The qualities that drive many ultra athletes to succeed can also be their downfall if left unchecked. One study dives into the complexities of ultrarunners and exercise dependency.

Report of a study in Trail Runner about exercise dependency. From the article:

The criteria used to evaluate exercise addiction include Salience, which refers to prioritizing exercise over other obligations; Conflict, which arises between exercise and responsibilities; Mood Modification, using exercise to enhance emotional well-being; Tolerance, requiring more exercise to achieve the same mental benefits; Withdrawal, leading to negative emotions when unable to exercise; and Relapse, returning to excessive exercise after reducing activity.

Interesting. We often have conflicts around our house about the time I spend running and recovering from running. And I definitely use running to help myself stay positive.

What do you guys think?

  • markstos@lemmy.world
    242·
    1 year ago

    The article says it “focused on 12 hospitalized ultra-runners”.

    That’s a very small sample size… and everyone in the study had run to the point they needed hospitalization.

    If you want to conclude that some people run too much, talking to a dozen runners in the hospital would be a good start.