Runner Therapy: Are You a Control Freak?
I was recently interviewed for a running piece on training (or not training) during pregnancy… and it got me thinking.
I started to realize the similarities between women who become pregnant and therefore may have to adapt their running schedule, and my patients who are recovering from injuries and also have to adapt their running schedules.
For type-A runners…or for most runners I should say…having to adapt their schedules is unheard of. Most are used to running on the days and times they have predetermined, and the idea of not maintaining that scares them.
Never have I come across a hobby (yes, I’m calling running a hobby…meaning if you don’t derive financial benefit from running, it is, in fact a hobby) that when taken away makes people so upset, often depressed as well. Running certainly has a hold on people.
So, when asked why runners simply don’t want to adapt their running schedule…let alone have to stop due to injury or pregnancy…I was forced to assume.
Fortunately or unfortunately I have not had much experience with this personally…I welcome some time off from running whether from a busy schedule or an injury…it gives me a good excuse to rest and sleep in! My patients however, and most of you, would not agree you would be happy to let it go awhile!
We know the pitfalls of assuming, but as someone who has had to deliver the bad news to runners over and over again for 10 years plus (that just made me feel old), I feel I am well qualified to make some very educated guesses.
So here’s how I see it. Why are runners so distraught with the thought of stopping or amending their running schedule?
Weight. The fear if you can’t run you will gain weight.
Routine. The fear your don’t know what to do with yourself if your typical daily routine is disturbed.
Identity. You feel running is ‘who you are’ instead of the healthier ‘it is what I like to do’.
Stress. The fear that you will be dealing with more stress if you can’t run, since running is your ‘stress’ control, or that the endorphins running creates are keeping you happier.
If you take a step back it all boils down to one thing…control. The fear you can’t control this aspect of your life is what I believe scares people.
Why do we feel the need to control our lives, let alone our hobbies? Why do most runners not welcome the chance to try something else for awhile and expand their horizons, and their fitness for that matter? Am I right or am I wrong? Did I miss the mark completely? Why is it runners simply can’t take a break for awhile? Tell me your thoughts!
- Marisa
(Marisa, a MS PT SCS ATC, is a member of iRunnerBlog’s team and writes the Runner Therapy column, she is a physical therapist in private practice in midtown NYC called Dash Physical Therapy. She one of only a dozen or so physical therapists in the state of NY to be board certified in sports.)
I think you hit the nail right on the head with your 4 points. It is scary- the world doesn’t stop because you are injured. I was just diagnosed with plantar fasciitis and while you are “allowed” to run through it, it is miserable. It makes me angry and therefore I try to fight against it but denying pain to keep a schedule, keep up with running friends, and to not seem like a weenie. While most say its fine- it really doesn’t feel fine to take a break. Honestly- running is one thing I have complete control over so that is why I control it. I can’t control my work, other people, grad school, family, etc, but I can control running. Control freak or not, it is how you feel when running is so powerful to you. I am trying to swim but i will tell you- its just not the same. Good post.
I agree with Teal. Running is the one thing I have control over. My job, family, friends are forever changing. I know that when I get up for my morning run I’m going to feel great when I’m done. Even if I’m tired I think of how hard I’ve worked to get where I am and that helps motivate me to get up those tough mornings.
This really hits the nail on the head for me, I feel like I have to run even if something happens/comes up. I started biking last summer more often and still ran before biking…not really necessary. I really enjoyed reading your insights and hope to think about it in the future when I think I NEED to run. Thanks!
I needed this. really. I upset my knee the day before the new year, not the way i wanted to start 2012!
Thank you!
For me its not gaining weight so much as losing fitness. Taking a month off to let a foot injury heal set me back so much. The distance I ran before was cut nearly in half during my hiatus, even though I cross trained (cycled) in an attempt to keep my lungs in shape. I would imagine this fear ranks right up with the ones you list.