The Way Running Messes With Your Head (cont.)

     This is a continuation from my last post, which happens to be on the more emotional side other than the scientific or opinionated side of most my blog posts.
     Aside from being injured, the sport of running (especially everyday) becomes like a safety net for some, including myself. It's not ideal for an athlete to think that they can eat whatever they'd like or do whatever they do just because they have intensive workouts that can just burn off whatever they put into their bodies.
     I feel that much of today's athletes view running everyday as an excuse to eat whatever they'd like and lounge around for the rest of the day simply because the high calories they eat and poor nutritional values of food has little affect on them.
     Take myself, for example. During the cross country season I somehow convince myself that I can eat absolutely whatever I would like and it won't matter because I'll sweat it off later at practice. It's true, running about thirty minutes supposedly burns one pound of fat, and to a cross country runner that's nothing. Yes, runners do need to eat foods with carbs and protein and other sorts of foods that are needed to keep your body functioning properly. And it's understandable that you would consider eating a whole box of pizza "good for you" because that workout was just too much for you.
     But once the season ends, all hell breaks loose within your mind. Suddenly all that eating can't be excused with running workouts your coach gives you. You're on your own, and let's face it: you're not going to force yourself to work such intense workouts everyday during the off-season.
      Runners can become insecure and cautious about what they eat, eager to keep that muscle they've been working so hard on all season. It becomes a pressure, a war within your mind, to choose between eating and running. Do you eat very healthy so as to help stay in shape? Or do you continue to eat whatever you please and continue to work extra hard at running so you can do just that?
      Of course, the ideal situation is one where you eat healthy foods and the correct amount of portions while continuing to run, but to a high-school athlete, it usually is one or the other. A psychological battle within your mind has shot it's first shots and you are now at war with yourself.
     Along with the battle between food and running is the the addiction that comes with it. The question could be raised and strongly argued both ways: is running an addiction? To some running is a form of therapy and psychological ease. Others see running as nothing more than exercise. Some are just so concerned with their body image that they only run to stay looking the way they want. All of these situations (and many more) and completely fine and understandable. But the question must be asked: When does running become an addiction?