Six things runners do but probably shouldn’t

Jogging on the spot at a traffic light is just one of six things runners do but probably shouldn’t.

Runners, you probably have some running-specific habits that you include in your training or racing routines. We looked at a few that are seen far too often and that are best kicked to the curb. Here are six habits you have got to stop:

Running on the spot at a traffic light

You want to keep your heart rate high when being forced to stop at traffic light, fair point. But stopping for 10 to 15 seconds during an easy session won’t ruin a run. If it’s during a workout, take a turn and do a lap around the block until it’s safe to cross.

Trying something new on race day

Trying something new on race day always seems like it’s something you can get away with but it generally comes back to haunt you.

There are some articles of clothing and accessories that are safe to wear for the first time. Hats, watches, and sunglasses are safe bets but shorts, shoes, and tops are not.

Regardless of how fashion-forward it may look on race day, stick with what has worked in the past. No matter how good you look with new attire, chafing is never stylish.

RELATED: Things runners should stop apologizing for.

RELATED: Things runners say when not running.

Constantly checking the weather the week of a big race

Yes, you should prepare for the race conditions but checking the weather constantly or too far in advance may cause unnecessary stress. Light rain expected on race day? You don’t need to write-off your chances at running a personal best. Overcast skies? Packing the parka is overkill.

Hoarding old running shoes

Runners can go through running shoes quite regularly. Shoes can last anywhere from 500 to 800 kilometres so trainers can pile up over time.

The smell and look of an old pair of running shoes can be awful, so just imagine the result of keeping four or five pairs over a long-term period. Dispose or donate them regularly for the sake of house visitors and family members.

Taking carbo-loading too far

There’s a difference between properly carbo-loading in the lead-up to a race but going out for endless pasta or all-you-can-eat may do more damage than good. You need calories but do you need five bowls of pasta from the closest Italian restaurant to accomplish that?

Affixing a 26.2-mile, 13.1-mile or any other race sticker on everything

There’s a certain level of accomplishment that comes with the completion of a race. Buying a jumbo-pack of race stickers and putting them on your car’s bumper is more likely to confuse onlookers than impress them.