Running From Stress

Last Updated on Wednesday, 21 July 2010 Written by The Virtual Runner Monday, 5 July 2010

What is Stress?

Stress is the body’s reaction to a change that requires a physical, mental or emotional adjustment or response.  It can come from any situation or thought that makes you feel frustrated, angry, nervous, or anxious.

We all know that stress is a normal part of life that can help us learn and grow. Lot’s of people will tell you that certain types of levels of stress “build character”.  However, stress can cause us significant problems.

Stress releases powerful neurochemicals and hormones in our body that prepare us for action (to fight or flee). If we don’t take the appropriate action, the stress response can lead to health problems. Prolonged, uninterrupted, unexpected, and unmanageable stresses are the most damaging types of stress.

Most of the ways we deal with stress (drugs, pain medicines, alcohol, smoking, and eating) are actually counterproductive in that they can sometimes make the stress worse and can make us even more sensitive to additional stresses in life.

Some proven ways of managing stress are regular exercise, meditation (or other relaxation techniques) and learning new ways of coping which creates some predictability in your life.  The management of your stress depends on you and your willingness to make the right changes for a healthy lifestyle.  Nobody needs to be stressed.

Stress and Running

If you ask most people why they started running, I’m sure you’d get various answers from weight loss, general health benefits, running since a child, enjoying the runner’s high and even for a particular goal (a charity 10k).  However, no one can deny the fact that running (and exercise in general) has a great effect on stress levels and helps to keep it to a minimum.

As I mentioned previously, stress causes a release of biochemicals into your body which causes your heartbeat to increase, preparing your body for fight or flee. If we don’t take the appropriate action, the stress hormone cortisol is released into the body and can cause physical damage to the body. Running (and exercise in general), in a way, simulates the flight response and helps bring the biochemicals into balance.

Running also releases endorphins into the body which are the neurotransmitters causing the “runner’s high”. Endorphins also help to reduce the sensation of pain which is said could explain why some runners can run even while injured. This means running could be seen as a valid treatment for those suffering from depression and might even produce better results than drugs or psychotherapy.

If you’re feeling stressed, think about what is causing the stress.  Remember the “fight or flee” reaction it’s creating?  You need to deal with those feelings in a healthy way that allows you to cope with the stress and reduce any further occurrences.  Running and any exercise is a great way for you to deal with stress and any pent-up emotions. Running has always helped me to take my mind off my problems, however I must (and so must you) always remember that eventually the source/cause of the stress needs to be dealt with or removed.

You or I may never be completely free of stress but through running you’ll certainly notice it a lot less.

Week 1 Done, 11 to go!

Last Updated on Sunday, 4 July 2010 Written by The Virtual Runner Sunday, 4 July 2010

First week of the marathon training schedule has been very successful.  Here is a summary:-

Tuesday

Called for 3 mile easy run at a 12:29 min/mile pace.  I did 3.10 miles at a 10:14 min/mile pace.

Thursday

Called for a 3 mile tempo run with a 1 mile warm-up and 1 mile cool-down.  I managed 1 mile warm-up at 11:00 min/mile with 3 mile tempo run at 09:01 min/mile and the 1 mile cool-down at 10:33 min/mile.

Sunday

Called for long run of 8 miles at 12:29 min/mile pace.  I managed 8.01 miles at a 10:12 min/mile pace.

Overall, that’s a pretty good week, even though I didn’t get in the cross training I wanted/needed to on the days in between.  Well, I guess that means more of an effort is needed on that front this week!

As for non-running related matters… I’ve made the decision to get rid of my windows based laptop.  Since I’ve had my macbook pro I haven’t needed to use the other laptop for anything at all.  I can see any reason to keep it so I’ve sold it to a work colleague.

I’ve had a nice weekend and spent a few hours yesterday at the Crowthorne Carnival (http://www.crowthornecarnival.co.uk/) with my son and mother-in-law (mummy was at work).  It was a pretty good afternoon and the parade was… interesting.  The floats were what you would expect for a small village parade, however one of them was a bit odd.

Pole dancing?  In a parade?  On a moving flatbed?  With everyone dressed like they’re out of Grease!

I must admit, she was pretty agile though… lol.

So, there you have it.  Pole dancing!

Tomorrow I’ll be attempting to get up early, go to the gym and do some cross-training and weights.  Will it happen?  Who knows!  Place your bets…