Overcoming Environmental Triggers
Picture this: You’re out on a run, and the wind is howling like a freight train, slapping you in the face with every step. The sky is a chaotic swirl of allergens, and it feels like you’re running on the spot, getting nowhere fast. Welcome to my running nightmare.
For nearly two weeks, the wind has been relentless, and as someone who suffers from seasonal allergies, I can almost see the allergens dancing in the air. Surprisingly, it’s not the allergens that make me dread running in the wind. It’s the sheer noise and discomfort of 30 km/h winds battering my face. I tackle the headwind first so I can “fly” home, but this means losing the essential cooling breeze on the way back in summer.
I’m not alone in my aversion to less-than-perfect running conditions. When I share my struggles with my running friends, their response is always, “OMG, SAME!!” But it’s not just the wind; extreme weather can turn a joyful run into a frustrating ordeal. As I struggled through today’s run, feeling like I was going nowhere fast, I wondered when and why I developed this emotional disdain for something I can’t control. At the end of today’s run, after a post-nasal washout and allergy spray, I felt happy, content, and proud that I wanted to run more than I hated the wind.
I met someone this year who genuinely loves running in the rain—even torrential rain. It makes me smile every time she says it. I think, “Girl, yes, you actually do!” Her enthusiasm got me thinking. I didn’t always have this aversion to running in less-than-perfect conditions.
Now, when the wind picks up, even when I feel like I’m barely moving forward, I find myself smiling. Why? What changed for me? My long-time running partner, who started running with me at the age of 7 (my son) and has been by my side ever since, said something that stuck: "It only feels windy because we are running so fast." This made me smile, reflect, and think, why can’t that be our narrative? From that day on, this perspective has helped me smile and push on, even if I’m barely moving forward.
So, what’s the deal with people who love running but face environmental triggers that hinder their enjoyment? And more importantly, how can we overcome these feelings?
Environmental triggers—like strong winds, heavy rain, lightning, or extreme temperatures—can turn running from a joyful activity into a frustrating ordeal.
This reaction can be linked to both psychological and physiological factors:
Psychological Impact:
Expectation vs. Reality: Runners often imagine a perfect run. Harsh weather shatters these expectations, leading to frustration.
Control and Comfort: We naturally seek comfort and control. Unpredictable weather disrupts this sense of control, making the run feel more grueling and less enjoyable.
Physiological Impact:
Increased Effort: Running against the wind or in extreme weather demands more physical effort. This extra exertion can lead to quicker fatigue and a diminished sense of accomplishment.
Sensory Discomfort: Wind can cause physical discomfort, such as chapped skin or irritated eyes, which detracts from the enjoyment of the run.
Practical tips like dressing appropriately for the weather or choosing routes with natural wind barriers can sometimes seem frustrating and unhelpful.
My Top Tips to Finding Your Joy in Running Despite the Weather
How to Overcome These Feelings:
Adjust Expectations: Understand that not every run will be perfect. Accepting the variability of weather conditions helps align your expectations and reduces frustration.
Shift Your Mindset: Re-frame your perspective by viewing environmental challenges as part of the running experience. See them as opportunities to build resilience, not just obstacles.
Be Safe: Running in varying weather conditions is fine if it’s safe! Always be cautious of risks like fallen tree branches, flying debris, and lightning. Prioritize your safety and heed weather warnings.
Ultimately, finding joy in running despite the weather comes down to adapting your mindset and embracing the journey. So next time you’re battling the wind, remember that you’re building strength, resilience, and a deeper connection with the world around you. And maybe, just maybe, you’ll find yourself smiling too.
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