As I begin to train, again, for the August 1/2 IM relay in September, I’ll have to take it slow. I really want to just run my face off but I truly want to be careful and not get injured. I’ve decided to attempt a run tomorrow and ride my bike on Sunday. Dolly, me love you long time.
I think I was a teensy paranoid due to the running injuries I’ve seen around me lately and of course Old Wonky. Member him? That bastard.
In addition, I’m such a total control freak that I needed answers immediately. This explains my zero to 4 million approach in to going to the doctor.
Doctor: Hi how are–
Me: I NEED AN X-RAY STAT! MY LEG IS GONNA FALL OFF!
Ha ha. And since I’m being all disclosing and such I must admit that I was trying be all Joe Cool on the outside about it being a full blown injury-that-shall-not-be-named, I was really crying and whining like a baby inside. And maybe a little to close friends. And Lloyd. And random house plants.
It’s quite strange the whole not being able to run thing and how much we runners lose our shit about it. I tried to explain it to someone and they referenced the show My Strange Addiction*. W-T-F? It’s not like that at all. Jeez. We runners just like our run and that’s that. No bike ride or swim or elliptical is going to quite fit the bill. Thus, my insanely mad dash to the doctor.
This led me to question why we runners REALLY need and crave our run and the only thing I could come up with, at least for me, is that the run doesn’t require me to think too much. In that I mean while I’m running I can shut my brain off and just be. As you may have noticed in reading my posts I tend to analyze the crap out of stuff and I really enjoy turning off my brain during a run. I also enjoy talking with my running buds and looking at pretty colors. Heh.
I can’t do this on the bike or while I’m swimming. One, I’ll kill myself on the bike and two, I’ll drown. The biking and swimming are not body movements that we would do naturally and we have to think about what we’re doing, thus the brain can’t rest while the body works. Again, this is just my goofy speculation but there has to be other reasons.
What do you think? Why do we runners feel miserable when we can’t run?
I hope you all have great weekends and whether you are racing, running, or hanging in there through an injury – celebrate what you can do and enjoy the moments you have.
Why? Because it's become such a part of who we are. Strange isn't it? If you can hop on that leg with out pain that's a good sign. All of mine left me unable to do that. You will be great.. just keep cross training!
First Cliff Clavin reference I've read! LOL…….. I'm not miserable when I can't run, I have these pills that help…………..
Running is the time our creative juices flow. We solve all of lifes issues and world problems while running.
I have to say that during the swim it is all about focus and counting my strokes to prepare to sight. On the bike it is all about push/wipe (what my feet are doing during pedal strokes) and so I think you may be right about shutting off the brain from the BS of life and it allows us to think freely.
Running is the only way I can keep my sanity. And you nailed it about biking/swimming – can't take your mind off what you are doing or you'll get hurt!
Even when I dont want to run I have to run or I will go crazy. I think after a while, if its the right person, running just becomes a part of who we are and if we cant do it, we feel like we arent 'right' somehow.
Not that runners are 'right' to begin with, but you know what I mean. I hope. :O)
I am going crazy right now too with this non-running business!! Makes you want to punch someone in the face, no? 🙂 Hope you get back to our positive addiction asap.
It gives you the highest endorphin rush I think out of all of them…
Um, because running is like an orgasm and we need our release. Just guessing here…
Runners are runners. Period. It is so much a part of them so when we can't do what we love, we get cranky. Kinda like a kid who can't play with the toy they love. So sad….
But that is just my guess. I could be wrong.
OMG, I so needed to read this! Read my post from yesterday! I was nearly suicidal with a "possible" stress fx. I woke up today and feel like I may have shin splints. But ya, I can't take that stress. I saw 2 drs in one day looking for MY answer! Going from 70 a week to zero was hard! I feel for you! Glad your x-ray was negative!!
Why do I feel miserable when I run? Clearly I'm not a runner yet. Not sure where y'all get this kool-aid you're drinking.
Runners who can't run are a dangerous thing!!! Hang in there!
That's a really good question. Since I don't bike or swim, I assumed it was that the elliptical is indoors, boring, and not as good of a workout. Habit? Pure love for the run? Dunno. But I know you're right. SO GLAD the x-ray came back clean!!
Girl, I know how frustrating it is to be out from injury, but hang in there! Oh, and I totally agree with being able to shut down my brain when I run. I don’t have to think at all!
I am so sorry about your injury, but it's good the x-ray didn't show anything! Believe me, I know what you're going through. I had an IT band injury that sidelined me for 4 months and it sucked!!
Did you know that someone addicted to heroin can’t function a single day in life if they don’t get a hit of heroin several times a day… Running for runners like heroin for the local druggie is our way to function/survive life. However, unlike heroin I don’t think we are “addicted” to running I think its just a part of who we are. Oh, I also think running has better side effects but that is just a guess I have yet to try heroin. Yup a twisted analogy.
black boots
Chocolate boots
sand boots
Chestnut boots
gray boots
pink boots
grey boots
pink boots
good that it is all good! Good for cross-training that does not replace running, but it lays the groundwork for the return to running, and helps it out when you can run!
it will probably terrify you to hear that i totally shut off while i'm on the bike. zip, there went 3 hours!
I actually felt guilty until the sixth month passed….
I'm back at it these days, but it takes a lot of motivation.