Distance Running and Disordered Eating: Support for Endurance Athletes from an Eating Disorder Therapist in NJ
There is a growing popularity of distance running in Cherry Hill and across NJ, from 5Ks to marathons. There are unique pressures that endurance athletes face around fueling, body image and performance. Disordered eating can affect runners of all abilities and distances. So let’s break down these pressures and the support that is available from eating disorder therapists in Cherry Hill, NJ.
Why Distance Runners Are at Higher Risk for Disordered Eating
Whether you are running a 6 minute pace or a 13 minute pace, the pressure to perform is there. The push for faster times, myths about weight and “running on empty” culture leads to increased risk of disordered eating. Endurance culture emphasises things like fasted runs, restrictive diets or clean eating to improve performance. Runners often underestimate how much fuel they need and how high energy demands are as an athlete.
Warning Signs of Disordered Eating in Runners
Warning signs can show up both physically, mentally, and through behaviors. First, let’s look at the physical. If you are struggling with frequent injuries, specifically stress fractures, this is a big indicator that you may not be fueling your body enough. Other signs such as low energy, irregular or absent periods and slow recovery times after workouts may also show up. You may notice an increase in anxiety around food, guilt after eating or an identity tied solely to performance. Avoiding team meals, obsessions with weight or calories or pushing through fatigue are behaviors you may notice if you are struggling with your relationship with food.
The Consequences of Ignoring the Problem
The longer the warning signs are present, the higher chance there are of health risks. Short term impacts may look like fatigue, burnout or decreased performance. Long term health risks look like bone density loss, hormonal imbalances and cardiovascular risks. Along with physical health risks, comes the mental health toll such as increased anxiety, depression and isolation. Disordered eating is no joke and can be a scary thing to face.
Support from an Eating Disorder Therapist and Recovery for Distance Runners in NJ
When looking for local therapy options, you want to make sure they are evidence-based treatments with eating disorder therapists. These may be Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), or Family-Based Therapy (FBT) for younger athletes.
Having a full eating disorder treatment team is the next step. This usually consists of a therapist, sports dietitian, and doctor. Virtual options are usually available, making support in Cherry Hill more accessible for all. Look for a community that supports your journey and encourages healthy relationships with food and training,. This can be local running clubs, athletic organizations or local support groups.
Serendipity Counseling offers a “Retired” athlete support group. This is here to help build a community of athletes, looking to learn their identity outside of sport. If you are in the Cherry Hill area and are looking to further expand your community, contact us to learn more. ou can also check out Haddonfield Running Company to find all your running and support needs.
How Therapy Helps Endurance Athletes Rebuild Balance
The first step is learning how to challenge harmful beliefs. This may look like addressing myths such as, “lighter = faster”. Next, working with a sports dietitian can help you learn proper fueling strategies on how to eat enough to support your training. Digging into your identity beyond running helps athletes see value beyond performance metrics and challenge their internal belief of themself. The final step is building a sustainable training protocol that includes rest, recovery and mental flexibility.
Encouragement for Runners Seeking Help
Reaching out to an eating disorder therapist for help when you are struggling with your relationship with food is not easy. However, it is normal to need help. Asking for support is not a weakness, but rather a strength. We all need it in some way or another. Recovery does not mean giving up running. It can mean returning stronger and healthier than ever.
Call to Action: Taking the First Step
Distance running and disordered eating often intersect, but support and treatment are available. If you are local to Cherry Hill or in NJ, reach out for help if you recognize signs of disordered eating. Contact Serendipity Counseling to begin the journey to recovery with an eating disorder therapist.
Pick a time that works for you for a free 20 minute consultation.
Schedule the first session with an eating disorder therapist.
Start the work in identifying who you are and what your goals are for recovery.
About the Author: A Compassionate Eating Disorder Therapist in NJ
Kate Ringwood, LPC is local to Cherry Hill, NJ and specializes in guiding athletes to healing their relationship with food, body and sport. An avid runner herself, Kate began her journey through recovery over 15 years ago. This began her passion to helping others find the same freedom and flexibility as am athlete.
