How we all doing? Feels like an age since my last post on the HealthUnlocked forum, totally forgot about these communities of support.
Anyway, a quick query from me, I've been running now for around 12/18 months. I completed the Couch to 5K program last year, and have slowly been building up my running, managing a full 7K in Jan, and then the pandemic hit, joy.
Since then, I can barely manage a 5k without one of the two things happening, one I get anxiety which completely halts my running as the first place it targets is my stomach (physical symptoms), or the second one is I feel exhausted, or I have gone too far away from home (again triggering anxiety).
On average I say I'm getting 1/4 runs without anxiety, some weeks I can push it to 2. I do have a history of GAD (General Anxiety Disorder) which as well as weighing almost 20 stone 4 3 years ago was one of the reasons I took up running, now weighing in at 15 stone 4.
I really don't want to give up running as it keeps me healthy and despite the anxiety attacks I do enjoy it.
Any tips or pointers would be awesome.
Thank you
Robert
Written by
ethreeguy
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Thank you. I've tried mindfulness breathing, not sure if that's the same thing as Focused breathing, and have to say it makes me rather frustrated...
Thank you for sharing Robert. One tip is that when you get these signs is to say to yourself, 'my mind is giving me the thought that...' this way it takes the pressure off of you. Then you can answer back something like, 'Ah! I was waiting for you, no thanks I'm going to run anyway.' Embrace the fears rather than push them away too. That way you can talk to them and it's not so limiting. Going out of the door is always a victory in itself, so each step you take , view as a step further to driving those anxieties away. Going far away from home could be re-framed as 'I'm taking some control now and I'll turn for home when I'm ready' and increase the distance bit by bit. There are some awesome podcasts free on BBC sounds all about the relationship between sport and mental health called 'Don't Tell Me The Score' this would be helpful too. Best wishes.
Oh wow! I didn't know about the BBC Sounds, I'll take a nose a those.
Fab tips as well, I'll give those a go, I try not to engage with my thoughts, sometimes it works, sometimes it gets the better of me. I shall definitely give those a go. Thank you.
The 'Don't tell me the score' podcasts on BBC sounds are amazing and insightful.
Someone recommended them to me a year or so ago, you'll hear some of the biggest and best people from sport and there is so much we can all learn from them and incorporate their often great ideas or approaches into our everyday lives.
I particularly recommend the episode with Steve Peters called 'Managing your mind'.
Well done on your previous progress with running and weight loss. Remind yourself of what you achieved and celebrate it. Perfectly understandable to feel extra anxiety at the moment. How about instead of aiming for a set distance to run each time changing that focus to going for a run - no pressure on speed, distance or time. Then each run gets marked up as a win giving you positive reinforcement. Happy running 🤗
Ah that's a good idea as well. It will take the pressure off I have to say. I guess I worry about slipping back into old habits i.e. 0 running and eating all the wrong things.
Shall give that a whirl on my next run which is Friday, strengthening day tomorrow.
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