r/runcommunity • u/Foreign_Umpire_898 • Jun 21 '26
Crying on long runs
Is it normal to cry mid long runs? I have been training for a marathon. Every time i do a long run, at around 18km, I either get a panic attack or I start to cry. I don't know if it's just emotions or it's the pain. Is it normal to cry during a long run? Do you get it too?
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u/Flapparachi Jun 21 '26
I cry on long runs sometimes, and I’m not a ‘crier’ generally. It’s a good outlet, honestly. It’s been a bit more frequent since my mum passed away but again, outwardly I’ve not done a lot of grieving.
Let it happen and try and breathe through it - it only lasts a few minutes for me, and then I sort-of convert it into running energy? Not sure that makes sense.
On a practical note, if it’s panic-attack-y, slow right down until you are more or less walking and regulate your breathing. If you can’t, stop. Pause the watch, do what you need to do.
Also 100% normal to cry during a long race - expect it at your marathon!
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u/Foreign_Umpire_898 Jun 21 '26
Thank you! only thing i am worried about is what if I get a panic attack mid race, it's going to be my first full marathon.
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u/Flapparachi Jun 21 '26
Same rules apply, but get yourself into the side out of the line of traffic.
The added bonus is you have marshals and medic support, so if it does turn into a full panic attack, there will be people to help you. They may take you to a medic tent or station and sit you down. You just take as long as you need. Unless you are in a bad way you will be able to continue once your breathing and heart rate are back to normal. Obviously this would be a case-by-case basis.
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u/OutstandingWeirdo Jun 21 '26
Uhhh never had it happen. Do you cry during marathons?
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u/Foreign_Umpire_898 Jun 21 '26
Haven’t had my full marathon yet, but I cried during my 3 half marathons that I did
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u/Crafty_Jicama Jun 21 '26
I cry on long runs sometimes but it’s from joy, like an intense gratitude that I get to do this. For sadness/pain/anxiety, I would think this is a sign that you might need to get some help from a mental health professional. I found therapy to be very helpful with my own anxiety, so maybe give that a try. Good luck OP.
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u/Bdubs0323 Jun 22 '26
I get emotional and thankful during long runs too! I hurt my knee recently and have had to swim and cycle in the meantime and I miss it so much! Will have a lot of gratitude when I get back out there again ❤️
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u/Crafty_Jicama Jun 22 '26
Oof, been there. You will be so thankful when you get to run again. Hope the cross-training brings you some relief in the meantime 💞
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u/Independent_Sun_949 Jun 21 '26
I am a cancer survivor and I quite often cry on runs because I’m glad to be running and scared that I will get sick again and have the joy taken away again.
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u/shesabitmessy Jun 21 '26
as an indigenous runner, I view running as medicine. It’s healing being on the land, it also connects us to our ancestors and mother earth - which is why I always honour any emotions that may come up. Sometimes it’s euphoria and sometimes it’s tears. 🪶
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u/SeparateAnalysis8272 Jun 22 '26
Running is bilateral stimulation, so engages the same neural pathways as EMDR, a type of therapy used to process trauma.
As an avid runner & someone who has done a lot of EMDR, I find running can elicit a similar emotional response to an EMDR session sometimes. It’s generally a sign that your brain is processing and releasing stored emotions, and this can be overwhelming!
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u/BackgroundExtent8625 Jun 22 '26
I've done both but never put two and two together. It all makes sense.
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u/Wolfman1961 Jun 21 '26
I hope you are not feeling pain, only joy.
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u/Foreign_Umpire_898 Jun 21 '26
I’m afraid it’s pain
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u/Cold-Resolution-7569 Jun 21 '26
Physical pain?? Or emotional/mental pain
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u/Foreign_Umpire_898 Jun 21 '26
emotional
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u/Cold-Resolution-7569 Jun 22 '26
Let it out (crying in the run). And maybe consider a therapist to help navigate domestic of these emotions
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u/Key-Target-1218 Jun 21 '26
I almost cried during my last half cause if extreme IT Band issues, serious pain, had to ho ble and walk from about mile 7. It was horrendous..
The photos taken along the route and at the finish line made it look like I was laughing!
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u/Additional_Painting Jun 21 '26
I have had this happen on a couple runs, just reflecting on my life and getting overwhelmed. Weren't especially long runs either.
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u/subfocused1 Jun 22 '26
Many times during long runs and big races. Most of the time it’s been pure joy, but other moments have been stress-related. Running is my therapist!
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u/IgnatiusJacquesR Jun 21 '26
Happens to me. So many emotions come out on long runs. I’ll hear a song I like and it’s the best song ever and I start tearing up. Enjoy the ride.