I feel very fortunate in the sense that negative thoughts don’t tend to come to me when I’m running. They actually tend to come to me when I haven’t been out for a run or I have procrastinated for a prolonged period of time. In fact when I’m on a run the negative thoughts tend to disappear and are replaced by much more positive thoughts about a whole manor of things in my life. It’s a large part of why I love running so much. To anyone suffering I hope you can find some relief and know that you may be low at the moment but you must keep going as you will be back on an upwards trajectory again. Keep on keeping on. Reach out to someone if your struggling right now. Good times will come back to you again.
Thanks Ben for another great video. I have ADHD and I can find it hard to filter my thoughts and focus on most daily tasks. What I have loved about running is that I seem to be able to be one with myself. Meditation is not something I’ve been able to focus on long enough before getting distracted but on my runs it’s just me and my thoughts. I purposely don’t listen to music or podcasts for this reason. The only negative thoughts I get is my brain telling me I can’t do this (run) and I tell myself off and try to recite my mantras in my head or out loud. Speaking of, today I completed my first 5K race. I ran/walk and got a time of 54:16. I am super happy with that, I ugly cried as I crossed the finish line as in a million years I didn’t think I would ever be able to have that especially after I was hit with many illnesses including Covid over the past couple of months. I don’t think I would have done it without your encouragement so thanks so much! I have another race booked in October and I am hoping to get my time down into the 40s. I hope you feel better soon! ❤️
I did a 22.20 parkrun just before the lurgi struck.I did a 22.20 parkrun two weeks later.Sorted?Nah.Anxiety levels ramped up,crying at work every morning, scared to be on my own.I am prone to this though and have to be VERY careful about over training.Personally, I can't hide behind running.I need all the different types of help I can get.A gentle daily routine of yoga and meditation has made me a bit more resiliant.Though I struggle with gentle anything..Thank you so much for putting this up.I love running, it is just one of many things I use to try and live as productive and healthy life as best I can, while living with a long term mental health condition.Take care brother, think of the long game.This will pass.
Me too, exact same situation !! it sucks everything feels so much harder Ive tried 2 runs so far . have u read up on anything on how to get back into things is it good to keep trying to run?? hope your well and we both recover back to normal soon !
@@emmaLFC I spent some time in the sauna (20-30 min sessions every day) and it helped. I got Covid 2 weeks ago and while I’m not 100% back to normal I just ran a half marathon today and felt decent. I remember a week ago I tried to run a 5k at my slow ish speed and my HR was ~20 bpm higher than usual not to mention I felt really gassed at the end of the run whereas today I feel pretty good even post race.
This was really good. I suffer from OCD/intrusive thoughts and running wasn't enough I needed to start talking and understanding my brain more. Now when I run and if they come I accept them and keep pushing I enjoy running more now because I'm no longer running from them but with them and they don't bother me most of the time 😎💪. It's ok to be not ok and always talk up people 🥰
Does anyone else only experience the “runners high” during slower efforts? I’ve never had it during a time trial or faster day. But I get it pretty regularly on long slow days.( which may be why it’s hard for me to force myself to do those faster effort days)
Hi Ben great video as usual, I actually started running because of stress and anxiety and I can happily say it is the most effective thing that I have ever done. Your channel was the first running channel I subscribed to. This tied in with healthy living has been my saviour thank you for the fantastic content over the last few years. 🙌
I use Metta meditation for some of my runs. The concept is to send positive thoughts to people in your life. Traditionally it is: may you be healthy, may you be happy, may you know peace, may you know love. Which becomes 'healthy, happy, peace, love,' to my footfall cadence while imaging the person .
This is exactly what I needed to know today. Last week I was struggling mentally with a lot of negative thoughts when I went out running. Your advice is very helpful. Thank you;-))
running for my mental health is the main reason I do it. Beside the physical effects. Getting new Ideas, relaxing on the run has something meditating. Talking to myself , solving simple calculations or just enjoying nature. Sometimes I give special places names to remember only when I am there again. Sounds crazy? I do not care. No music no smartphone keep it as simple as possible. That is why I like running do not have this kind of thoughts at any other sport.
Hope you and Mary are feeling better!! It took me a good month before I felt good again running after Covid. Lungs and chest just felt so heavy. And you are right, running helps your mental health symptoms but not the cause. But oh does it make me feel so much better after a nice run!
Great video! Went into a lot of my thoughts lately. Glad I found your channel. Covid did a mess in my base HR. Took me a block of 4w focused on base to go back to my old self. Took the chance to focus on basics and patience.
Newer to running, never thought I would ever just get in the zone. Last week during hill repeats it just happened. Felt like I could of just gone all day. Mental health so overlooked portion of our overall health. And thank you for sharing!
This was awesome definitely gonna try out those workouts! I started running the first lockdown here in NZ and I believe it changed my life. Started out not being able to Run 5Ks now doing Ultras! It’s giving be the ability to believe in myself. i use running as a way to process my thoughts but you are right you need to go deeper! So I started counselling this year (which I never thought I needed) it’s amazing getting to the core of those thoughts 💭 that always come up. And I’m slowly learning how to get control of my thoughts. Thx for the awesome video 🙏 so glad you guys are back in action!
It’s not good to rely on any one thing to build positivity around - because when it stops, or something prevents us from engaging with it, we are put back to square one of despair. If we associate our happiness with running then what happens when injured? If it’s with a partner, what happens when we fight or break up? If it’s with work, then what about when we’re on annual leave or laid off? Positive mental health comes from the acceptance that you are NEVER in control of ANYTHING and that it is the attempt to control our lives that impacts our ability to be happy.
Very good points there and I’d agree in general. I would argue the control bit a little. That’s the point of stoicicsm - that you can’t control what happens to you but you can control how you react to it. So you do have control 😉😊
Hello, MASSIVE RESPECT TO YOU AND ALL YOU REPRESENT ON THE CHANEL!!! I’ve only been running with purpose for 8 months. I’ve cleaned up life over the last 5 years and this year I sacked off alcohol and cleaned up my diet. RESULTS - Before 5km - 24mins 10km N/A Now 5km - 19.20 10km - 41.30 15km - 1hour 7mins I’ve lost 12kg too. I’m so happy and I’ve now entered a half marathon, it’s 13 weeks away. Thanks for so a great inspirational Chanel! #runningrules! #runforlife!
I want to thank you and Mary for bringing such valuable information to the channel. I have learned so much in the past few days. Sorry to hear that you guys are sick, wishing you both a very speedy recovery. :)
You are the common-man runner, speaking talkin' and sharing tips that an ordinary runner like me wants to hear, and that's the reason why I keep coming back for your videos and knowledge! Thank you, brother! I wish you well and God bless!
Thank you for this video! Exactly what I needed after my operation few weeks ago. I am facing anxiety and running was always my solution for anxiety, but in this moment running is not enough unfortunately. I came back running 10 days after my operation and it was ok, very hard, but ok. I had very big expectations about it and I just realized that it wasn't enough. I will try some of your suggestions..💖
Wow this is such a powerful video. Other running channels focus just on running content, but you combine running with mindfullness and mental health. This is a unique channel; please keep making videos as they have helped myself and many others improve our running, but also our approach to living a happier life!!!
It took us over a month to even start running again after Covid...it was/is our stress relief...stay safe. I remember you saying it is the lifetime journey (running)...so hopefully we all get better and recover soon...thanks for another great video. You guys take care...Donna & Darin
From my experience, only using running for mental health is problem because when I first started out I only needed to run for maybe 30-45 min and I would be very tired out in a good way and I felt like I didn’t have anymore stress. The more I ran, the more fit I became which meant I had to run longer to experience that same feeling. And the problem is if I want to keep chasing that feeling, it comes at a cost of my body and it would get to the point that running was counterproductive for my mental health because of the physical toll it took on my body to achieve that mental state. Anyone else experience this?
Yeah, I’ve had days where I thought “I could really use a run right now” but my body was still recovering from a workout so it wouldn’t have been wise to go run. I think sometimes you’ve also just got to accept that there will be bad days and little you can do about it. Maybe get an early night’s sleep and hopefully feel better in the morning, or at least more recovered so you can run again 😄
I just checked my first run after CO VID and my despite it being the hardest run ever, my heartrate was normal. I loaded up on natural antivirals though, maybe it helped me get back faster. Running to me is a mood enhancer, it boosts my self esteem because I feel healthier and look fitter than I did at 30. I used to feel anxious because I felt there was something missing in my life, running has filled this massive void and it was quite troubling. I used to fill the void with 2 pints of beer per day and it only made me tired and bloated. Thanks for touching on the topic, it's a heavy one! 🙏
Teaching yourself to relax while running can be priceless! Teaching ourselves to be in the moment and ignore your “Monkey Mind! Another part is to focus several times a day for 15 minutes a dream you want to come true. One of my favorites was the 100th running of the Boston Marathon. I went all over the country to run marathons to qualify. I would come up close but not enough. I finally went to a psychic and she said. “Make the commitment first. So I got my room at the finish line and airline tickets. I even went to a party in town for all those going to the race. They would ask. “Are you going to run the race?” And I would respond “I don’t know. Anyway two months before the marathon the Boston Athletic Association had a lottery for those wanting to go. I believe I was in the top ten from Oklahoma. Dream your dream and watch it happen. And tell nobody until that dream comes true! Enjoy!
Great video Ben. I think its really important not to be too reliant on running to keep your mental health in check. I've been guilty of this in the past and it makes you really prone to poor mental health when it comes to injury or anything that gets in the way of being able to exercise. Needs to be some way to look after your headspace no matter what activity you're doing. Easier said than done though huh!
Glad to see you back on the run. I am 20 days out from my first day of covid. I also am seeing my heartrate go higher than normal for the effort I'm running. Of course the heatwave of 90+ degree days here in New England isn't helping either! But definitely I'm having to dial it back.
Thanks Ben so much to relate to here. You hit the mail on the head, running definitely helps and has many mental health benefits. However I have now noticed the “big issues” are more present and demanding recognition. I think partly due to clarity of thought making the smaller things take their rightful spot, and the want/need to tackle the underlying issues. During my walk this morning I came to the realisation that I need to talk to a professional to help untangle the mental mess.
Do some experimental stretching if you want to put yourself in a more positiv mindset. Also running with the arms more bent, hip more in front, narrow steps and more spine-rotation might help (releases tensions from neck and shoulders). To put in some sprints on slow runs is what we just to do way back when chasing down a prey, so that's maybe good to. That's my advice.
Excellent stuff Ben. I'm definitely a stoic by nature and running helps me clear my head, clarify thoughts and enjoy being me. While running i do a little mindfulness thing, i naturally tend to hunch and tighten my shoulders and clench my hands a bit much, so to counter this and relax i simply touch my fingers to my thumbs, in order. Little pinky first then on through to my index finger. Its the signal to relax my shoulders, arms and hands, run tall and get my form back. For someone reason it triggers me back into the moment so to speak.
Probably not directly comparable, because I got COVID long before vaccines were a thing, but when I first got over the main illness, simply standing up for five minutes would see my heart rate jump to near my max. It's very odd to feel like you're in the last kilometre of a 5km when standing still.
Keeping my HR down post covid was hard for me too! And I didn't even have a bad cough or anything. Just gotta be patient. My safe word or my trigger while running is to think about my jaw. If I make sure to relax it, the rest of my body follows.
I had COVID in early April this year. It was 3 weeks before the Boston UK Half Marathon. I had had a rest week previous, followed by the isolation period and then I was playing catch up before the event. I completed the half but I was definitely hampered by it during the event, after 15k I had very little left in the tank. A couple of my fellow running club member had COVID at the same time and deferred the event. It does take time but be patient it will come back, it will get easier and the JOY does return.
Good talk. Gotta hear it again to digest. Slightly new runner here, and I haven't found the runner's high, and still struggle to get out of bed and be productive. For me I think, I HAVE to make running a routine (like at the same time every morning). I managed to complete two challenges (5K a day in March and 200km in June) but it was an obsessive pursuit and nothing else got done, and I crashed in the non-challenge months. But I AM happy with my progress of being even able to run. It's just the motivation and commitment (OH NO she said the C word!!!)
I jog 3-4 times a week, sometimes more. It relieves depression, anxiety, helps me sleep better, and tolerate stress with more ease. The physical benefits of losing weight are just a side plus, the main reward for me is mental.
I have suffered with depression. I find being out in nature helps tremendously. I've got my allotment which helps so much when it's the season to get out in it. Also walking 10k every day and now for the last 8 weeks running. I always find winter harder as it's harder to get out with the English weather. Hope you feel back to yourself soon after the covid. Its no fun, knocked me off my feet for a few days like flu.
I try new things that work for some time before they eventually stop working. I have theory at the moment that the only thing that work long-term is mixing different ways of training. Currently I'm testing doing short explosive stuff throughout the weeks with a long-run in the weekends. I think I'm on to something..
Dawn's heart rate stayed elevated for about a month post Covid. By about 8bpm at easy paces. Regarding running and MH, for John it's about control. If he can run 60 mins at 140 heart rate then he has an element of control over the functioning of his body. That gives a feel good factor. Good video, squire.
It’s awesome to see you back!! Hoping you guys are doing ok post covid! It may take a little bit to get that heart rate under control with the run from what I hear too, but you’ve got this!! Steady as she goes!! I have someone in mind that I will definitely share this video with-I definitely benefited, but I think it’s a video they really need to see!!
Very helpful advice. Running has several mental health benefits, mindfulness as you discuss, endorphins that lift mood, provides an outlet for adrenaline and metabolic benefits that also enhance mood. There’s actually good evidence exercise it is as effective as medication. As regards post Covid training, took me 4 weeks before my heart rate didn’t go through the roof on an easy run! Seems to be relatively common and due to post-Covid inflammation settling.
Took me about 4 months to get my condition back on track. A mate of mine he quit running because he just no longer could. He had to be hospitalised when he caught it.
Got Covid 2 weeks ago but I had signed up for my first half marathon months ago and it’s something I didn’t want to cancel. I ran it today and got 1:40:29. I do wonder if I could’ve gotten a better time if I wasn’t post-covid. I did experience the elevated hr even at slower speeds and I had a dry cough throughout the race. Oh well, there’s always the next race!
I had Covid back in November 21and then again in March 22. However, i dont feel like it has impacted me in the long run, i generally pause a long time whenever i get sick just to avoid Myocarditis. I generally feel really good when i run. Doesnt matter if my watch tells me i suck today, i still enjoy every second of it. I have learned - from running! - that there are ups and downs and you can learn to judge the weight of decisions. How bad is it, if...? Should i return home or push on? Is it dangerous or just uncomfortable? Transferring that to the rest of life has a lot to do with judging ones abilities and weaknesses correctly. It helped me a lot to tackle things i wouldnt have succeeded in 10 years ago. Also the physical stamina from running gives you a certain reserve if you have to make important decisions in an exhausting flow of work, family life and all the other things that keep your mind and body busy. Oops, writing so much... but running has always been and will always be a big part of being free, enjoying life and enjoying nature! ...And keep on seeing the beauty of the world and in total exhaustion!
High heart rate post COVID is common, and it likely means you still have inflammation settling. You may be better to rest a couple of weeks. Have you seen the BMJ Return to Exercise guide? I'd hat for you to cook yourself!
it is much more than endorphin (& hormones). runner-high is very cliche when explaining how by running alleviating the mood. if anyone interested, Spark, a book written by Dr. John Ratey explains how physical activities (not limited to running), affecting the minds. a good reading, although some parts were really technical & science-y.
Thank you for the recommendation. I’m all over it. And thank you, I’m aware it’s more than endorphins/hormones but also remember this channel is mainly for beginners so I don’t want to overcomplicate things 😊
None of my heart rate data made sense when I came back after covid. It would spike right up to zone 4 within first 10m of any run and any pace. I basically had to ignore heart rate for about 3/4 weeks afterwards and just run on feel.
Yes after Covid it took about a month or longer till I could run for 5 miles without walk breaks. In the beginning it was run half a mile and now hooked up to a mile do you know and then just kept on going with a lot of walk breaks
I get headaches caused by muscle tension in my traps, try to straighten up your run form and stretch after. Swing your arms back and forth and not across your chest like I was doing, it helps.
I feel very fortunate in the sense that negative thoughts don’t tend to come to me when I’m running. They actually tend to come to me when I haven’t been out for a run or I have procrastinated for a prolonged period of time. In fact when I’m on a run the negative thoughts tend to disappear and are replaced by much more positive thoughts about a whole manor of things in my life. It’s a large part of why I love running so much. To anyone suffering I hope you can find some relief and know that you may be low at the moment but you must keep going as you will be back on an upwards trajectory again. Keep on keeping on. Reach out to someone if your struggling right now. Good times will come back to you again.
well as an introvert runner i can say that my solo long runs is the most perfect moments when i need my me time
Thanks Ben for another great video. I have ADHD and I can find it hard to filter my thoughts and focus on most daily tasks. What I have loved about running is that I seem to be able to be one with myself. Meditation is not something I’ve been able to focus on long enough before getting distracted but on my runs it’s just me and my thoughts. I purposely don’t listen to music or podcasts for this reason. The only negative thoughts I get is my brain telling me I can’t do this (run) and I tell myself off and try to recite my mantras in my head or out loud. Speaking of, today I completed my first 5K race. I ran/walk and got a time of 54:16. I am super happy with that, I ugly cried as I crossed the finish line as in a million years I didn’t think I would ever be able to have that especially after I was hit with many illnesses including Covid over the past couple of months. I don’t think I would have done it without your encouragement so thanks so much! I have another race booked in October and I am hoping to get my time down into the 40s. I hope you feel better soon! ❤️
I did a 22.20 parkrun just before the lurgi struck.I did a 22.20 parkrun two weeks later.Sorted?Nah.Anxiety levels ramped up,crying at work every morning, scared to be on my own.I am prone to this though and have to be VERY careful about over training.Personally, I can't hide behind running.I need all the different types of help I can get.A gentle daily routine of yoga and meditation has made me a bit more resiliant.Though I struggle with gentle anything..Thank you so much for putting this up.I love running, it is just one of many things I use to try and live as productive and healthy life as best I can, while living with a long term mental health condition.Take care brother, think of the long game.This will pass.
I’m a week post COVID and yes heart rate is nuts even light jogging/walking and the darn cough - hope you are both feeling great soon ✨💛
Me too, exact same situation !! it sucks everything feels so much harder Ive tried 2 runs so far . have u read up on anything on how to get back into things is it good to keep trying to run??
hope your well and we both recover back to normal soon !
My HR was 20/25 beats higher post covid for about 3 weeks.
It was difficult for me aswell. I resorted to walking breaks. I gradually reduced the walking breaks.
@@emmaLFC I spent some time in the sauna (20-30 min sessions every day) and it helped. I got Covid 2 weeks ago and while I’m not 100% back to normal I just ran a half marathon today and felt decent. I remember a week ago I tried to run a 5k at my slow ish speed and my HR was ~20 bpm higher than usual not to mention I felt really gassed at the end of the run whereas today I feel pretty good even post race.
@@emmaLFC worth having a look at the advice from Coach Parry: ruclips.net/video/cvfJ0Md3TfI/видео.html
This was really good. I suffer from OCD/intrusive thoughts and running wasn't enough I needed to start talking and understanding my brain more. Now when I run and if they come I accept them and keep pushing I enjoy running more now because I'm no longer running from them but with them and they don't bother me most of the time 😎💪. It's ok to be not ok and always talk up people 🥰
It took a good month for me to get on top of my HR after Covid, the same with several runners I've spoken to as well.
Does anyone else only experience the “runners high” during slower efforts? I’ve never had it during a time trial or faster day. But I get it pretty regularly on long slow days.( which may be why it’s hard for me to force myself to do those faster effort days)
Hi Ben great video as usual, I actually started running because of stress and anxiety and I can happily say it is the most effective thing that I have ever done. Your channel was the first running channel I subscribed to. This tied in with healthy living has been my saviour thank you for the fantastic content over the last few years. 🙌
I use Metta meditation for some of my runs. The concept is to send positive thoughts to people in your life. Traditionally it is: may you be healthy, may you be happy, may you know peace, may you know love. Which becomes 'healthy, happy, peace, love,' to my footfall cadence while imaging the person .
This is exactly what I needed to know today. Last week I was struggling mentally with a lot of negative thoughts when I went out running. Your advice is very helpful. Thank you;-))
running for my mental health is the main reason I do it. Beside the physical effects. Getting new Ideas, relaxing on the run has something meditating. Talking to myself , solving simple calculations or just enjoying nature. Sometimes I give special places names to remember only when I am there again. Sounds crazy? I do not care. No music no smartphone keep it as simple as possible. That is why I like running do not have this kind of thoughts at any other sport.
Hope you and Mary are feeling better!! It took me a good month before I felt good again running after Covid. Lungs and chest just felt so heavy. And you are right, running helps your mental health symptoms but not the cause. But oh does it make me feel so much better after a nice run!
Great video! Went into a lot of my thoughts lately. Glad I found your channel.
Covid did a mess in my base HR. Took me a block of 4w focused on base to go back to my old self. Took the chance to focus on basics and patience.
I simply LOVE your videos. They really speak to me. You and Mary are the best. Thank you for sharing 💙❤️
Thanks so much, Erika 😊 glad we could help a little bit 🤟🏼
Newer to running, never thought I would ever just get in the zone. Last week during hill repeats it just happened. Felt like I could of just gone all day.
Mental health so overlooked portion of our overall health. And thank you for sharing!
This was awesome definitely gonna try out those workouts! I started running the first lockdown here in NZ and I believe it changed my life. Started out not being able to Run 5Ks now doing Ultras! It’s giving be the ability to believe in myself. i use running as a way to process my thoughts but you are right you need to go deeper! So I started counselling this year (which I never thought I needed) it’s amazing getting to the core of those thoughts 💭 that always come up. And I’m slowly learning how to get control of my thoughts. Thx for the awesome video 🙏 so glad you guys are back in action!
It’s not good to rely on any one thing to build positivity around - because when it stops, or something prevents us from engaging with it, we are put back to square one of despair. If we associate our happiness with running then what happens when injured? If it’s with a partner, what happens when we fight or break up? If it’s with work, then what about when we’re on annual leave or laid off? Positive mental health comes from the acceptance that you are NEVER in control of ANYTHING and that it is the attempt to control our lives that impacts our ability to be happy.
Very good points there and I’d agree in general. I would argue the control bit a little. That’s the point of stoicicsm - that you can’t control what happens to you but you can control how you react to it. So you do have control 😉😊
Hello,
MASSIVE RESPECT TO YOU AND ALL YOU REPRESENT ON THE CHANEL!!!
I’ve only been running with purpose for 8 months. I’ve cleaned up life over the last 5 years and this year I sacked off alcohol and cleaned up my diet.
RESULTS -
Before
5km - 24mins
10km N/A
Now
5km - 19.20
10km - 41.30
15km - 1hour 7mins
I’ve lost 12kg too.
I’m so happy and I’ve now entered a half marathon, it’s 13 weeks away.
Thanks for so a great inspirational Chanel!
#runningrules! #runforlife!
Thank you so much for your informative videos. I learn so much from you and Mary.
I want to thank you and Mary for bringing such valuable information to the channel. I have learned so much in the past few days. Sorry to hear that you guys are sick, wishing you both a very speedy recovery. :)
You are the common-man runner, speaking talkin' and sharing tips that an ordinary runner like me wants to hear, and that's the reason why I keep coming back for your videos and knowledge! Thank you, brother! I wish you well and God bless!
Thank you for this video! Exactly what I needed after my operation few weeks ago. I am facing anxiety and running was always my solution for anxiety, but in this moment running is not enough unfortunately. I came back running 10 days after my operation and it was ok, very hard, but ok. I had very big expectations about it and I just realized that it wasn't enough. I will try some of your suggestions..💖
Wow this is such a powerful video. Other running channels focus just on running content, but you combine running with mindfullness and mental health. This is a unique channel; please keep making videos as they have helped myself and many others improve our running, but also our approach to living a happier life!!!
It took us over a month to even start running again after Covid...it was/is our stress relief...stay safe. I remember you saying it is the lifetime journey (running)...so hopefully we all get better and recover soon...thanks for another great video. You guys take care...Donna & Darin
From my experience, only using running for mental health is problem because when I first started out I only needed to run for maybe 30-45 min and I would be very tired out in a good way and I felt like I didn’t have anymore stress. The more I ran, the more fit I became which meant I had to run longer to experience that same feeling. And the problem is if I want to keep chasing that feeling, it comes at a cost of my body and it would get to the point that running was counterproductive for my mental health because of the physical toll it took on my body to achieve that mental state. Anyone else experience this?
Yeah, I’ve had days where I thought “I could really use a run right now” but my body was still recovering from a workout so it wouldn’t have been wise to go run.
I think sometimes you’ve also just got to accept that there will be bad days and little you can do about it. Maybe get an early night’s sleep and hopefully feel better in the morning, or at least more recovered so you can run again 😄
I just checked my first run after CO VID and my despite it being the hardest run ever, my heartrate was normal. I loaded up on natural antivirals though, maybe it helped me get back faster.
Running to me is a mood enhancer, it boosts my self esteem because I feel healthier and look fitter than I did at 30. I used to feel anxious because I felt there was something missing in my life, running has filled this massive void and it was quite troubling. I used to fill the void with 2 pints of beer per day and it only made me tired and bloated.
Thanks for touching on the topic, it's a heavy one! 🙏
Teaching yourself to relax while running can be priceless!
Teaching ourselves to be in the moment and ignore your “Monkey Mind!
Another part is to focus several times a day for 15 minutes a dream you want to come true.
One of my favorites was the 100th running of the Boston Marathon. I went all over the country to run marathons to qualify.
I would come up close but not enough. I finally went to a psychic and she said. “Make the commitment first. So I got my room at the finish line and airline tickets. I even went to a party in town for all those going to the race. They would ask. “Are you going to run the race?” And I would respond “I don’t know.
Anyway two months before the marathon the Boston Athletic Association had a lottery for those wanting to go. I believe I was in the top ten from Oklahoma.
Dream your dream and watch it happen. And tell nobody until that dream comes true!
Enjoy!
Great video Ben. I think its really important not to be too reliant on running to keep your mental health in check. I've been guilty of this in the past and it makes you really prone to poor mental health when it comes to injury or anything that gets in the way of being able to exercise. Needs to be some way to look after your headspace no matter what activity you're doing. Easier said than done though huh!
Glad to see you back on the run. I am 20 days out from my first day of covid. I also am seeing my heartrate go higher than normal for the effort I'm running. Of course the heatwave of 90+ degree days here in New England isn't helping either! But definitely I'm having to dial it back.
This is perfect, thank you.
Thanks Ben so much to relate to here. You hit the mail on the head, running definitely helps and has many mental health benefits. However I have now noticed the “big issues” are more present and demanding recognition. I think partly due to clarity of thought making the smaller things take their rightful spot, and the want/need to tackle the underlying issues. During my walk this morning I came to the realisation that I need to talk to a professional to help untangle the mental mess.
Do some experimental stretching if you want to put yourself in a more positiv mindset.
Also running with the arms more bent, hip more in front, narrow steps and more spine-rotation might help (releases tensions from neck and shoulders).
To put in some sprints on slow runs is what we just to do way back when chasing down a prey, so that's maybe good to.
That's my advice.
Excellent stuff Ben. I'm definitely a stoic by nature and running helps me clear my head, clarify thoughts and enjoy being me. While running i do a little mindfulness thing, i naturally tend to hunch and tighten my shoulders and clench my hands a bit much, so to counter this and relax i simply touch my fingers to my thumbs, in order. Little pinky first then on through to my index finger. Its the signal to relax my shoulders, arms and hands, run tall and get my form back. For someone reason it triggers me back into the moment so to speak.
This need to be seen again, and again, and again
Probably not directly comparable, because I got COVID long before vaccines were a thing, but when I first got over the main illness, simply standing up for five minutes would see my heart rate jump to near my max. It's very odd to feel like you're in the last kilometre of a 5km when standing still.
Yeah I had the HR problem for a while after Covid, probably lasted a couple of months for me
I always enjoy your videos. I watch a couple a week, and felt I should subscribe.
Downloaded your 41 week training plan today. Day one complete, my legs don’t like me today but will thank me later, I will thank you today!
Keeping my HR down post covid was hard for me too! And I didn't even have a bad cough or anything. Just gotta be patient.
My safe word or my trigger while running is to think about my jaw. If I make sure to relax it, the rest of my body follows.
I had COVID in early April this year. It was 3 weeks before the Boston UK Half Marathon. I had had a rest week previous, followed by the isolation period and then I was playing catch up before the event. I completed the half but I was definitely hampered by it during the event, after 15k I had very little left in the tank. A couple of my fellow running club member had COVID at the same time and deferred the event. It does take time but be patient it will come back, it will get easier and the JOY does return.
Good talk. Gotta hear it again to digest.
Slightly new runner here, and I haven't found the runner's high, and still struggle to get out of bed and be productive. For me I think, I HAVE to make running a routine (like at the same time every morning).
I managed to complete two challenges (5K a day in March and 200km in June) but it was an obsessive pursuit and nothing else got done, and I crashed in the non-challenge months.
But I AM happy with my progress of being even able to run. It's just the motivation and commitment (OH NO she said the C word!!!)
I jog 3-4 times a week, sometimes more.
It relieves depression, anxiety, helps me sleep better, and tolerate stress with more ease.
The physical benefits of losing weight are just a side plus, the main reward for me is mental.
I have suffered with depression. I find being out in nature helps tremendously. I've got my allotment which helps so much when it's the season to get out in it. Also walking 10k every day and now for the last 8 weeks running. I always find winter harder as it's harder to get out with the English weather.
Hope you feel back to yourself soon after the covid. Its no fun, knocked me off my feet for a few days like flu.
Awesome video. Really fantastic to see you and Mary up and about again.
I try new things that work for some time before they eventually stop working. I have theory at the moment that the only thing that work long-term is mixing different ways of training. Currently I'm testing doing short explosive stuff throughout the weeks with a long-run in the weekends.
I think I'm on to something..
Nice one Ben. Some good ideas to try.
You made some really great points. Thanks for such a solid video. Definitely hope it reaches a lot of viewers
Dawn's heart rate stayed elevated for about a month post Covid. By about 8bpm at easy paces.
Regarding running and MH, for John it's about control. If he can run 60 mins at 140 heart rate then he has an element of control over the functioning of his body. That gives a feel good factor.
Good video, squire.
Great pointers Ben, hope you're feeling better!
It’s awesome to see you back!! Hoping you guys are doing ok post covid! It may take a little bit to get that heart rate under control with the run from what I hear too, but you’ve got this!! Steady as she goes!! I have someone in mind that I will definitely share this video with-I definitely benefited, but I think it’s a video they really need to see!!
Very helpful advice. Running has several mental health benefits, mindfulness as you discuss, endorphins that lift mood, provides an outlet for adrenaline and metabolic benefits that also enhance mood. There’s actually good evidence exercise it is as effective as medication. As regards post Covid training, took me 4 weeks before my heart rate didn’t go through the roof on an easy run! Seems to be relatively common and due to post-Covid inflammation settling.
Took me about 4 months to get my condition back on track. A mate of mine he quit running because he just no longer could. He had to be hospitalised when he caught it.
Same on post COVID running. Great info. Love the thankfulness practice. How's Mary feeling?
Got Covid 2 weeks ago but I had signed up for my first half marathon months ago and it’s something I didn’t want to cancel. I ran it today and got 1:40:29. I do wonder if I could’ve gotten a better time if I wasn’t post-covid. I did experience the elevated hr even at slower speeds and I had a dry cough throughout the race. Oh well, there’s always the next race!
Appreciate this video! Thank you ❤️
This is excellent, thank you
This is bloody brilliant!
I had Covid back in November 21and then again in March 22. However, i dont feel like it has impacted me in the long run, i generally pause a long time whenever i get sick just to avoid Myocarditis.
I generally feel really good when i run. Doesnt matter if my watch tells me i suck today, i still enjoy every second of it. I have learned - from running! - that there are ups and downs and you can learn to judge the weight of decisions. How bad is it, if...? Should i return home or push on? Is it dangerous or just uncomfortable?
Transferring that to the rest of life has a lot to do with judging ones abilities and weaknesses correctly. It helped me a lot to tackle things i wouldnt have succeeded in 10 years ago. Also the physical stamina from running gives you a certain reserve if you have to make important decisions in an exhausting flow of work, family life and all the other things that keep your mind and body busy.
Oops, writing so much... but running has always been and will always be a big part of being free, enjoying life and enjoying nature! ...And keep on seeing the beauty of the world and in total exhaustion!
High heart rate post COVID is common, and it likely means you still have inflammation settling. You may be better to rest a couple of weeks. Have you seen the BMJ Return to Exercise guide? I'd hat for you to cook yourself!
it is much more than endorphin (& hormones). runner-high is very cliche when explaining how by running alleviating the mood. if anyone interested, Spark, a book written by Dr. John Ratey explains how physical activities (not limited to running), affecting the minds. a good reading, although some parts were really technical & science-y.
Thank you for the recommendation. I’m all over it. And thank you, I’m aware it’s more than endorphins/hormones but also remember this channel is mainly for beginners so I don’t want to overcomplicate things 😊
How do you manage with the Thailand heat? Past sunrise the humidity and sun are killing me..
Sam Harris has helped with his meditation app and his podcast regarding the meditative process that I bring into running.
None of my heart rate data made sense when I came back after covid. It would spike right up to zone 4 within first 10m of any run and any pace. I basically had to ignore heart rate for about 3/4 weeks afterwards and just run on feel.
3:53 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Yes after Covid it took about a month or longer till I could run for 5 miles without walk breaks.
In the beginning it was run half a mile and now hooked up to a mile do you know and then just kept on going with a lot of walk breaks
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Stoicism is the key for me.
Are they living in Thailand?
👍
keep getting a headache after morning run... any ideas?
i drink about 1.2 litre before the run
possibly my fun form? or pushing the run too much?
I get headaches caused by muscle tension in my traps, try to straighten up your run form and stretch after. Swing your arms back and forth and not across your chest like I was doing, it helps.
@@50Something i did think it might be form related as normally run once per week
If I could run 24/7 I would as it’s better than any tablet or maybe this is just a metaphor that I just keep on running🫤.Thanks for the video