s1/e28 STRESS (& Running)

Understanding

Elisabeth Scott explores the concept of stress, emphasizing that it is not inherently negative. Stress is a physiological response to a stressor, which can be anything that triggers a reaction in the body. The key distinction lies in whether the stress is acute or chronic, as chronic stress can lead to a higher baseline level of stress, making it more problematic.

Stress in and of itself is not a bad thing. We talk about. It is the dose that makes the poison. It is the exposure that causes the issue.

--- Elisabeth Scott

Understanding these differences is crucial for managing stress effectively and applying these concepts to one's training life 1 2.

   

Chronic vs Acute

Chronic and acute stress affect the body differently, with chronic stress being more detrimental over time. Elisabeth explains that chronic stressors, such as workplace or emotional pressures, accumulate and can lead to burnout if not managed properly. The body's stress response is designed to handle acute stress, allowing recovery once the stressor is removed.

When your body can't take the time it needs to recover from the stress response, that's when you get into trouble.

--- Elisabeth Scott

However, when stressors persist without resolution, they can cause physiological and psychological issues, highlighting the importance of recovery and stress management 3 4.

   

Everyday Stress

Everyday stressors are unavoidable and can range from environmental factors to personal life events. Elisabeth notes that while running can be a beneficial stress management tool, it can also add to the overall stress load if not balanced with recovery. The key to effective stress management lies in understanding how everyday stressors interact with training stress.

It's your body's ability to recover from, learn from, adapt from what it just did that makes you a better runner.

--- Elisabeth Scott

Balancing training with adequate recovery is essential to prevent overtraining and to enhance performance 5 6.