The Paradox of the Distance Runner

Re:The Paradox of the Distance Runner by cafard on Monday September 30, 2024 @11:13AM (#41698103)

My peak running days ended almost forty years ago--something about a real job, family responsibilities etc.

My recollection is that during races I would reach a point about two-thirds of the way along, wonder what had got into me to sign up, and tell myself I wouldn't do it again. And then of course I would be back for another race.

However, when I was in condition a run of fifteen or twenty miles could be very enjoyable. These days, a run of five miles can be.

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Re:The Paradox of the Distance Runner by 01HNNWZ0MV43FF on Monday September 30, 2024 @11:19AM (#41698186)

I have a general problem with not being able to align "I want to do this" with "I am making plans to do this" with "I enjoyed that"

And had the same feelings with game jams. I'd look forward to them, then feel bad while doing them, then look forward to the next one. Which I suppose is better than the normal depression behavior of looking forward to nothing and planning nothing.

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Re:The Paradox of the Distance Runner by xattt on Monday September 30, 2024 @11:25AM (#41698265)

I’ve noticed that I’ve repeatedly developed post-hoc positive feelings about in-the-moment negative experiences that make me want to do them again. Be this hikes, runs, jobs and child-rearing.

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Re:The Paradox of the Distance Runner by wheatzies on Monday September 30, 2024 @12:31PM (#41699068)

I know these experiences as “Type 2 Fun”[1], which I’d say a lot of high-level athletics qualifies as due to how much strain one’s body takes on in the moment.

1: https://www.rei.com/blog/climb/fun-scale?srsltid=AfmBOoqIBZR...

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