It is hard for me to admit but I have a problem. I’ve been in denial for many years. At times I could fake it and hide my affliction… if I had a little warning. But sometimes without a heads up – there it was on display for the everyone to see. I’m sure at times when people saw me ‘suffering’ they stayed away … and understandably so! While I don’t think my problem is contagious and there is no cure that I know of … it’s time I come clean. I have Bitchy Running Face. Not too dissimilar to Bitchy Resting Face, however, this malady only strikes when running …usually racing (or at least that is where I have documented evidence.)
I am not sure when my affliction began but looking back at race photos through the years, it is clear I have suffered for quite some time.
Unfortunately, the anguish on my face does not match the good feelings I have or the enjoyment I get from running. This syndrome produces an unpleasant snarl while running. Could it be endorphin-induced?? Is it the pull of gravity on the corners of my lips once I exceed a certain running speed? At this point, there is limited research on Bitchy Running Face (BRF), and there may not be an answer in my lifetime. I know I am not alone, and have witnessed others who suffer from BRF. Just drive down Belmont around 6am on a weekday and you are bound to spot at least one BRF sufferer gutting it out before work!
While there may be no cure, the results are unpleasant to look at, and the race photos are never frame -worthy … I will keep running. I will keep fighting BRF. I will not let BRF stop me from doing something I love … even if it’s hard for the spectators to tell! If you, too, suffer from BRF, I invite you to join my support group … but lets not run together… that’s too much miserable in one place!
12South Pilates & Personal Training 