Friday, March 7, 2014

The Running Streak and Exercise Addiction

Today was day 119 of what I originally set out to be a 120 day run streak experiment. I have already made the decision to not stop tomorrow.

Basically, I have an addictive personality. In my teens and early twenties smoking and drinking fueled that. As I made the transition to a healthier lifestyle, my obsession turned to running and exercising. I have always maintained what I feel is a good balance.

I am aware that I am heading down a dangerous road, so I am placing some limitations on my "run streak." I am not running an hour a day or anything now, and haven't been over the course of the last 119 days. I plan on continuing with the "rules" to run at least one mile a day. And I plan on at LEAST two of those days be JUST the one mile. Even as a slow runner, a mile takes just 10-11 minutes. If I start to feel any weirdo aches or pains, this will of course be reconsidered.

As for part two, I realize that I'm probably addicted to exercising and also plan on placing a limit on the amount of time I am putting into this. I need to write out a training plan (I really love structure) and follow it.

For ME, this lifestyle is helping to take my mind off my unhappiness. I don't know if that is a good thing or a bad thing, but it is making me feel better for now, so I'm going to roll with it.

7 comments:

  1. I completely know what you mean about the addictive personality... hello 50 states haha. I wish I could use it to my advantage though to be consistent. Based on your post I'm guessing some people have given you grief about so many days running? I think as long as you aren't "killing" every run, you should be fine. In the famous words of one of my good friends (said in a loud, 'ghetto' voice) "You do you!" its funny in person... apparently not so much typed out

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  2. I completely know what you mean about the addictive personality... hello 50 states haha. I wish I could use it to my advantage though to be consistent. Based on your post I'm guessing some people have given you grief about so many days running? I think as long as you aren't "killing" every run, you should be fine. In the famous words of one of my good friends (said in a loud, 'ghetto' voice) "You do you!" its funny in person... apparently not so much typed out

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  3. If you feel good and aren't injured, then why not!

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  4. Ok, I'm against it! Just because I think that if you cultivates addictions, your tendencies worsen. I don't really think there is anything wrong with running everyday, given the limits you placed on it, I just think that by telling yourself that this addiction is ok, you place yourself at risk: either for other addictive behaviors, or for carrying this one too far.
    That's my preachy two cents ;-)

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  5. Hey, running every day is way better than smoking and drinking! So keep running!!

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  6. My Coach is on a 20 year 2-mile run streak - he will be 65 this year!

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  7. if it's making you happy, DON'T stop. Any of it. Good to put limits maybe, but don't stop.

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Week in Review (November 12 - November 18)

Tuesday  (11,818 steps) - Olive walk before work. Went to the gym at lunch. Ambitiously thought I could climb the tallest building in Dubai ...