When we hear the term "addict," we often associate it with things like alcohol, drugs, food, or maybe work. But as my time in the fitness industry continues to grow, I’ve started hearing more and more conversations about exercise addiction—especially the toll it can take on our bodies and minds.
Now, let me clarify; I’m not a doctor, and I’m not here to diagnose anyone. I don't claim to fully understand addiction, although I suspect it often ties back to some form of trauma. I'm just a 26-year-old who loves the world of endurance sports, sharing my thoughts. So, take this with a grain of salt—these are just my ideas on a topic that I think many of us, as runners, can relate to.
The Benefits and Drawbacks of Running
Running has an abundance of positives. It can increase our heart health, strengthen our bones, boost our mood with an endorphin rush, and help us form new friendships along the way.
But—and this is a big but—if we push too hard, too fast, or too often, running can have the opposite effect. We can hurt our hormones, disrupt menstrual cycles, lose muscle mass, and face a host of other health issues. Instead of feeling mentally sharp, we might end up overwhelmed or exhausted. In some cases, we may even lose friends because we’re so caught up in our running that we neglect relationships. We may also develop an unhealthy connection with the sport, expecting it to solve our problems rather than addressing them head-on.
Signs of Running Addiction
Here are a few signs I’ve personally noticed when running has started to become more of an addiction than a healthy habit:
It becomes a chore: I feel like I must run, and if I don’t, I mentally punish myself.
Mood swings: I get irritable and anxious when I can’t run.
Never enough: One mile turns into five, then 10, then more. It feels like there’s no endpoint.
Fitting it in no matter what: I’ve squeezed in runs at 2 a.m. before a 12-hour workday, just to make sure I don’t miss a session.
Ignoring warning signs: I’ve run through injuries, low HRV, illness, extreme fatigue—ignoring my body’s clear signals to stop.
Choosing running over social connections: I’ve prioritized running over seeing friends and loved ones.
All-consuming: I constantly think about my next run, always chasing a bigger high from my workouts or running events.
Expecting running to fix everything: I’ve leaned on running as a solution for problems that require more than just logging miles.
Don’t get me wrong—I'm not saying that being addicted to running is entirely bad. I’m not sure that being addicted to the extreme is good though either. Too much of anything can be detrimental.
Personally, I’m a much better version of myself when I’m consistent with exercise. I’m not giving that up. But I do believe it’s essential to be aware of the level of addiction and how it influences other areas of life.
Running Away from Something or Running Toward Something?
I used to ask people, “Are you running away from something or running towards something?” But I’ve started to shift how I think about that question. I believe most of us are running away from something, even if it isn’t some deep, dark secret. It could be fear, stress, or unresolved emotions. Running becomes a way to cope with whatever we’re trying to avoid.
The real question is: Are you aware of what you’re running from?
Awareness is the first step in gaining control over our relationship with running. On your next run, think about what you might be avoiding. You don’t have to figure it all out, but use your run as a moment to reflect. Consider the work you could be doing while on that run—internally, emotionally. Then, shift gears and start running toward clarity. Use whatever you’re running away from as fuel to reach your next destination.
The goal is to run free, but I know that’s not always easy. It’s hard to run without something weighing on you. But recognizing what’s behind your drive can help you find freedom in your strides.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, I wrote this blog as much for myself as for anyone else. Writing helps me think through things, and running—while something simple on the surface—often feels more complex the deeper I dive. Maybe it shouldn’t be this hard or layered, but if you’re reading this, maybe you’re like me and need to hear these thoughts too.
Running is never not about running. But it’s never only been about running either.
Peace.
Photos taken by Jessica Knighton of Jessica Knighton Photography.
Blog Post written by Jacob Oak | personal trainer, run coach, and gait analyst that works with endurance athletes through Oak Endurance. Jacob is also the co-host of the We Get 2 Do This Podcast.
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