Embracing Resilience: Overcoming Negative Thoughts in Athletic Pursuits

Interview with Nicky Tamberrino from “Maybe Running Will Help” with Emily Hemendinger

In the latest episode of “Maybe Running Will Help,” host Nicky sits down with Emily Hemendinger, Clinical Director of the OCD Program and Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. With her extensive expertise in treating OCD, anxiety, and eating disorders, Emily brings a wealth of knowledge about mental health, particularly how it intersects with athletic performance and outdoor activities.

Emily’s passion for mental health advocacy extends beyond her professional life. She is also deeply connected to the wilderness, spending her free time hiking Colorado’s famous 14ers—mountain peaks towering over 14,000 feet. Having moved from New York’s Long Island to Colorado, Emily quickly fell in love with the outdoors and its therapeutic benefits, a passion that mirrors her approach to mental health.

During the conversation, Nicky delves into how Emily’s personal experiences and professional insights shape her understanding of mental health, particularly among athletes. Emily shares that while she’s not a runner herself, she connects deeply with the mindset of athletes through her own athletic pursuits, such as swimming and hiking. This understanding informs her work with runners, many of whom struggle with eating disorders or obsessive-compulsive tendencies. Emily notes that the intense drive and perfectionism often seen in athletes can lead to what she calls “automatic negative thoughts” or “ANTS.”

These thoughts, Emily explains, are habitual, almost non-conscious, and can significantly interfere with one’s life when they occur frequently. Common examples include “What if I fail?” or “I should be doing better.” Such thoughts can lead to a cycle of anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders, impacting both mental and physical performance. The constant barrage of negativity can sap an athlete’s energy, leading to fatigue and a decrease in performance, which only reinforces the negative thought patterns.

One of the key strategies Emily advocates for is acceptance. Rather than trying to forcefully reframe or dismiss these negative thoughts, she encourages athletes to acknowledge them without letting them take over. For example, instead of saying, “I’m a failure,” one could say, “I’m having the thought that I’m a failure.” This subtle shift creates space between the individual and their thoughts, reducing the emotional impact and preventing the thoughts from becoming overwhelming.

Emily also emphasizes the importance of balanced thinking. While positive thinking has its place, she warns against invalidating difficult emotions by trying to force positivity. Instead, she encourages a more balanced approach: recognizing that setbacks and negative thoughts are a normal part of life, but they don’t define one’s overall worth or ability.

Incorporating practices like mindfulness, meditation, and even journaling (when done mindfully) can help athletes stay present and avoid being consumed by negative thoughts. By recognizing these thoughts for what they are—just thoughts—athletes can prevent them from derailing their performance and overall well-being.

Emily also touches on the concept of taking up space, particularly for women who often feel pressured to minimize themselves, whether physically or emotionally. She encourages everyone, especially those prone to perfectionism and self-criticism, to assert their needs and embrace their authentic selves.

As the conversation wraps up, Emily shares a mantra that has recently become her favorite: “Steady and efficient.” This simple phrase, which helped her during a challenging hike, serves as a reminder to stay grounded and focused on the present moment, rather than getting caught up in negative thoughts or unrealistic expectations.

Through her work, Emily aims to empower others to live fully and authentically, challenging the negative thoughts and behaviors that hold them back. By embracing acceptance and balance, athletes and non-athletes alike can build resilience and lead a more satisfying life.

This blog post is inspired by the latest episode of the Maybe Running Will Help podcast, hosted by Nicky Tamberrino, also known as @1classy_motherunner on Instagram. Tune in on your favorite streaming platform for an insightful conversation, and for more motivation and updates, be sure to follow @mayberunningwillhelp on Instagram.

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