8 Common Running Myths, Busted!

Myth: For Runners, the More Flexible You Are, the Better

The Truth: "Actually, runners with the most lower-extremity problems such as shin splints and lateral ankle pain and weakness are the most flexible in the ankle joint and more prone to injury," Olson says. So does that mean you should stop stretching? No, Olson says. "Overly flexible joints have less stability and are more vulnerable to being overstretched or moved out of normal, joint-friendly positions, but there needs to be a balance between flexibility and stability to prevent injuries. Stable joints that have strong muscles surrounding them don’t allow the joint to move into ranges that can over stress the tendons and ligaments. The lesson here is that the more stable your joints are, the better."