High Stress Poor Running

Stress may be internal or external and can impact the body physically, psychologically, emotionally and behaviourally.

Stress is also known to result in poor running performance with a higher risk of injury and poor recovery from training.

We illustrate the body’s reactions to chronic stress and the signs and symptoms to observe for.

Finally, we provide some nutrition and lifestyle hints and tips to help you ‘de-stress’.

LISTEN HERE Episode 19: High Stress Poor Running

SHOW NOTES

High Stress Poor Running

05:29

Stress can impact us physically, psychologically, behaviourally and emotionally. Here we focus on the definition of stress and how the body reacts to it with an emphasis on chronic stress and the stress hormone cortisol

12:00

Thinking about some of the symptoms associated with chronic stress including over/under eating, muscle aches and pains, loss of motivation, and poor running performance

20:17

Delving into the consequences of chronic stress on running performance with a focus on immunosuppression and its influence on recovery and injury from training

27:08

Some “stressors” are outside of our control, so it is important to acknowledge the ones within our control and address them. By minimising and/or eliminating the controllable stress, we help the body deal with the stressors outside of our control. Here, we discuss some TIPS to help relieve stress with an emphasis on food, caffeine and alcohol

34:38

Lifestyle factors are also key in helping people deal with stress. It is important to remember that running training could be a STRESSOR. This is addressed alongside other lifestyle factors that may add to or help reduce the body’s stress load

FEMALE FACTORS

High Stress Poor Running

In this episode we did not highlight the female factors, however they are very similar to the ones discussed in Ep18 Intermittent Fasting and the Female Runner.

The focus is on an imbalance of female sex hormones and the health and running performance implications of this.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

High Stress Poor Running

• An appropriate amount of stress is supportive to health…it is what gets us up in the morning and what stimulates us
• It is the chronic unremitting stress that can be detrimental to health and affect our running performance
• Remember that stress can affect us physically, psychologically, behaviourally and emotionally
• If you are struggling with your recovery from training – consider the stressors in your life and address them
• Remember there are some stressors that are outside our control, so address the ones within your control eg. diet, stimulants, training load
• Take time for you…..enjoy a bath, a walk, reading, yoga
• Learn to say “No”
• It is important to take care of yourself in order to be able to look after others…make YOU a priority

Related Episodes:

Endurance Running and Immune System


Intermittent Fasting and the Female Runner

Disclaimer:

The suggestions we make during this episode are for guidance and advice only, and are not a substitute for medical advice or treatment. If you have any concerns regarding your health, please contact your healthcare professional for advice as soon as possible.