Addiction To Running: When You Run More, It Is Never Enough

It usually takes time and effort to start exercising. It takes a lot of self-control and a lot of willpower to make exercise a habit. When we make it a habit, it can become an irreplaceable hobby in our lives. Playing sports offers so many benefits, including a better physical shape, a better appearance, and more positive emotions. But can exercise be harmful? Yes of course. In fact, if exercise becomes the focus of our lives, it can become an obsession. Exercising will never be enough to satisfy you, and you will constantly demand more. An example of this obsession is a dependence on running.

Benefits of running

Exercise contributes to better health. On the one hand, it helps prevent cardiovascular problems and other chronic diseases. It also reduces the risk of an early death. Exercise also improves  our mood and promotes positive emotions. In addition, it affects our sleep quality. But what are the benefits of running in particular?

This activity can produce a euphoria called runners high . Runners high is an exercise intoxication and a phenomenon that researchers have studied extensively. It is a neurological reward that appears after running long distances. The effects are clear. It improves mood and gives a feeling of well-being while reducing pain.

How to get rid of an addiction to running?

Now, how does running, a beneficial behavior, turn into something addictive and harmful? The reality is that running involves a number of physiological, psychological and sociocultural factors that contribute to the danger.

At the physiological level, we activate the endogenous opioid system in the brain when we run. Opioid substances such as endorphins are activated, and this contributes to an analgesic effect and an increase in emotional well-being.

At the psychological level, the factors that influence this process begin with how to improve the state of mind. Running regularly leads to an increase in self-confidence, self-esteem and it strengthens social relationships.

Finally, the socio-cultural factors associated with the ideal body image have a major impact. We see running as a way to have the perfect physique. The danger is that running becomes the tool to achieve a number of personal benefits, such as a better body.

When do you develop an addiction to running?

In the beginning, a running habit is not necessarily bad. In fact, if you have a regular and balanced routine, you can take advantage of its positive aspects without harming yourself.

Addiction to running occurs when we no longer train for pleasure. Rather, it becomes an obligation, an obsession that governs our routine. Therefore, we lose our ability to control this behavior. This increases the chances of being injured and feeling uncomfortable.

Also, when we are faced with an addiction, our behavior generally changes because we feel we need to exercise. Because of this, we become more anxious and irritable in other areas of our lives. These other areas can be pushed aside while running takes over. Our social, family and work life can be weakened because our main goal is to run, even if this means putting aside things that were important to us before.

Photos courtesy of Seth Macey, Steven Lelham and Emma Simpson.