It was another one of those weeks: Quiet, until the minute I thought things might be coming back together, the universe proved the exact opposite. Before I get to the “crazy” here’s how the week in workouts went.
Monday: Rest
Tuesday: Run 6 miles (6x800m)
Wednesday: Yoga
Thursday: Run 5 miles (progression)
Friday: Strength, balance/stability, corework
Saturday: Run 8 miles
Sunday: Shakeout run + CrossFit
Despite all the crazy, my running week was solid. Chalk it up to stress-induced adrenaline/cortisol, cooler/less humid weather, maybe dropping a couple of pounds because I’m a stress non-eater. Take Tuesday’s speedwork for example. Did I NEED to do speedwork for my training? The answer is no. With less than a month since running Berlin, I’m running free and easy. The remainder of my racing year is strictly about fun. Did I need to do speedwork to burn off some crazy? That gets a resounding yes. I sure did and those intervals were gut-busting and spectacular.
Not to look a gift horse in the mouth or anything but this great week of running made me wonder: Does being stressed out make one run better? I did a little research: Turns out there are two factors working in my favor. Since I’m not on any training plan right now, I’m not worrying in the least about my pace or getting certain workouts in. I’m truly running for fun. Research shows that taking a break from training you “have to” do and running because you truly want to, actually reduces stress.
The other issue is that when the part of the brain (amygdala) that processes fear/stress/anxiety, one of the ways it reacts is by pumping extra blood and sugar to your muscles. See how this could enhance running? The downside is when a stress response lingers. When stress becomes chronic it can interfere with digestion, suppress the immune system and disturb sleep, so you find yourself short on energy, getting sick and not recovering well.
What’s the best way to cope with ongoing stress?
According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADDA), staying physically active is one of the very best ways to cope with stress and anxiety. In addition to easing stress, exercise helps you maintain mental fitness. Stress primarily affects the brain, however the impact on the rest of the body is significant as well. When your body is strong and feeling good, you’re better able to cope with stressors. Makes sense. Plus physical exercise produces our old friends endorphins, brain chemicals that act like natural painkillers. Endorphins also help us sleep better which in turn also helps to calm stress.
What are other ways to calm anxiety and produce endorphins?
- Meditation (a work in progress for me)
- Accupuncture (never tried)
- Massage therapy (I don’t go nearly as much as I should)
- Deep breathing exercises (yes, but not sure I feel an endorphin boost)
Weekly High- and Lowlights
It was another single-parenting week. One of the most stressful parenting weeks of my life. Heck most of October is a single-parenting month.
The college selection wheels are in motion. I attended the first of many college nights with the teenager.
This week was mostly unseasonably warm. Nearing the end of October with temps pushing 80 is always a good thing…unless you’re running a marathon.
Speaking of marathons, I’m considering another. Because I was injured for 5 weeks during Berlin training, I’m not as exhausted as I typically am after a training cycle. I’m casually entertaining a spring marathon and have it narrowed down to….2. I’ll keep you posted.
I’m racing next weekend! Hot Chocolate Chicago 15k I’m coming for you…kind of.
How do you cope with stress? Do you run better when you’re stressed? Has stress taken a physical toll on you? What spring marathon would you recommend?
Be sure to join me this Friday for the Runfession Friday Linkup!
Sorry the stress level has been high – never fun. Running is usually a big stress reliever for…except, for now, thanks to the nagging injuries. Both meditation and acupuncture do a world of good for me!
Running off the crazy is always great. I do find that I run better/faster when I’m stressed but my favorite stressed out activity is cleaning. Oh, I can’t wait to hear what the marathon options are.
Hopefully the single parent weeks go by quickly!
When I am feeling a bit stressed running always helps. Even when I am not worried about pace I seem to always keep a good clip going when I am a bit stressed. It’s like I am running away from my problems and cocerns….haha.
I have done a lot of research on anxiety and stress since I’m terribly anxious most of the time. I definitely practice deep breathing (inhale three seconds, hold three, exhale three and repeat.) There are several Scriptures that have helped me too. Philippians 4:8 is one of my favorites and was my grandmother’s favorite Bible verse. I’m sorry this month has been hard and you’ve been by yourself. I hope things get better for you and hope you have a great 15k race!!
For some reason, running has never been a stress-reliever “crutch” for me. Naturally, I do feel less stressed after a run, but I don’t feel like I “need” running for that purpose. That said, one time the hubs and I had a slight disagreement and the both of us went out for a short 2-miler (approx.) while still mad at each other. He turned off and went a different way (LOL), but I stayed on course and went my own way…and that was probably the fastest 2-mile run I’ve ever done because I was so jacked up on adrenaline.
I have had some really good runs when Im stressed and not training for a race. Running definitely helps me to deal with the stress!
I had one of my best races 2 years ago when I was REALLY pissed off. I guess running angry works for me?
I’m looking forward to running just to run until the end of the year. I’m hoping this will being back my love of running because right now we’re not quite seeing eye to eye. I’m also considering a spring marathon to go for that PR just one more time.
I’m definitely running stressed but for different reasons. After reading Mindful Running, I”m trying really hard not to “ruminate” on my stress when I run. I’m not sure what it is–the shoes?–but I too had a good week out there. Running was about the only good thing about the week, tho.
Hang in there.
I never thought about the correlation between stress and running interesting! I hope you have less stress this week but continue to have great runs
I’ve always run to run off the crazy. It’s a good way to get away from it all, and just run. I use it for my sanity, and then I can come back with a better attitude.
Running/working out in general helps me SO much when I’m stressed/anxious. I hope things calm down for you soon!
It is a fine line, I’ve had some of my fastest runs when I come home irritated from work stress (in the winter LOL), but currently my situation is just too much stress and worry, it is stealing my sleep and I think long term its hurting me.
It is always hard doing everything on your own. Hopefully a break is coming for you soon, but I know Mom duties hardly let up.
Isn’t it something how just a few pounds can make running feel effortless?!
I like your list of anxiety reducers…I currently have my son doing them all.
Sounds like we’ve had similar weeks lately. Thank God for running!! Hope yours is better this week! 🙂
Lately, I cope with stress with some cookies and wine. haha. Running actually does help but I haven’t built up to my favorite stress-relieving distance yet. I absolutely LOVE the 10 mile run. It’s my favorite distance. I always feel/felt better after 10 miles. Hmm…spring marathons? I did Salt Lake City and that one was definitely one I’d do again!
I’d recommend Houston! … not exactly Spring 🙂
Hoping you have a less stressed week ahead.
Running is such a great way to relieve stress, which makes not being able to do so feel that much more stressful. I hope things calm down around your house. I’m afraid my last teen is the most challenging. Sigh. I’m contemplating a Winter marathon, maybe late January or February. Or, I’d actually like to do Utah Valley as a marathon. Thanks for linking!
Nice that you are running free and easy! I’m looking forward to doing that after CIM! Running definitely eases stress for me.
When I am stressed, I definitely feel better after a run. My problem though is that it’s not my first go-to response to stress. So although I know I will feel better, sometimes I just end up moping around and feeling sorry for myself instead of just putting on those running shoes! I am also doing a 15k race this weekend as a long run. Its a bit longer than I am used to, but just looking to have some good fun.
Yes to this post! Running is how I beat stress. The days I run I find my head is clearer and I’m able to feel away less stressed and overwhelmed at work and with life. It’s my therapy!
I totally agree with most all of this. Yes, running is cheaper than therapy, I use it that way a lot. Yes I do agree it’s nice to just run for fun. I agree with you Meditation, Acupuncture, massage and breathing exercises do help with stress. I have not tried the acupuncture but read about it’s benefits. I think a regular routine of spending time with ones self is a great thing. As hectic as it may be right now the time is coming when all the kids will be out of the house and you’ll miss….some of it. Enjoy a cup of hot chocolate for me!
Staying physically active is definitely great for reducing stress. Practicing yoga is also a very helpful way for a stress-free life. Do you practice yoga only once a week?