You need to just rest, take time off. Don’t run through pain.
It’s a well meaning statement from a logical non-runner. We duck our heads with a little grin and say “yeah maybe” while on the inside saying “you need to shut yer pie hole, you don’t get it.”
Beware you’re about to fall down the rabbit hole of thinking that comes during the time a runner injured has to ponder life.
Why we run through pain?
What is it that drives us to continue attempting the miles despite pain…and often feeling even more driven because of the pain?
We’ve all got our own demons that running helps us avoid, maybe it’s the inner chubby girl who could down a bag of Twizzlers or the self critic who stops you from taking big risks because what if everyone sees you fail or maybe it’s your monkey mind that only takes a break after the miles begin to add up.
Running isn’t just a workout.
Here are a few of the reasons that keep us attempting the miles when logic says we shouldn’t.
Driven by Fear?
In my twenties, I would never have openly admitted it, but missing a run meant I might gain the weight back. That was too terrifying to even contemplate because I’d worked so hard to finally figure out how to lose it!
Now, I understand my body and food well enough that not running doesn’t have me fearing too tight jeans.
15 years in there’s a number of other fears…
- running is my lifestyle
- running is how I experience the world
- running is literally my business
- running is where my creativity flows
With so much of my life tied up in lacing up, what happens when it disappears??
I can certainly tell you I’ve struggled the last few months to put together words and form sentences that felt in anyway useful, meaningful or interesting.
Masochistic Tendencies?
Running is also inherently uncomfortable. Is it possible we’ve simply come to enjoy that pain? Yikes.
Want to get faster? Push yourself just outside your comfort zone, where it hurts a little.
Want to go farther? Keep putting one foot after the other even though every muscle is screaming to quit.
Pain registers differently when you’ve become accustomed to mind over matter in so many ways. And yes, you continue to think on a completely irrational level, that perhaps this run won’t hurt and that’s good because otherwise we trip into a spiral of fearing another injury and we don’t allow ourselves to get back out and fully enjoy it.
I’ve talked in depth about understanding the line between discomfort and pain. Read it. It’s a huge, important lesson for us all to learn because sometimes our plow ahead mentality turns small problem in to a massive issue.
Can't understand why injured runners keep trying to run? Read this! #runchat #bibchat Share on XEndorphin Rush?
One of the key reasons I think so many of us feel driven to run is the way it makes us feel. Yes, yes runner’s high is real, which is why you can’t understand how our beet red face caked with sweat could be smiling so big…but it goes well beyond that.
- running usually gets us outdoors which is a refreshing change from the rest of the day
- running is a time to think, mull, ponder
- running is also a time to finally stop thinking, mulling and pondering
- running is alone time
- running is connecting with friends time
- running allows us to challenge ourselves and to define the limitations of that challenge
- running gives us a daily accomplishment
- running ties us in to a larger community
Darn it, it just feels good.
Type A Goal Setters?
I’ve said before that most runners are a bit Type A…driven, focused, always looking for that little edge to improve. And once we’ve committed ourselves to something, it’s nearly impossible for us to quit until the finish line is crossed.
It’s why the med tent is littered with people who would normally be considered extremely healthy. But when our logical mind is screaming that the pain is too great, we need to stop and recover, our emotional brain is screaming “charrrrrrge, take no prisoners!!!” Something about that finish line feels like we’ve mastered the universe.
We might not get the promotion, decorate the perfect cookies or show up on time for PTA, but gawd bless it we CAN do this. It feels good to get the win, even if we realize there’s a price to pay.
What about other options?
I know the non-runner is thinking, “seriously? There are a plenty of other ways to sweat.”
You are correct.
So let me explain to you, why they are not running. It’s not an equal swap.
Throughout this injury, I haven’t spent my days lounging on the couch with a box of Cheerios watching too many episodes of Keeping Up with the Kardashians {ok that was too specific not to be a little accurate}, I’ve been exploring other ways to sweat, to stay active, to improve my body so it will be ready when I can run pain free again.
Cycling is a fabulous workout, but the bump, bump, grind, power playlist in a room of people doesn’t have quite the same creative juice inducing effect of watching the yellow’s creep through the sky as the sun rises over the hill that my body is hurtling up.
Strength training three to four days a week for the last 10 weeks has given me a whole new appreciation for why my friends fell in love with their gym time and CrossFit tribe. It makes you feel strong, which is a ridiculous way to explain something that clearly builds muscle. But it literally makes you from the inside out feel powerful and that’s a whole lot of fun…still it’s not running. I’m missing the sweat, the time to zone out or zen out.
Walking might be the best option for injured runners when possible. It allows you to still get outside and though the pace is slower, enjoy many of the same benefits. Right now, I’m pretty pleased when I make it 1/2 mile at a 20 minute pace so this one is on my recovery list!
Yoga…oh come on we know this is not running! Why do you think this swap will work?! I’ve talked all about the killer benefits for runners, especially those struggling with IT Band issues, but asking us to go from an hour sweat session to slow and steady breathing is like asking someone to trade their morning cup of joe for tap water. It’s hard, even if there are benefits.
What’s the real reason we keep showing up when others think we need to be at home in bed? Maybe it’s because the moment something is taken away you realize just how much you love it.
What do you think drives a runner?
What’s the longest you’ve sidelined with an injury?
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Rachel
Really interesting post! I’ve only been running since November and luckily haven’t experiences an injury (touch wood!) but I can understand how frustrating it must be to not go our and run. When I’ve been on weekends away where I’m supposed to be relaxing my running kit still got packed and was definitely used!
Yoga is something I’d really like to get into, my muscles aren’t particularly flexible so I think it would really help me to improve.
Rachel | Coffee & Avocados
Emily
All of these are so true. I’m so thankful you wrote this, because it encapsulates so many feelings when I can’t run. Running is quiet time, freedom to just think and breathe in fresh air, freedom to explore and wonder at God’s world around me, and it’s hard to replace it even with walking for me. I think it’s hard to replace it with walking, because I do like the feeling of pushing myself and doing better and going faster. I know what you’re feeling Amanda. <3
AdjustedReality
I feel ya. I just finishing my first Ironman 5 weeks ago and I haven’t run a mile since. I REALLY want to run but my body just keeps telling me “next week”. I’ve been cycling and swimming a little, and both those take me outdoors and make me smile, but there’s seriously nothing like a run. I miss it!
amanda
Ah that period after a big race is so hard, we’re all fired up but the body is like no way jose!! Congrats on a serious accomplishment!!
Allison
I’ve been snuggling with runner’s knee for a year. Since last year’s bluenose 10 k, which I did again this year. It was really bad this time last year and for the end of December and January this year. I’ve found when I’m inconsistent it act up, sidelines me for 6 weeks and also makes me crazy. If I do the physio and listen to my body it improves again. But that leads me to late night google and scientific article reading, like a lot since I run in part to deal with insomnia. By being diligent with it I was able to train for and run my first 1/2 in October. But… all of this has lead me to a big change in how I think about injuries. A few big articles have found some pretty consistent things, you can expect an injury about every 1000 km (or miles I can’t recall) or 1500 hours which is about the same point, for most of us anyway. I’ve had a few minor issues in the past but nothing like this. I’m starting to accept two things, I’m not as young as I used to be and I have to take better care of myself and dealing with injuries is actually a part of being a runner. Maybe we should take care of them as seriously as hill repeats, long runs and speed work. I think I at least want, and do, keep running through the pain because running and being fit is a big part of my identity and I feel lost with out it.
amanda
I don’t think that we should expect injuries. I have run for almost 15 years with only one other major setback and since then I’ve added PT to my daily routine. I think that’s where most of us fall down, if we don’t focus on keeping our hips and such strong injuries are more likely.
Amy
Me: “So I need to take a break from running?”
PT: “Yes, for at least two weeks. Your ankle needs to heal.”
Me: “Ok, that’s interesting. And option B is?….”
For real conversation I had with my PT las fall and she just looked at me and laughed (respectfully) and told me I was a runner :) It’s hard to be sidelined! I love your words and perspective in this post. Good luck on your recovery!
amanda
HA I literally laughed out loud when I read that
Ariana
I’m a runner, but when another runner has pain WHILE running, I always encourage them to stop running and see a doctor. I have always been advised by my doctor to continue running if I’m not in pain during the run, but to stop if it hurts. I love your post about pain v discomfort because I think it’s easy for runners to “convince” themselves that they’re just in discomfort and not pain. Even the pros take time off when injured. There definitely are no easy swaps for running, but I think once a runner reaches the point that taking time off from running when injured will somehow disrupt their life, their relationship with running is no longer healthy.
ChristineB
I slipped on some ice when out for a run March 14 and broke my ankle, requiring surgery. I’ve had to stop doing everything, though I’m slowly coming back little by little. I’m glad I was as fit and strong as I was before my fall, because it helped my deal with everything that came along with being in a cast for 5 weeks, but dealing with the mental side of this whole thing has been really really tough. And who knows when I’ll be able to run again, and if my goal of a half marathon next year is even realistic?
amanda
Oh I’m so sorry to hear that. It’s hard to know what the comeback will be like, it’s different for everyone. But if your doing all the strength and PT, I’d say chances are very good!
Amy
Great post Amanda. I’ve been out two months before with a knee injury. It’s since affected my running as in I can’t run very far anymore – I’m using strength training in the gym to help support it to hopefully one day I can return to higher mileage running.
Messi
Seriously ,More feelings and questions in one post. If a person is getting injured and despite of pain he is trying to recover from pain asap just because he wants to Run again means He is really wants to achive something. Love the post.
Thanks for sharing !!
Pickleball Portal
Great post, I have chronic achilles tendonitis so go back and forth between running/working out thru the pain. Cool combo of alternative activities you came up with: strength training, yoga. I just started doing some crossfit this year and alternate days with yoga…and pickleball evenings –people think it’s a weird mix but it works for me.