As the popularity of marathon running surges, a new study suggests that the pursuit of endurance sports might have unintended consequences on personal relationships. Leo Lundy, a researcher at the Trinity Centre for Biomedical Engineering, highlights that the UK boasts one of the highest numbers of multi-marathoners per capita globally. This trend is largely driven by midlife individuals, many of whom start running marathons in their 40s and continue to participate in ultramarathons.
Lundy, 61, a marathon runner himself, sought to understand the mental health implications of repeated marathon running. His research, conducted with colleagues from the Trinity School of Medicine, surveyed 576 marathon runners in their forties and fifties from 22 countries. The findings, published in the Acta Psychologica journal, revealed that while 94% of participants initially believed running was beneficial for their mental health, psychological tests indicated that 25% exhibited high levels of depression and anxiety.
The Psychological Toll of Marathon Running
The study’s results showed that about 8% of these runners were at high risk for clinical depression and severe anxiety, surpassing World Health Organization norms. Lundy emphasizes that marathon running does not guarantee mental well-being. While 75% of participants reported feeling better, the constant strain on the body and mind can lead to burnout and anxiety.
Even those who run a single marathon should consider these findings. The intense preparation, adrenaline on race day, and post-race euphoria often lead to a period of downtime. Ammanda Major, a sex and relationship counsellor, notes that the time demands of endurance sports can strain relationships. She explains that activities like marathons create neurobiological feedback loops, making individuals feel good and encouraging more participation, potentially alienating partners.
Identity Transformation and Relationship Strain
A study in the Sociology of Sport suggests that marathon newcomers often undergo an identity transformation, entering a “running social world” that may operate outside their partnerships. Researchers from the Academic College at Wingate in Israel found that embracing a marathon identity can jeopardize relationships, sometimes leading to their dissolution.
As someone who has completed multiple marathons, I can attest to the all-consuming nature of training. Conversations and daily routines revolve around running, from dietary choices to sleep schedules. The training process can overshadow personal relationships, and post-marathon, there’s often a “mourning period” marked by a lack of motivation and camaraderie.
Managing the Runner’s Blues
The phenomenon known as “runner’s blues” is not uncommon. Research from Linnaeus University in Sweden found that negative emotions post-race are both physically and mentally challenging. Participants attributed these feelings to the extensive time spent training and the difficulty in setting new goals.
Lundy advises runners to be aware of overtraining and exercise dependence. Recovery time, maintaining enjoyment in running, and open discussions about mental health in running communities are crucial. Balancing running with personal relationships and other life events is essential, as Major points out.
Strategies to Protect Relationships
For those juggling marathon training and relationships, re-engaging with partners is vital. Major suggests creating space for re-entry into relationships after training sessions and involving partners in the journey to some extent. Communication and compromise are key, as is understanding the underlying reasons for a growing obsession with training.
If marathon training becomes a means of escaping relationship issues, it may be time to seek therapy. Balancing personal goals with relationship commitments can prevent the marathon-marriage paradox from taking a toll on personal lives.
