The Art of Manliness #266: The Myths and Truths of Distance Running
19 snips
Jan 4, 2017 
Competitive runner Jason Fitzgerald tackles the myths that make people wary of distance running, from injuries and muscle loss to whether it helps with weight loss. The conversation covers beginner training plans, running form, common injury pitfalls, and why strength work belongs alongside miles on the road.
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Started As A Running Hater
- Jason Fitzgerald hated running in middle school and avoided the mile during track week.
- He gradually learned to enjoy running by practicing consistently and building the habit over months.
Why People Think They Hate Running
- Many people quit because they try running with no structure and expect instant comfort.
- Overdoing intensity or skipping recovery turns running into a constant struggle and raises injury risk.
Build Habit Before Speed
- Start with three runs per week of 20–30 minutes to build consistency before adding volume.
- Increase mileage gradually (about 5–10% every 2–3 weeks) and add intensity slowly.