How bad is it to stop on a run (say at a traffic light)?

It's not bad at all. In fact, I consider it the height of good form.

schweiz?

The Answer You Need wrote:

hmmmmmmmmm wrote:

Do you not get the full benefits on a run if you stop sometimes in the middle (say for traffic lights, quick bathroom break, etc.)? How much do you lose by stopping?

I think it would be best if you carried everything you need in your fanny pack. Then you can minimize or eliminate the number times you stop. You can grab your water bottle, energy bar and everything else you need without hardly slowing down.

Good luck!

No! No! Just buy RaceReady shorts and you don't need a fanny pack.

If I have to stop for more than 12 seconds (ala Lydiard) I walk slowly home, then start the run all over again. I had to do this once when I was 14 miles into an 18 miler. Sucked.