Leo Lundy, a researcher at the Trinity Centre for Biomedical Engineering, has uncovered a surprising trend among marathon enthusiasts. According to Lundy, the UK boasts one of the highest numbers of multi-marathoners per capita globally, with about 6,000 aspiring members of the 100 Marathon Club. This surge in marathon participation is largely driven by middle-aged individuals discovering running later in life. “There is a real wave of interest in running at the moment and most people who finish multiple marathons are middle-aged,” Lundy explains. “Many probably didn’t start running until they were 40 but some go on to do several more events and try ultramarathons too.”
As a seasoned runner himself, Lundy, 61, embarked on a study to examine whether repeated marathon running truly benefits mental well-being. His research, conducted with colleagues from the Trinity School of Medicine, surveyed 576 marathon runners in their forties and fifties from 22 countries, including the UK and Ireland. These individuals, known as “multi-marathoners,” are part of a growing trend of runners aiming to complete the 26.2-mile distance multiple times.
Initially, 94% of the runners believed marathon running was beneficial to their mental health. However, Lundy’s follow-up psychological tests revealed that 25% of participants exhibited worryingly high levels of depression and anxiety. His findings, published in the Acta Psychologica journal, showed that 8% of these runners were at high risk for clinical depression and severe anxiety, significantly exceeding World Health Organization norms.
Running and Mental Health: A Complex Relationship
The study highlights that marathon running is not a guaranteed path to mental well-being. While 75% of participants reported feeling better, Lundy warns that constant physical and mental strain can lead to burnout and anxiety. “It is when the body and mind are under constant strain, and for some runners the habit becomes more of a coping mechanism than a joy, that burnout and anxiety can creep in,” he says.
Even those who only plan to run a single marathon should be cautious. The rigorous training, anticipation, and emotional highs and lows can lead to a period of downtime post-race. “You have the months of training, the weeks leading up to it, the adrenaline on the day, the energy required to complete the race and the euphoria of crossing the line,” Lundy notes. “Because of this there will usually be a period of downtime afterwards.”
The Impact on Relationships
Ammanda Major, a sex and relationship counsellor and clinical director for the charity Relate at Family Action, points out that the time demands of endurance sports can strain relationships. “Focused, time-consuming physical activities such as marathons, triathlons, and golf create neurobiological feedback loops in that they make you feel good, so you do more of them,” she says. “But if you start spending inordinate amounts of time away from your relationship due to an activity then partners might feel it is a choice you have made and start to feel alienated and neglected.”
A study in the Sociology of Sport suggests that newcomers to marathon running often undergo an “identity transformation,” immersing themselves in a new “running social world” that can operate outside their partnership or marriage. Researchers from the Academic College at Wingate in Israel note that even if the non-running partner is supportive, the running partner’s serious commitment to marathons can jeopardize the relationship.
“Even if the non-running partner is supportive, embracing a serious marathon identity by the running partner can jeopardise the marriage [or partnership],” researchers stated, adding that sometimes “the partnership may crumble” as a result.
Balancing Passion and Partnership
Preparing for a marathon can consume one’s life, affecting everything from sleep patterns to diet. Conversations often revolve around training specifics, and social activities may be sacrificed for early bedtimes and morning runs. This intense focus can lead to a “mourning period” after the event, where the lack of a training goal causes a slump in mood.
Psychologists have identified this phenomenon as the “runner’s blues.” A study by Linnaeus University in Sweden found that while some runners feel “high on life” post-race, many experience “loss of energy, ambivalence, and melancholy.” Sofia Ryman Augustsson, an associate professor of sports science, notes that negative post-race emotions are “physically and mentally challenging,” often stemming from the time invested in training and the difficulty in setting new goals.
Lundy advises runners to be aware of overtraining and its potential impact on mental health and relationships. “Making time for recovery, keeping running enjoyable rather than compulsive, and talking openly about mental health in running clubs or groups could go a long way,” he says. Similarly, Major emphasizes the importance of maintaining a balance between running and personal life. “It should not take over your life to the extent that everything else is adversely impacted.”
Strategies for Maintaining Relationship Harmony
To prevent running from straining relationships, Major suggests several strategies:
- Re-engage with your partner: After a training run, make an effort to re-enter your relationship by asking about your partner’s day and showing interest in their concerns.
- Involve your partner to some extent: Share aspects of your running journey without overwhelming your partner, and acknowledge the importance of their interests as well.
- Be prepared to compromise: Discuss training and competition plans with your partner to avoid conflicts with family commitments.
- Reflect on your motivations: If training becomes an obsession, consider whether it is a means of escaping relationship issues and seek therapy if necessary.
Ultimately, balancing marathon ambitions with relationship commitments requires open communication and mutual understanding. As Lundy and Major suggest, maintaining a healthy relationship while pursuing personal goals involves compromise, empathy, and a willingness to prioritize both running and personal connections.
