Don’t run angry.
One of my all time favorite movies was Groundhog Day. Have you seen it? There’s a scene where Bill Murray has kidnapped the groundhog in an attempt to free himself from a perpetual time loop in Punxatony, PA on Groundhog day. They are driving away from the cops and the groundhog is at the wheel and Murray is saying “Don’t drive angry!”
I was thinking of this today while I was running angry. Do you ever go running while you are really angry or frustrated about things, and end up just running the crap out of your miles? I did that yesterday.
It was supposed to be an easy 3 mile recovery run, first day back after rest day, and should have been about a 9:30 pace I think, and I ran it at 8:05. And it was 90F and humid.
I tried to go slow at first but the more I thought, the faster I ran. Even though I knew I needed to slow down, I couldn’t. My internal dialogue was saying “Ok, let’s ease this up now. Right now. Uh, now?” I just couldn’t stop myself. It was like sitting watching TV with a 5 pound bag of pistachios. You know you shouldn’t eat the whole damn bag, but there’s no way to stop the momentum.
Can’t tell you how unbelievably hot it felt. For a while I fell into a nice comfortable pace and, in my angry stupor, I convinced myself that running this fast was good and that since it felt ok, it must be my “natural pace”. Oh, yes.
I was breathing really hard at the end too, not to the point of exhaustion like at the end of a race but it was infinately harder than I should have been for that run. Totally stupid, but I just wanted to run myself till I fell over. Heh, heh. Self-destruction training. Run till you disintegrate!
Tonight I have 4 miles and I will work very hard to do my easy pace and remain calm. Its hard to do. I still need a good nap. 5 hours of sleep last night and I’m so groggy still. Yesterday I broke down and drank a Coke to stay awake. Horror.
July 13th, 2005 12:27
Do you remember my post last summer about the litter bugs? I was so angry, I posted a PB for a non-race run. I hear you brother, I hear you!
July 13th, 2005 12:36
I spend most of my time being angry at racist people…well, them and the French!
Take care of your soul my friend. :)
July 13th, 2005 12:37
I like the angry runs - somehow, the not quite exhaustion at the end makes everything worth better.
July 13th, 2005 17:22
Yep, been there, done that and sometimes it even makes me feel better. Sometimes! Like the man said take care of your soul! All the best , I hope this thing your going though passes faster that you can run!
July 13th, 2005 21:00
wow thats speedy! i think i’ve seen that movie a dozen times. clever flick and also somehow still interesting every time.
July 13th, 2005 21:36
Sometimes that’s the best part about running–using them to help get the anger out. Nap well, friend.
July 13th, 2005 21:54
Angry runs are good, they let you leave it all on the road. Get some sleep, my friend ;)
July 13th, 2005 21:59
I know exactly what you mean. I tend to find that running angry or frustrated is almost better because I use the running to get my focus elsewhere and away from the frustration. Unfortunately, it all comes back after the run.
July 14th, 2005 00:26
There is something so compelling about the angry insert-whatever-here. My great cathartic thing is singing, so walking or cycling won’t do it, though weightlifting is good because it wears me out. But really I like to just drive and wail. I’m thinking about ya.
July 14th, 2005 01:07
I definetely have been there before, but I’m finding that running until self-distruction doesn’t happen as often as it used to. As my long runs got longer I guess I learned the consequences of letting the self-discipline slack. By the way adequate sleep is an important part of your training!
July 14th, 2005 08:21
Hope you can catch some sleep soon. Watch up for those sharp bends and rocks when you run angry.
July 14th, 2005 10:45
That movie is a classic that I can’t get enough of. Angry runs are quite a phenomenon. I usually stop to kick some dirt along the way if I’m really upset. Mature, no. Effective, yes.
July 14th, 2005 15:51
Been there with the angry running, though it never seems to have the effect I want. I want the run to take care of my anger, but it doesn’t by itself. Instead I’ve had to choose to put the noise out of my skull and focus on the footsteps. It doesn’t take away the problem, but it lets me step outside it for a while at least.
July 14th, 2005 21:12
I tend to have the best runs when I’m angry…I can go farther and faster than I expect, and, if I’m lucky, when I’m done I feel like I’ve sweated out all the angry that was in me…
July 15th, 2005 01:16
I love running angry, it’s the best remedy! When I’m too exhausted to lift my pinkie after run, I have no energy to hate anything either :D Hope things easen up in Jon’s life after while though. Have a nice weekend!
July 15th, 2005 08:06
Anger is the path to the DARK SIDE Jon! Remember running is supposed to be fun. That being said, I like running if I’m angry because I like going faster, but in the end I don’t go as far. It feels good though to get it out of your system though, doesn’t it?
July 15th, 2005 08:49
I actually workout better when I’m angry. I’ve even been accused of getting people riled up just before I workout so I can get mad and run better. I swear I don’t, but it’s not a bad idea…
July 16th, 2005 22:25
I tend to find that when I run angry or frustrated (which usually happens after a long day at work), I do feel better afterwards. All of that serotinin helps to calm me down. My problems aren’t solved, but I can look at them with more dispassion and objectivity.
July 16th, 2005 23:09
cant do the angry thing,, cause I am to emotional and start to cry,, and its really hard to breathe, run, and cry…….
Heather
July 17th, 2005 00:47
The same thing happens to me. If only I could be really mad at someone/something on race day I would have a PR at every race. Although, I am thankful I don?t get mad easily. I think I would rather run slow. :)
July 17th, 2005 21:28
You need to get some sleep and take good care of yourself. The problem that I have with running angry is that it feels great at the time but then when I get home and analyze what I’ve done then I get MORE angry for not having the self-discipline to stop myself. Vicious, vicious cycle!
July 18th, 2005 00:42
That movie was definitely a good one. i just watched “What about Bob?” last night. Hilarious! It’s good that you turned your anger into something constructive I think!