Obsessive Compulsive Running Behavior part 2 and 3

2. For the sake of other runners who may be unknowingly headed down my same path to injury/diminished performance, please define and explain your theories re: “OCs and uncoachables.”

It is almost impossible to do it on your own. (Note to readers: almost…OC’s will use this wiggle room as a total green light) 

Finding a coach that AGREES with YOUR life philosophy, not vice a versa, is critical. Or, at the very least, ONLY surround yourself with folks that have the same mindset. This doesn’t mean new ideas can’t be vetted or incorporated, or you can’t run with the wackos, but rather an individual runner cannot unilaterally and solely move forward on a training program. Since OC’s are often impervious to science and behavior change, they must either agree to let someone else monitor their training, or be jettisoned from the group training program because they will unduly influence the workout ethic. They aren’t going to change anyways, even after an intervention. Own the problem, solve the problem. Drug addiction methodologies are really not much different.

I’ve read that subservience of the athlete to a coach is perhaps the greatest predicator to performance. Finally, there can be only ONE winner at every race. OC’s can’t accept their place in that reality. However, there are many subgroups that you may be part of that may be more realistic to judge yourself against.

I’m looking for a “knee replacement, over 60 years old, over 185lbs., bowlegged, low VO2max” division! LOL.

3.       What is your best advice re: breaking out of the vicious cycle of OC-training?

So I’ll bullet point a few ideas here.

1. It’s tricky listening to non running friends telling you not to run, you’re overtrained etc. Instead, get a coach or group of friends that think along your lines, then listen to them.
2. Always be in a periodization program. This is a touchstone for identifying OC’s. They can’t accept the down week (4^th week) in the cycle.
3. Macro and micro cycle periodization in concert with cross training. For instance, use a weight training periodization cycle that tapers out prior to maximal running, honing and racing. Or leverage long ride bicycling in weeks absent of long runs.
4. I always party hardy for a few weeks after a big race. Eat drink and be merry with your significant other. Gain some weight. You both need a break, physically, mentally and nutritionally. I love pizza and chocolate dipped ice cream bars. OC’s no can do.
5. ALWAYS be aware of the recovery shadow, where injuries and staleness lurk. Hard marathons may shadow out for 12 weeks or more. OC’s run right thru it all.
6. If you can’t EASILY, I said EASILY, accept a missed workout, or crosstrain, or recover from an injury (injuries are a personal invitation to finally crosstrain, duh-uh), or enjoy a down week on periodization, congrats, put the OC crown on!

Within four months of surgery, I ran two very slow marathons. Worried about over use and recovery, I have been crosstraining before attempting marathons later this year.

Now go enjoy life! It’s more precious than your workout accomplishments!

“Fasteddie” Ed Knapp

runskiride@gmail.com