient and effort with the touch of a button.
However, when I’m running on the road I’m not constantly looking at my time or pace I run to how I feel and I adjust accordingly if it’s too easy/difficult.
If you’ve got the mental stamina for it, running on a treadmill is an excellent way to get your training runs in if the weather or time does not permit but don’t expect to be as mentally stimulated as you are outside with the ‘people’.
12. How will running change my body?
There’s no one answer to this but running can help you lose weight (see point #2) and can also help to tone up your waist, legs and arms but running will change each persons’ body differently.
When I joined my gym, they have a machine which will measure your muscle in each part of your body and it was no surprise to me that my legs had way more muscle than my arms.
If you’re looking for a certain aesthetic, accompany your running regime with a strength training program and a healthy diet which will help to change your body.
13. How do you run?
The very short answer is, make sure you get some great supportive running shoes for your gait so that you can avoid injury because you won’t be able to run if you pick one up!
If you are absolutely new to running I would suggest completing a couch to 5k training plan. You’re in luck because I have written one here for you! This will give you tons of tips on how you can get up to the 5k distance.
Ideally, you want to make sure you’re eating the right foods, avoiding injuries before they occur by stretching and foam rolling, not increasing your mileage too much and most of all making it fun.
There are tons of videos on YouTube on running techniques and how you can improve yours but I’d suggest getting up to a short distance and getting a feel for running first.
14. Does running burn fat?
Yes, running does burn fat. Not sure how to expand on this but the answer is yes.
There are ways of burning fat more effectively and don’t forget you can’t spot reduce fat in any areas of your body.
15. Why is running good for your mental health?
Running releases endorphins which make you happy! That’s not all though, many long term runners will often go out for a run to ‘clear their mind’ which doesn’t necessarily happen quite as efficiently as it sounds but sometimes you’ll come back from a run with a better outlook or perspective on a situation.
There is also a link between exercise and mental health which is the entire premise of the Run Every Day January scheme.
If you’re interested in all of the ways running can improve your mental health, check out this post from January 2019 which will also give you a link to the official website. It would be great if you would join in too!
I hope these have answered any questions you might have considered Googling and that you’ve found them helpful!
If you’ve got any other questions that you think I’ve missed that you’re sure others are searching for too, leave a comment in the box below.
Thanks for reading!
