How to Overcome Anxiety On and Off the Trail (Interview with Maria Dalzot)

Sometimes running doesn’t bring us to a state of bliss and stress-relief.  In fact, for some it can provoke anxiety and fear.

Whether you’re training for a tough race, out for a run to release the stress of the day, or venturing into new territory in the mountains or at your job – you probably want to feel energized, strong, and ready for the trail ahead.  We all want these same things in running and life, right?

Today, I’ve invited Maria Dalzot to the blog in the “Women Living Their Dreams On and Off the Trail” series, to share her experiences in overcoming anxiety as a runner.

“It is about feeling your best and taking care of your body now because this is the only one you have. Make it the best it can be for life.”

(click to tweet)

Maria Dalzot is a certified Registered Dietitian Nutritionist with a Master of Science Degree in Human Nutrition & Food Science. She works with people of all ages and disciplines to help them reach their health, wellness, and performance goals. Maria runs professionally for La Sportiva, is a USATF National Trail Champion, and a multi-time US mountain team member.

Now we get to glean from her experiences and insights in how she handles a challenge that many others face.  Ready?  Let’s hit the trail and find out…

How to Overcome Anxiety On and Off the Trail

You say that anxiety is your biggest running challenge. How does this affect your training?

As anyone who suffers from general anxiety can relate, it is scary and irrational and it can be hard to understand for those who have never experienced it firsthand. Sometimes when I am alone on the trail I experience feelings of unreality, dizziness, or shortness of breath. Obviously, these are uncomfortable symptoms that can be exacerbated when climbing an exposed mountain or running technical single track on the side of the cliff. Sometimes they stop me dead in my tracks and I am unable to recover and have to turn back. Other times I work through them to the other side. Either outcome, the adrenaline leaves me physically exhausted.

Have you learned any life lessons through running and experiencing anxiety while you’re on the trail?

Running though my anxiety is a constant work in progress. Some days I am strong enough to push through and other days I need help. The biggest challenge for me is to stay in the present. If I am worrying about what is coming up around the turn, I start getting worked up and sabotage a beautiful trail run. But in the moment, I am fine. This holds true off the trail, too. I constantly remind myself, right now, I’m okay. If you constantly check in with yourself, you’ll realize that you are okay all the time.

Has working through anxiety inspired your lifestyle and how you take care of yourself as a runner?

Anxiety can be unpredictable at times and vary day to day. The factors that have the biggest influence on the severity of my anxiety are fatigue, hunger and stress. I am constantly aware of these triggers and make sure I do what I can to avoid getting overly tired, hungry or stressed. I don’t sleep well at night so I take a nap mid-day which helps significantly and I am very disciplined about getting to bed early. I notice if my blood sugar gets too low while I am running I start to get nervous. My mantra on the mountain is “when in doubt, eat something.”

Calming the “monkey mind” seems to be a challenge for many of us, and something that running often helps us do…what else works for you to “calm the monkey mind”?

Staying off social media, playing cards and reading helps calm my monkey mind. I basically try to avoid anything overly stimulating when I am worked up. Also, putting things into perspective. Usually my worries are small and insignificant, but in my mind everything is a big deal. Realizing that this is not the case and focusing on issues that really matter helps bring me back down. Lastly, I have the world’s calmest, most rational husband who doesn’t always understand, but is extremely patient and helps me tremendously.

As a dietitian, you get to encourage and support people to make healthy changes that will directly impact their life and athletic performance. What’s one piece of nutrition advice you’d give to runners who are committed to living their best life?

If I could only give one piece of advice to runners who are committed to living their best life it would be to make nutrition a priority. Nutrition is part of your life. It is not optional. It is not an add-on. It is not temporary. It is your health and well-being. It is a commitment. Make nutrition a priority in your life because it is not just about athletic performance or looking good. It is about feeling your best and taking care of your body now because this is the only one you have. Make it the best it can be for life.

Despite anxiety, you’re committed to living your dreams in running and life. What does “living your dreams on and off the trail” mean to you?

“Living your dreams on and off the trail” to me means living with passion. I am passionate about my work and passionate about my running and I am not afraid to let that show. I am very open and honest about sharing the way I feel and think with others because chances are you are not alone. Chances are, they have experienced some of the same thoughts or opinions as you. I feel like you can touch so many more people when you are vulnerable because the truth is, we all have insecurities and sometimes we may need help. Sometimes we may need to hold someone’s hand or share an obsessive thought or be told that things are going to be okay. And you know what? That’s okay.

Thank you so much Maria!

Her thoughts and openness remind me that we all have many of the same experiences, and if we move forward with this understanding and connection, we can live our dreams despite the challenges!

Your turn: Is there a time you’ve felt anxiety overwhelm your abilities?  Was there something you did to overcome and move forward?  Share in the comments below.

Maria Dalzot is a certified Registered Dietitian Nutritionist with a Master of Science Degree in Human Nutrition & Food Science. She works with people of all ages and disciplines to help them reach their health, wellness, and performance goals. Maria runs professionally for La Sportiva, is a USATF National Trail Champion, and a multi-time US mountain team member.

Connect with her online here:

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