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If you're a regular runner, you'll have been asked by your non-runnng friends: Are you addicted? Mo Farah trained twice a day and ran 120 miles a week and he reaped his reward with the ultimate prize, a Gold medal. But what if you're an average Joe, training hard. Can running become an unhealthy obsession? Or is it the best thing you can do with your time on this planet? Is it addiction or dedication?
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I NEED to run. It is as simple as that and if I don't, I feel all wrong somehow. Im training at the moment for a half marathon so I have to run more miles than I normally would but I go out at least 4 times a week and I LOVE it!
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If I can't run I get massive withdrawal symptoms, despite my love/hate relationship with running. I recently had to have 9 weeks out due to injury and it was so so so tough. Came back stronger though and lovin' it more than ever! Non-runners just don't get it :D
Try to run over 40 miles a week. Depending where i am at I can get down if i miss a run, particularly if it is an enforced rest. When Marathon training, if I don't see the mileage building up that can bother me too but it's all in the head really. I am working on it!
Because you want to be in the best shape and give yourself the best chance of acheiving your goals it can seem addictive but that's because you know how hard it has been to get you where you are and you don't want to lose it!
Started running using a walk/run programme over 6 months ago, never thought i could run but i so enjoy it. It is my time. It is not a chore to do it. Loooking forward to my 1st 5k race at Loch Ness
I have been addicted last three years and I want MORE !!! :)
Yes. After running at least a few times a week for the last couple of months, I can definitely say its addictive!
I haven't run for 2 days due to a niggle, I so need to run!
Absolutely! It keeps me sane and helps relieve the pressures and stresses of the day.
I am addicted to running, if I don't get out for a few days I start to get grouchy. Even more annoyed when I have an injury as I am desperate to get out running again, even if it hurts. The physical pain is worth it for not having the mental anguish of not doing something. If I can't run, I walk, but even that isn't enough to stop the addiction.
not been able to run now for 8 weeks due to groin injury...help me please!!!!!!!!! am not happy and my fitness has suffered sooooo much.i was running 10k every other day and on course for my 1st marathon-Liverpool Oct 14th,pleasesomeone out there got any advise.i tried to run 5k other day-am in agony now but have more than rested it
Wish that I could run every day, having to rest in between is for the best but seems like a waste of time.
I love running!! Its a huge part of my life. I find it it one of the best ways to relax and chill out (although non runners cant understand this). It is a good social event too. I find it helps with my self confidence, i feel alot better about myself after a good run! If I dont/cant run then I get quite irritable. I find it hard to go more than 2 days without running. Running is amazing! :)
Running makes me feel so much better and I look forward to each run. Contemplating just wearing my running clothes - under every day clothes, instead of everyday normal clothes and as pyjamas so if I ever just feel like getting up and going out for a run, I can.
Absolutely! Can't stand when I miss a run..I look out the window with longing if I can't get out that day. Running keeps me sane and gives me a chance to self reflect and sort out my thoughts.
Addictive, but in a good way.
Absolutely addicted, but in a good way. I feel grumpy if I don't get a run in, keeps me happy & slim, allowing me to enjoy life to the fullest. I try to run 5-6 days a week, using my commute to work as a few runs as well, so clocking up anywhere from 20 miles in a lazy week, to 40/50 on a good week!
I feel myself strong while running and in a really good mood after finished. And I want to feel it again and again..!
Always found it easy to get addicted to those endorphins but I think I'm particularly addicted to running because there are so many targets I can set myself and push for and the feeling when I hit one is addictive in itself! Also LOVE the effect it's having on how I look, feel so much more confident and that's addictive too. Also hugely helps me destress from work so what is there not to love!
Ever since I did my first 10k race I have become even more addicted to running and all things running like shoes, GPS watches, races I can enter, training..I am not looking forward to the winter and trying to cram my running in at the wknd because it's too dark by the time I get home form work :-(
I need to run, the past couple of weeks I have been feeling very run down and am having to reduce my running. I am meant to be resting today and it is taking all my will power not to run
Running is addictive! I started running in May 2012 as a weight loss solution, considering I never run before and now I feel guilty when I don't run (on my rest day), even signed up to run 10k in 3 weeks time.
I would have to say that personally I find running addictive, but all in a positive way.
Running has helped with many aspects of my life; socially, psychologically and physically. That surely can't be a bad thing.
I also feel that through my running I am a positive role model to my 2 daughters who are at an impressionable age.
Running is addictive but it is healthy, natural and you're not pumping your body full of toxic substances. I may be missing something, but I haven't heard of anyone dying from running addiction!
Feel very confused by my feelings about this. I would say that I'm not addicted, that I enjoy it, feel better after having done it etc etc. I wouldn't want to give it up but could if I had to. I think!!! I'm beginning to sound like the people who smoke "only a few" and say they aren't addicted. Perhaps I should just embrace this and shout "I'm a running junkie!"
I get very addicted to running so much that i end up doing too much in too short a time then get injured because of my large frame, Once injured i then go into a depressive state put on loads of weight so so the vicious circle goes around and around,
Currently i am trying different ways of exercise (Gym & bike) and still get out running at least once a week to keep my addictive bug in shape, Heres to keeping injury free.
As addictive as a drug but with only benefits to attain. Can sometimes take a lot to get up and go but such an amazing feeling once going. I am one of those people that has to run to expel all negativity and feel an immense sense of freedom whilst going...can't imagine not running though need to up my game to partake in a marathon...
Madly beautifully addictive
most def, if im unable to run at least 5 days a week i worry, ridiculous really, i do anything from 4-8miles depending on children,shifts etc but have to run.however times when iv have to have 3/4 days off the next run is brilliant,lot to be said for resting i guess...fab for weight and positive thoughts :) oh and abit of ME TIME
Massively addictive in a great way! So many incentives to run....how could it not be addictive!
I am a different person If i don't have my daily run
It must be, I started running when I was 37 and apart from a couple of injuries, I've ran 5-6 days a week for the last 27yrs and still love it.
Definatly addicted, but for the good. Running gives me the chance to clear my mind, keep sane & is 'me' time. Even though I'm a busy mum who works as a full time nurse doing shift work , I still find the time to fit at least 4 runs into my week. Even if it means gettin up @ 5am before my shift!!! People in work think I'm mad running before a 12 hr shift but actually it sets me up for the day & I feel more energised!! I'm training for the Cardiff 1/2 marathon on oct 14th & hopefully the London marathon if I get accepted!!! Fingers crossed xxx
i get up at 4.30 to run before work it sets me up for the day if i miss a day i dont seem to have as much energy
But such a healthy addiction, beats smoking, drinking, gambling, drugs, etc.
Of course it is. I know how I get when I don't run, and it's not pleasant. Having said that, it's the best addiction I've ever had!
If we take the definition of addiction as something you are compelled to do/take and have to do/take more and more of it in order to get the same effect; then I'd argue that regular Joe's aren't addicted to running, it is a choice.
totally agree
Running is fun- and I can't get enough.
Definitely addictive, feel so down and grumpy if I don't manage to get out for a few days, just ask my wife :-
If it wasn't addictive we wouldn't do it!
If I don't run for more than 1 day my body feels horrible. I have aches and pains in places that have nothing to do with running. I get irritable and snap at people. I go for that run and, even though my regular running aches and pains come back, my mood is a million times better and I feel normal again. It's worse than crack. :)
Definitely addictive, I need my regular 'fix'! :o)
Running is totally addictive...but in a good way! You can only get results if you work hard, and to do that, you need a certain amount of obsession to push past the achy muscles.
So addictive, its almost a Bug!
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