Run Better with Ash

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The Need for Speed: Why Runners Are Obsessed with Wanting to Run Faster

Introduction:

As humans, the desire to progress and better ourselves is deeply ingrained within us. It's a fundamental aspect of our nature to seek improvement and growth in every aspect of life. Its what has helped us survive and thrive on this planet!

For us runners, this innate need for progress is often channeled into a single, tangible goal – running faster.

In this episode I’m going to explore this obsession and see if we can feel a little better about our constant need for speed!

Let’s get started…

WELCOME

Welcome to the Run Better with Ash podcast, the podcast for runners seeking valuable insights and inspiration to enhance your running journey.

I'm Ash, your Personal Podcasting Running Coach.

The urge to improve running times is more than just a pursuit of speed; it's a quest for personal growth, control, and the satisfaction of achieving one's potential.

In this episode, I will explore why runners are obsessed with wanting to run faster, and how this desire is intricately connected to our basic human need to progress.

There are several traits that are associated with those that push limits:

The Pursuit of Mastery: Just like an artist aims to perfect their craft or a musician strives for flawless performances, runners yearn to master the art of running. Or at least to get quicker!
Speed is an integral measure of progress in this domain. As runners we work on refining our technique, endurance, and overall performance, each improvement becomes a testament to our dedication and progress on the path to mastery.

A potter shaping clay on a wheel, molding it with patience and precision, until it transforms into a beautiful, symmetrical vase. The gradual refinement of skills and the joy of witnessing the transformation mirror the runner's journey.

The Challenge Within: Running faster is a constant battle against oneself – surpassing yesterday's performance, breaking personal records, and setting new benchmarks. This internal challenge is a powerful driving force, pushing us runners to explore the depths of our potential and prove to ourselves that we can achieve more.

The story of Roger Bannister, the first athlete to run a mile in under four minutes, illustrates this point. Before his achievement in 1954, experts believed a sub-four-minute mile was impossible.

Bannister's relentless pursuit of this milestone exemplifies the human spirit's determination to conquer challenges and redefine perceived limits.

Control and Achievement: When runners see their times improving, they experience a sense of control over their progress. Unlike some aspects of life where progress may be uncertain or dependent on external factors, running allows individuals to directly influence their improvement through dedication, training, and effort.

Like a gardener nurturing a plant from a seedling to a blooming flower. The sense of achievement and satisfaction in seeing the plant thrive parallels the runner's joy in witnessing the fruits of their labour as they conquer new running milestones.

There is a great Neurological Reward: The human brain is wired to respond positively to progress and achievement. When runners witness their times getting faster, the brain releases neurotransmitters like dopamine, generating a sense of happiness and fulfilment. This natural reward system reinforces the urge to continue striving for improvement.

I noticed this myself recently after coming back from a family holiday where I ran most days in some very hot 37-38 degree heat up and down some hilly Majorcan paths!

When I got back home in the cooler, fresher 20 degrees of England I was flying along in my first 5km run back on home soil. So much so that I posted my fastest ever 5km time.

When looking at my Strava and seeing the little PB icon with my time I got spurt of feeling good. A few moments of a sense of achievement. It made me feel good!

There was a reward which made me want to go out for a run. It’s a natural reward that hooks us in. It’s much better to be hooked on the dopamine hit from running rather than drugs or alcohol right?

A side note: I do have an extreme personality and I do have to hold myself back from becoming too obsessed. I have a tendency to create mental burnout from obsession and could quite easily focus too heavily on times and stop enjoying running.

So I do remind myself that as nice as these dopamine rewards for doing my fastest 5km time is, it’s also not the only reason I run. There are many health reasons as to why I run and I’ve talked about these in previous podcasts.

I think is a word of caution. There is a line that can quite easily be crossed in terms of becoming OBSESSED!

Obsession to the detriment of enjoyment is not healthy. Enjoyment and reward is what keeps us coming back for more. Doing something for the sake of doing it is not a long term sustainable strategy!

BEFORE I GET ANY FURTHER INTO the episode, I’ve got one thing to ask of you!

IF YOU’VE GOT THIS FAR IN THE PODCAST you must be enjoying the podcast, so please SHARE these with a friend. You will be helping your friend gain some valuable running tips and you will also be helping my podcast reach new listeners. I greatly appreciate your SHARES as they are the best way for the podcast to grow! I’ll keep posting free content for your ears!

WHY ARE WE OBSESSED WITH WANTING TO RUN FASTER

The pursuit of faster running times is a testament to the unyielding human spirit and our insatiable desire to push the boundaries of human performance.

From Usain Bolt's lightning-fast 100m sprint records to Eliud Kipchoge's historic quest for the sub 2-hour marathon, we are endlessly obsessed with progress and testing our limits.

In every era, athletes have sought to break records and redefine what is possible. Usain Bolt's unparalleled dominance in sprinting showcased the potential of human speed, inspiring generations to strive for greatness.

His record-breaking runs in the 100m and 200m races set new standards and became benchmarks for aspiring sprinters worldwide.

As did Eliud Kipchoge's pursuit of the sub 2-hour marathon encapsulated the essence of human determination and grit. Kipchoge’s mantra is ‘No human is limited’!

Breaking the two-hour barrier seemed insurmountable, but Kipchoge's relentless dedication, along with a team of experts and pacemakers, allowed him to achieve this seemingly impossible feat during the INEOS 1:59 Challenge.

These iconic athletes epitomise the human obsession with progress. As a species, we are driven to surpass previous achievements and elevate our capabilities. The pursuit of faster running times is more than just about the sport; it symbolises the relentless quest for excellence and the relentless pursuit of the extraordinary.

Beyond the realm of professional athletes, this spirit of progress resonates with recreational runners as well. Weekend warriors, amateur athletes, and fitness enthusiasts all strive to set personal records and improve our running times.

Whether it's breaking a previous personal best or reaching a specific time goal, the desire for progress is deeply ingrained in the running community.

Our obsession with faster running times is a reflection of our collective aspiration to discover the limits of human potential. It serves as a reminder that in the face of challenges, we are capable of pushing ourselves beyond what we once thought possible.

Through the pursuit of progress, we inspire future generations to dream big, chase their goals, and, in doing so, continue to redefine the limits of human performance.

So, we can see how wanting to run faster is an incredibly natural thing. The need for constant progression is deeply rooted in the nature of human beings.

Several factors contribute to this inherent drive for progress:

  1. Survival Instinct: Throughout human history, the pursuit of progress has been essential for survival. Early humans had to continually adapt and improve their skills, knowledge, and technology to secure food, shelter, and protection from threats. This survival instinct has become ingrained in our psyche, driving us to continuously strive for improvement.

  2. Innate Curiosity: Humans are naturally curious beings. We have an inherent desire to explore, learn, and understand the world around us. This curiosity fuels our quest for knowledge and improvement in our running. That’s why you’re listening to this podcast right now!

  3. Personal Fulfilment: Progression brings a sense of accomplishment and fulfilment. Achieving goals, overcoming challenges, and bettering ourselves emotionally, physically, and intellectually provides a sense of purpose and satisfaction. It makes us feel good about ourselves.

  4. Adaptability: As a species, humans have been remarkably adaptable to different environments and challenges. This adaptability is closely tied to the need for progress. We continuously learn and evolve to navigate changes in our surroundings and circumstances.

  5. Competitive Nature: Human beings have a competitive streak, which drives us to compare ourselves to others and seek to outperform or excel. Competition often leads to growth and improvement in various fields.
    Competition was crucial for survival in our early history, ensuring access to resources and mates. Competition aids personal growth. It's a natural aspect of human behaviour, driving us to excel and achieve our goals.

  6. Social Comparison: Humans have a tendency to compare themselves to others, both positively and negatively. Don’t feel bd about yourself if you compare yourself to others all the time. It’s totally natural!
    This comparison can inspire us to strive for progress when we witness others achieving goals or succeeding in areas where we aspire to do the same.
    Social media can contribute to this in a negative way though so we have to be conscious of that.

  7. Sense of Purpose: Progression provides a sense of purpose and direction in life. Working towards goals and making advancements gives our lives structure and meaning.

The need for constant progression is a multifaceted and fundamental aspect of human nature. It is a driving force behind our personal growth, achievements, and the development of societies throughout history.

Embracing and channeling this drive for progress can lead to a fulfilling and purposeful life journey.

BRANDS CAPITALISE ON SPEED

A few words of caution:

Big sporting brands have mastered the art of capitalising on runners' innate desire to run faster. Through clever marketing and product positioning, they tap into the human need for progress and achievement, enticing us with the promise of improved performance.

One notable strategy is the recent surge of maximal cushioning shoes, designed to enhance performance and supposedly reduce impact during running. (That’s a whole other topic I’ve touched upon a few times, maybe I’ll revisit in upcoming epsiode)

By associating these high-tech, premium shoes with increased speed and performance, these brands create a sense of aspiration and exclusivity.

The latest trainers become more than just footwear; they become symbols of achievement and potential. The hefty price tags are justified by the allure of running faster, leading consumers to believe that they can buy the speed they desire.

The fashion and branding of running gear play a significant role in perpetuating this belief. Sleek designs, celebrity endorsements, and expert testimonials create a powerful narrative of success and athleticism, subtly convincing consumers that owning these products will unlock their full running potential.

In reality, while high-quality running gear can certainly aid comfort and support, there is no magic formula for instant speed improvement.

Actual gains in performance come from consistent training, dedication, and incremental progress. Nonetheless, the dream of becoming faster, stronger, and better through a purchase resonates deeply with our human nature, making it an effective marketing strategy.

Big sporting brands expertly exploit the psychological aspects of human behaviour, tapping into our desire for progress and achievement.

It is essential for us as consumers to be discerning, focusing on the genuine benefits of products and not solely on the promises crafted by marketing campaigns.

Ultimately, running faster is a result of hard work, training, and determination, rather than a purchase off the shelf.

Conclusion: Remember to SHARE THIS EPISODE with a friend, its helpful for them to gain more running knowledge and helpful for my podcast. Thank you!

It is a natural mindset to have to want to run faster. But there is a fine line between a healthy competitive mindset and becoming too obsessed with running faster.

Becoming too obsessed can be detrimental to your running journey because it strains the enjoyment and reward out of running. Especially if you are comparing yourself to others. Compare yourself against yourself, try to better yourself to be a better version of you. This is a much healthier mindset to take.

Its important to remember, the obsession among runners to run faster is more than just a competitive pursuit; it's a reflection of our inherent need for progress and personal growth. If you find yourself seeking more speed, you are tapping into that inherent desire in your very being!

The journey to improve running times is a transformative one, fuelled by the pursuit of mastery, the challenge within, the desire for control, and the neurological reward of achievement.

The quest for speed whilst running serves as a powerful reminder that the desire to better ourselves is an integral and fulfilling part of the human experience.

Learn to appreciate the progress and the process of getting better rather than always focusing on the end goal. Like most things in life, its about creating balance!

So, lace up those running shoes and embrace the pursuit of progress – one stride at a time! Happy Running my fellow runners!