Are there complex roots or dark psychology behind my passion for running?

I recently read a story suggesting “Extreme Athleticism is the New Midlife Crisis.” (thank you, Paul Flannery for an amazing story; I don’t often tag authors, but you are a runner… and a writer!)

It’s not the first time I came across the idea that some people’s immersion in endurance sports is a reflection or aftermath of deeper psychological traits — sometimes even trauma.

This made me reflect on my love for running. In recent years, it has burned hotter than ever, and my level of dedication has reached heights that few other activities in my life ever did.

I ran 90 miles last week and averaged 85 in the last four weeks. My mileage for this year will surpass 3,150. That’s sixty miles every week. It would’ve been more if I hadn’t strained my calf in the summer and missed three weeks after running too many hills.

I plan to run a marathon in February and improve my PR of 2.44. A sub-2.40 marathon is within reach.

I’m forty-three. Midlife crisis or not, “extreme athleticism” applies to me. I was an unathletic kid growing up. I never played any sports. In my PE class at school, I belonged to the slower and clumsier bunch.

I am a hardcore athlete now.

So, is there more than meets the eye behind my love of running?

Yes and no.