Interesting Facts You Probably Didn't Know About Running

Are you an avid runner? Are your friends also in love with this discipline and cannot imagine their day without hitting the track? If so, here are some interesting facts about running that will help you become the life of the party. On the other hand, they may inspire you to put on your shoes and get moving. So, without further ado, here are 7 interesting facts about running.

The youngest and the oldest

When he was just five years old, Budhia Singh already had 48 completed marathons in his bio, which made him the youngest marathon runner in the world. On the other hand, the oldest person who completed a marathon is Fauja Singh who is now 108 years old. After completing his last marathon in Hong Kong in 2013 he said he intends to continue running for pleasure, health, and charity. Born in 1911, Fauja didn't even start running until the year 2000, and since then he has participated in various marathons around the world, became the oldest man to be featured in a PETA campaign, and even carried the Olympic torch in 2012. Fauja is the living proof that it is never too late to start running, so find the perfect shoes and hit the road.

Boosting your performance

If you are looking for a way to boost your performance, try eating baked beetroot before you head out the door. Okay, this may not be the tastiest snack in the world, but if it helps you turn into Usain Bolt, it is worth a shot. On the other hand, avoid stretching before a run. Contrary to popular belief, it will make your body less efficient. Instead, start your workout with a warm-up that consists of dynamic movements.

What is your limit?

An average person has enough energy in their fat stores to run without stopping for 3 days at 14 miles per hour. Don't be fooled, this is not a slow pace so, under any circumstances don't try this at home.

Dark chocolate is your buddy

Do you have a sweet tooth but you are worried that you will gain weight? Then combine eating dark chocolate with running! No matter how slow you are, you will manage to burn at least 10 calories per minute. That means you can burn half a block of dark chocolate in less than 23 minutes, so feel free to indulge yourself. 

You are not alone

If you believe that running doesn't have a lot of fans around the globe, think again. Every year more than one billion pairs of running shoes are sold across the planet, so you are definitely not the only runner out there.

Running and immune system

People believe that runners are incredibly healthy individuals. However, athletes who run more than 50 miles per week are twice as likely to suffer from respiratory illnesses. On the other hand, runners who run up to 18 miles a week have a stronger immune system and don't catch a cold easily.

The magic of ball sports

If you have played some type of ball sports such as soccer as a kid, you are less likely to get injured during your runs. A study from Stanford University has proven that runners who played ball sports at a young age have greater bone mass, and therefore suffer from fewer stress fractures than runners who weren't active. 

Now go ahead and impress your friends with these interesting facts the next time you get together.