A Runner’s Biggest Fear

Recently Women’s Running Magazine asked women what is their biggest fear about running. Some of the answers were quite entertaining. On the chance you missed it, I thought it would be fun to share some of them with you.

One incredibly honest soul said, “Falling and messing up my teeth.” She must have a really beautiful smile. =D

Someone else’s fear is, “Getting injured and never ever being able to run again.” Never. Ever. Ever. Someone needs a hug and a first aid kit.

I’m seriously concerned for this next commenter, who responded, “Having a heart attack.” I understand. I can’t say that thought has not crossed my mind during especially strenuous workouts. Um, may I suggest cutting back on the speed work? Staying alive should be tippy top on the to-do list today and every day. At least top three. (I hope that person was exaggerating!)

The list of running fears went on and on. There were many comments.

“The dreaded line at the port-o-potty that ruins your time!!” She must have been running a few paces behind this lady, whose greatest fear is, “Peeing in my pants…….” I like the dot dot dot, as if there is a story behind this.

Another brave runner faces a particularly dangerous obstacle on the trail every day. She has fears of “getting eaten by a mountain lion.” Wait…what!?! Note to self: Don’t run on the sidewalks by the zoo.

One woman said, “It’s a toss up between throwing up while running, stray dogs, and criminals.” I don’t like vomiting either but on the scale of scary things I don’t think it places anywhere near assault. But that’s just me.

This comment left me perplexed. “I love running outdoors! But I fear a crazy person taking advantage of a solo female runner! So I run with mace, stun gun, and pocket knife!” Yes, that will scare off the crazy people. And take some scissors with you just in case you drop the knife somewhere along the way. I believe you may be your own worst enemy.

But I must give out my Honorable Mention award to this lady’s response when asked her biggest running fear: “Teenage boys with paintball guns.” Honey, where do you LIVE? You’ve got to get yourself into a safer neighborhood. At least find a new route. Mix it up a bit! We might need to hook you up with Runs With Scissors to get some protection for yourself.

So I ask you, what is it you think about when you’re out there running? Mountain lions and mace? Are these ladies’ fears representative of us as a group? What do you think? I think that there may be an ounce of truth in them or it wouldn’t be so hilarious. =D

Ok, so away from the ridiculous and into the relevant. One of the most frequently mentioned running fears is a “did not finish”, or “DNF”. In the world of running there may be nothing that messes with our head more than to set out with determination and a goal but instead go home disappointed. So here is something that I learned about while studying psychology and it really helps me to stay in a positive frame of mind while running.

Our minds and our bodies are connected. Our thoughts have an affect on our bodies. When our minds are focusing on how difficult a run is, our bodies have a physical response to those thoughts. It may be at a subtle level, flying just below the radar of detection, but it weakens our overall performance and increases the difficulty factor. We can improve our performance by being proactive in choosing our thoughts.

1. Focus on the benefit instead of the cost. Remind yourself why you chose to take up running in the first place. Weight loss goal? Feeling of accomplishment? Raising money for your favorite charity? Improved self esteem? Some quiet time by yourself to think? Stay in shape to keep up with the kids? Put that prize in front of you like a mental carrot and chase it down the trail.
2. Put it into perspective. Eavesdrop on that conversation going on in between your ears. What you hear is called your self talk. Research shows that self talk has a tremendous impact on your performance. If you haven't learned how to enjoy running yet, what are you saying to yourself when you run? "I really don't like to run. This is so hard. I want to quit. How much further?" Try this instead. Put the truth into perspective with the bigger picture in mind. “I don’t enjoy running right now, but every time I run it gets a little easier. My body gets stronger, I gain confidence, and I get a little closer to my goal.”
3. Embrace the difficulty. Release the idea that life should be comfortable and convenient. Research suggests that a life purposed for comfort and convenience results in a rather unfulfilling, not to mention unremarkable, life. Overcoming obstacles is one piece in life’s puzzle that makes an interesting, happy person. If we stop wasting emotional energy being unhappy that life is not easier than it is, and we choose to accept that the best things in life are worth fighting for, we can redirect that emotional energy into pursuits and relationships that make life worth living. If running were easy, everyone would do it. It is difficult and that’s partly why it is so rewarding.

Worst case scenario...you don’t finish a race. Yes, you will be super disappointed. Yes, everyone will tell you, with honest sincerity, that you made the right decision to pull out. You will appreciate their support and you will agree that you made a wise choice, but you will still be disappointed. However, the story does not end there. Your life is more than a single moment in time. There will be another race. Dust it off and get back on the running trail.

Challenge: Listen to your self talk during your next run. What adjustments can be made to make your running experience a more pleasurable one?