Leo Lundy, a researcher at the Trinity Centre for Biomedical Engineering, has uncovered a surprising trend among marathon runners that could have significant implications for mental health and personal relationships. With approximately 6,000 aspiring members of the 100 Marathon Club in the UK, the nation boasts one of the highest numbers of multi-marathoners per capita globally. This surge in endurance sports is largely driven by midlife individuals, many of whom did not start running until their 40s.
Lundy, a marathon runner himself, embarked on a study to explore whether repeated marathon running truly benefits mental well-being. His research, conducted with colleagues from the Trinity School of Medicine, surveyed 576 male and female marathon runners in their 40s and 50s from 22 countries, including the UK and Ireland. These individuals, classified as “multi-marathoners,” are part of a growing trend of people repeatedly completing the 26.2-mile distance.
The Mental Health Paradox
Initially, a staggering 94 percent of runners believed that marathon running was beneficial for their mental health. However, Lundy’s subsequent psychological tests revealed a more complex picture. “In 25 percent of cases, the results for depression and anxiety were worryingly high,” Lundy reported. His findings, published in the Acta Psychologica journal, indicated that about 8 percent of these runners fell into a high-risk category for clinical depression and severe anxiety, exceeding World Health Organization norms.
“The study highlights that marathon running is not a guarantee of good mental health,” Lundy says. “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.”
Even those who never plan to run more than one marathon should consider these findings carefully. The physical and emotional demands of training and racing can lead to a period of downtime afterward, which can affect mood and well-being.
The Impact on Relationships
Ammanda Major, a sex and relationship counsellor and clinical director for the charity Relate at Family Action, highlights another dimension of marathon running: its impact on relationships. “Focused, time-consuming physical activities such as marathons create neurobiological feedback loops that make you feel good, so you do more of them,” she explains. However, the time spent away from relationships can lead to feelings of alienation and neglect among partners.
A study in the Sociology of Sport suggested that newcomers to marathon running often experience an “identity transformation” as they become immersed in the activity, potentially operating in a social world outside their partnership or marriage. Researchers from the Academic College at Wingate in Israel noted that this transformation could jeopardize relationships, sometimes leading to their breakdown.
“Even if the non-running partner is supportive, embracing a serious marathon identity by the running partner can jeopardize the marriage [or partnership],” the researchers stated. “The partnership may crumble as a result.”
Understanding the Runner’s Blues
Psychologists have identified a phenomenon known as the runner’s blues, a common experience among endurance athletes. Researchers from Linnaeus University in Sweden interviewed 16 recreational runners and triathletes about their emotional state within six months of participating in an endurance event. While some felt “high on life” post-race, many experienced “loss of energy, ambivalence, and melancholy.”
Sofia Ryman Augustsson, an associate professor of sports science and lead author of the study, described these negative emotions as “physically and mentally challenging.” Participants often attributed their post-race blues to the time spent training for a specific race and the perceived inability to set new goals.
Finding Balance and Moving Forward
Lundy emphasizes the importance of awareness regarding overtraining and exercise dependence. “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 advises. Additionally, maintaining balance in personal relationships is crucial. “It should not take over your life to the extent that everything else is adversely impacted,” Major cautions.
For those contemplating another marathon, it is essential to consider the broader impact on life and relationships. As one runner reflects, “My last marathon was in 2011, after which I vowed not to do another until I had more time on my hands and the kids had grown up. Now that they have, there’s a nagging desire to try one more within the next few years, maybe to sign off my fifth decade.”
How to Save Your Relationship
- Re-engage with your partner: After training, make time to reconnect with your partner by discussing their day and shared interests.
- Involve your partner: Share aspects of your training without overwhelming conversations, and make space for their interests.
- Be prepared to compromise: Plan training and events together to avoid conflicts with family commitments.
- Reflect on your motivations: Consider whether your training is a genuine interest or an escape from relationship issues.
Ultimately, achieving balance between personal goals and relationship commitments is key to maintaining both mental health and healthy relationships. As Lundy and Major suggest, awareness and communication are vital components of this balance.
