Why I'm Healthier Now Than When I Ran in The Olympic Games

[@4Dangert]

There is a different between being healthy and being super fit. You were more fit back in your Olympic days but healthier now

[@trevor3905]

you need to talk with eddie hall about mental health, first person to deadlift 1100lbs and the worlds strongest man in 2017. he went into a depression after doing both of those things and hearing you guys both talk about that would be awesome!

[@alekwormuth734]

Yes I love both of their channels

[@jonathanbower7081]

Yessss

[@gabriellloyd]

Commenting for the algorithm, lets get this to 1000 likes!

[@OceanTrader]

well it worked lol. the algorithm found me haha. here is another like

[@DustySticks]

Hearing you discuss your bouts of depression felt very similar to what I experienced over my swimming career. At my peak I was ranked 97th in the world in the 1500m free, I had 2 national medals in that event and one in the 500yd free. Not meeting my personal expectations was a draining endever that felt heavier the closer I got to the end of my college career. Once my college career and swimming career as a whole came to an end I went through a real identity crisis. The day after I got back from NCAAs I immediately started lifting. I knew I needed to develop a new workout routine as I did not want to be a fat swammer like some former swimmers become. Aside from staying fit I had to mentally contend with the fact that for 18 of my 23 years alive I was a competitive swimmer, that is what I was known for and that was my main identity. To go from that to just an every day person was jarring to say the least. One of the turning points for me was when I moved back to Oregon from NC and started my office job. I quickly realized that no one I work with really cares or is interested in what I did as a swimmer. Now that sounds negative, but it was the harsh reality I needed. I've now been a swammer for 8 years. Still love the sport although I don't follow it super intensely. While I fell short of my career goals I still from time to time look back on the successes I did have fondly, and while I can't swim a mile as fast as I used to I've stayed active lifting, playing basketball, and occasionally when the weather is nice swim as well. Lastly I'm glad you brought up your physical health as an athlete. I think what a lot of people fail to realize is that the training we put ourselves through to get to the peaks we reach as collegiate or professional athletes can have lasting negative impacts. During my swimming career I would get sick every Christmas break during winter break training and would get sick in the summer too. It wasn't until I was in my twenties that I would get blood work done to show that it wasn't just me being tired from working out. It was my body developing viral infections from the training I was doing. I'm 31 now, I've had 2 shoulder surgeries (one left and one right) and just had back surgery in January to fix a herniated disc. So while yes I am in better shape than most people and any doctor would say I'm healthy for my age, it is also true that my body has literally a lot more miles on it as yours and other former athletes can attest to.

[@dominicconricode6590]

I’m really happy you’re open enough to talk about this stuff. I trained so hard for my senior track season for it to get canceled and I definitely felt the depression, not to mention getting rejected by many colleges I wanted to get into. Now that I lift more and ride my bike I feel a lot more well rounded and healthy.

[@okonh0wp]

there is a whole generation of people who can't get that glory bc of covid, I only wish there's a way for ppl like you to be inspired by Leo Dalabash and those ppl who did great solo runs.

[@sandrosantos9791]

Rarely a star athlete talks about the other side of sucess. Great video! Thanks so much for sharing, Nick!

[@NickSymmondsToo]

The HBO documentary The Weight of Gold is a good film if you want to learn more about the depression Olympians go through after the Games are over. Grateful to have had a long pro running career, even more grateful that it is over!! More fun making KZbin videos actually :D. PS I'm on Instagram here instagram.com/nicksymmonds

[@penguinmilkshake6257]

I feel so bad for the people who get injured during the Olympics

[@JasperAuxilio]

Let’s go overcome depression! Tbh i run for my mental health. Been running 7k average every single day for almost 2 months now and I’m in my best shape by far. I’m loving my mental state rn too! Always gonna pursue growth. God bless you Nick!

[@ondrastehlikll.1948]

I don't understand why this channel has so few subscribers, especially compared to your main channel, you definitely deserve more for this quality content.

[@komorebi_5549]

I definitely agree that focusing so intensely on just one area of fitness actually hurts more than helps. After watching the video I'm thinking that I'll maybe be satisfied by running in college and then pursuing my career in the medical field. But I also think that you can work to become a better runner even if you're not a pro, no matter what level you're at :)

[@hanphilnoffz8827]

Same even i run at college I be engineer or architect after maybe fitness influencer and skateboard

[@okonh0wp]

yeah, but it's hard to adjust your expectations. i just completed a 10k in my mid-30s at 56:08 and that took quite a bit of training. The version of myself who was 20 years old would have thought such a time would be cringe-worthy

[@elijahernst843]

On a much smaller scale, I like the end of a cross country season because for a couple weeks before I start training for track I can hop out of bed instead of rolling out of bed unwillingly and groaning as my legs take the weight of my twiglike frame.

[@chancellorpalpatine7486]

Ikr. I can’t wait till we start fuller tapering for states. Coming down on a taper is the best feeling that exists

[@bibi7762]

Thanks for the words of wisdom. There is more to life than running.

[@richardwing5819]

This hits home. I was prepping hard for the 2020 Boston Marathon. I had upped my mileage and averaged 120miles and peaked at 135miles a week for 4 months leading to the cancellation. My fitness had exceeded all expectation and was starting to lower my marathon target based off the phenomenal training. With it cancelled I had some pains looked at by a doctor and he immediately labeled it stress fractures and put me in a boot. A month later MRI came back clean but my body did not respond well from 19 mile a day average to crutches for a month. I could barely run with how tight I had become. Currently it's a mental and physical battle to try and regain some of that form for the 2021 Boston Marathon. Still by no means an elite, or professional, just slightly obsessed.

[@kirstensimpson2863]

I needed to hear this honesty and transparency from a pro athlete… wish we heard it more often

[@ZATHURAKEY]

Really good video , what you say makes a lot of sense and can relate to anybody in any career . Obviously , careers in professional sports are mentally and physically tougher than most other types of careers but, I hear what you are saying and I think it can relate to anybody . Your very insightful

[@outsidethepyramid]

Love every bit of this video. Absolute GOLD. Personally, after working in offices for 20 years and now having worked from home for a year because of Covid, I'm not catching bugs every month and I'm able to run regularly and I'm away from nasty office politics. I'm more mentally and physically healthy now than I ever was.

[@tylerwurm608]

Awesome love what you do. This is the stuff no one talks about. This year I've been struggling with a knee injury after being so dedicated for the last year. it suckes so much it really does put you at a low. These videos are great. Keep up the good work.

[@micahcolston9567]

Some truly fantastic perspective in this vid!

[@erickehr4475]

Very interesting video! I believe that most professional runners (middle and long distance, anyway) are protein deficient. Any “unnecessary “ excess weight the carry will slow them and so they eat less protein than their body actually wants. But this has other effects on their well-being - both mental and physical. Eg Their bone density will likely be lower than it should be making them more prone to injury; and consistently depriving your body of one of its most vital needs has terrible effects on your mental well-being. Even ignoring the reasons you give, I would expect a lot of depression and anxiety amongst elite runners.

[@ImranHussain-mi2iv]

I like your videos before I even watch. That's how good I think your videos. From a none runner in the UK

[@Petespans]

Well done Nick.

[@arnelahmetspahic1132]

I really like your second channel! :)

[@EllingtonCarthan]

This video is fantastic. Thank you for being honest and REAL!

[@quengmingmeow]

So informative and so real. I’ve had that “post race depression”, and I’m just the average Joe. It seems like there is something about putting all of your mental energy into going after 1 goal, and once complete, only emptiness remains. I’ve had success mitigating this by always having another race/goal already in the “on deck” circle. The post race letdown still happens, but with the plan already made (including the time off), the mental bounce back is much, much shorter.

[@thatspristine5458]

He just gave me a whole new perspective

[@churn_diesel]

I'm glad I found this video. Whenever running is on TV my dad says things like "imagine how good they feel all the time being in that kind of shape?" As someone who has trained pretty hard, I tried to convince him it is likely the opposite. This confirms everything I suspected of people who push themselves to the limit.

[@sam.e7175]

Really important and eye opening talk, thanks Nick!

[@shanedonlon7416]

We definitely have to see that video on money involved in running for athletes. Do it Nick. Do it!

[@loganseaburg8041]

Such an educational video

[@AllyEitherWay]

Thank you for sharing your experience and for speaking explicitly about mental health and the role it plays in athletes' lives! I appreciate your conscientiousness and thoughtfulness as you speak on these topics, and hearing you speak openly about the highs and lows that you experienced as a professional athlete really validates everyone else's experiences.

[@Milk-sc9jy]

Nick for 36 years of age you honestly look like a 20 year old! I wish I get to look as healthy as you when I get to your age

[@AtheniCuber]

thats some pretty old milk

[@ir5047]

Lots of love from India 🇮🇳🇮🇳❤️

[@sunilrodrigo9778]

Hi Nick I was a track fan of your career since my daughter ran track & xcountry in HS. I strongly suggest a 10 part youtube series from you titled Fitness training for Senior runners over 40 & Beyond shooting for Senior Olympics

[@settlers33]

I trained hard to even get to the Marathon trials x 2. 8 years hard. Now I'm 20 pounds stronger heavier. Not sure how to even get back to a lower weight. I Skate ski better each year but running is going down fast. 48 year's old. 2:23:20 Marathon 🤷‍♂️

[@gabriellloyd]

It nice to see the skiers in the comments!

[@NamiseSports]

Dude, 2'23 marathon is insane, congratulations!

[@rooiboquality6603]

Don't worry it's just the age haha I'd want to motivate you but it's not going to get better than that 😕

[@maxshields6245]

Really enjoyed that nick 10/10

[@jesusjordan1574]

Nick did it all! Olympics and now a KZbinr! This man is awesome!

[@thelegends222]

nick your videos are great and informative thanks

[@benpiekarz]

An amazingly candid take on pro running. Thanks for doing this, it's important!

[@flazzers1277]

Nick it sounds like you’re in a great place, healthy and happy, you deserve it. Love your content, keep up the good work 💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻

[@akashkeeranmarks7314]

fantastic video Nick! really insightful look into the reality of pro athlete life - the hidden sacrifices and struggles behind what we see on the track.

[@okonh0wp]

I for one want to say, your videos definitely help Nick and they inspire. Unfortunately, I haven't been running or exercising tons this year (a little rollerblading and soccer drills) but I'm trying!

[@drrohanfonseca]

This is going to be a late comment on this vid. But the experiences you have provided are invaluable. Much respect!

[@derekrubis6652]

Nick you’re best video EVER

[@The_Norty_Rider]

I like to think I was on track for the 2008 Olympics, was 5 secs off the qualifier for 1500m with a 3.42 in 2006 and improving each year, I was 22 years old, then in mid 2006 had a car crash and multiple surgeries, and didn't run again until late 2009. Watched guys I could beat in 2006 run at the 2008 games, that shit screwed me up mentally. 2008 was a bad bad year for me. Within 4 months of my comeback in 2009 I ran 1.51 for 800m but never got to the times I could years earlier. Talk about feeling unfulfilled and like you never got your best out of you. Depression and injuries has been a big part of my life since 2006. It's important it gets spoken about.

[@PA-qv2dy]

I wouldn’t call it depression, but I am certainly down when I can’t run due to injury, or lately, bad air quality from fires, so I can imagine multiplying that times 1000 for pro runners. Other types of exercise helps hold me over for a while, and your spot on about other interests and hobbies, balance is key!!

[@mro234]

love these videos! So insightful. One question: Could you show us the picture right above you and give us a little context? Really curious!

[@ryanbarry4916]

Hey Nick, thanks for the video. Agreed being well rounded is crucial to maintain emotional stablity... Hey one thing...we never got the video where you break down the 2012 Olympic final run. Would love to hear what was going through your mind and heart before during and after that race!

[@chancellorpalpatine7486]

I went to states a wrestler my freshman year. Sophomore year I fractured my arm before the competition even started. Junior year I tore my shoulder and blew out my knees at the beginning of the season. During those times of injury I was mentally the worst mess you could find anywhere. I spent my whole childhood doing wrestling for success now. I honestly think I’ll just train for track this winter

[@krakhour2]

Ran 10 miles a day when I was young and was running with irish champ and naia champ . Got a lot of medals but never made it to the big time. So all i got to say is I ought to be more depressed than you cause I didnt achieve as much, Still going for gold as a masters runner. but even after 40 years of running I cant wait to the next work out. I think you will see when you hit 60 that the friends drop off and the women drop off and all the money means less...Just god and running and being healthy...and of course family.......all that is important now

[@joshuagraham7602]

Awesome video! As honest as it gets.

[@TheStarz2826]

Loved this video; really made me think that having a lot of interests isn’t a bad thing and it makes me unique. Also, even as a track/XC runner in high school- I felt that depression. Probably not as strong as a pro athlete but definitely had some low points. Also, I running warehouse is bomb diggity! I’ve ordered from them a handful of times, highly recommend

[@georgematzas6399]

GREAT VIDEO

[@kpk33x]

I wish they knew about this stuff in the early/mid 90s when I went through performance plateaus, injuries, and depression. You couldn't say anything then and if you did you were put down. For example, ran a 15 second PR and tore hamstring 2 days later. Set mile PR and then tendonitis the rest of the season. When I quit the track team my junior year of college it was a giant weight lifted off my shoulders that I didn't expect to feel. I took up ice hockey that year. 25-30 years later I most miss the camaraderie of the team, some of my best friends came from running. Watch the heavy weights though, in my late 40s I have the separated shoulder and bad neck vertebrae to show for it...plus its hard to get rid of the bulk once you have it.

[@haridhar9475]

Very impressive.Thanks

[@joshuaking1194]

Never did anything to the standard that you have but did compete in a few things at a competitive level and I know that competing can take away the love for what you do when its a question of having to train/practice instead of wanting to...

[@ThatRunningGuy]

Great advice Nick👍

[@marceeaax]

I stopped the video so I can tell you that you're amazing

[@bretstevens262]

good video Nick! Keep up the great content!

[@arashyadegari507]

Love you from Iran

[@nevankelley574]

Great advice

[@imamgiuseppe5103]

Track and field 😊...what can I say about this sport...its been my bread and butter for so many years

[@aminmarkets8195]

Important video

[@masonmoon5530]

you are so inspiring!

[@tuckerdunagan8565]

Wow I didnt even know you had a 2nd channel!

[@convex2172]

I am absorbing all videos in this channel like a sponge.

[@oldfrend]

man being a dedicated (and successful) olympian sounds like a total mind fuck O.o especially if it's the only thing you have going on in your life.

[@emerson7291]

You have to make that video 1.2k likes

[@cristinagray9399]

I can’t imagine the stress and anxiety dealing with all of that. Training at that level, then getting injured and having to sit it out. ☠️

[@nerychristian]

Pretty

[@SuperVivViv]

Great video Nick, do you think you would be tempted to take part in trail running races? Seems like a great community and good fun!

[@BishopIsJustHappyToBeHere]

The message of being healthy after competing is gonna make a big impact on this generation of runners to not be lazy afterwards. Healthier country on the way?!?

[@noah_0448]

Can you try to run a sub 4 mile in the alphafly the same place as you did with the vaporfly?

[@daskanguru140]

This made me really happy about sucking at sports :D

[@jett1075]

How do you make your second lap faster in the 800m? my pr is 2:03 and the splits were 59.8 and 63.9. I’m trying to break 2 I’m a sophomore in high school

[@jhoncena1111]

Practice running your ideal race pace by yourself using a stopwatch. It takes a lot of pressure off when no one is watching. It makes you less worried at failure when running near peak performances. It also helps if you increase your weekly mileage. Your only limit is you.

[@sk1ppercat912]

Most athletes run a positive split in the 800. I believe the last few WRs were all around plus 2. So in theory a 2:00 would be 0:59 and 1:01. You probably need more strength work to stop the fade. Maybe some long intervals. Maybe some longer long runs. Maybe just more volume. Maybe some gym time. Maybe some hills. Talk to your coach they’ll know your weaknesses and do change to much at once. If you did all 5 of those things at once you’ll just get hurt

[@jett1075]

@@sk1ppercat912 thanks for the input I didn’t think of this

[@ghengiskhan9308]

Came here after me and a friend at worked argued about if the top 1% of athletes are fit and healthy

[@janettepiechota4921]

Hi Nick! I really do respect you for what you have achieved, and no doubt it has been a lot, but when I hear you talking about race weight and being sick all year round, then I have to ask, respectfully: do you think that you have made the best possible nutritional choices you could, back then? Of course if you cut weight quickly you weaken your immune system, but if you allow it to happen as a byproduct of your hard training and proper fueling, how can you weaken your immune system then? And since your body is/was your tool, why did you have to gain weight only to lose it again, instead of achieving your race weight in a healthy way and then keep it? Or why cant you just race with the weight you have at the moment when you are able to perform at your very best- why do you need an additional weight cut? All the best to you, Janette

[@aliabdallah4183]

Is a 7 minute 45 second mile a fast mile for a 13 year old? That's my PB and 2 months ago when I started running and working out 1 month into working out my PB was around 9 minutes.

[@wooldog8811]

I dunno what he says but you are on the faster side just not fast Edit I mean not the fastest you are decently fast

[@sometimes1267]

Slow.....I am 6 weeks old and run a 3:12 mile.

[@aliabdallah4183]

@@sometimes1267 ok buddy

[@aliabdallah4183]

@@wooldog8811 ok, I want his response too though, idk if he'll see it

[@Ian_climbs]

I mean my friend is 13 and he’s currently placed like 6th in XC for his age and his pr in the mile is gonna be sub 5 once he runs it

[@francoishofmeyr2123]

Same bike, and same distance 💯⚡ The other day

[@topnotchcringe4070]

I have a question I am currently going through a mental block and I can run faster than 17:30 5k in races even though I have gone faster several times before but in practice when I do the workouts I train like I should be low 16s so I was wondering if anyone new how to get past this mental block or if I have just peaked

[@ActComplicated]

A lot of factors go into a race time. How even your splits are, how hilly a course is, etc. I would recommend trying to even out your splits to prevent fatigue in the last mile. If courses are very hilly you need to realize times on a hilly course would be faster on a flat course. If you are concerned with a major PR you can try a time trial 5k on a track.

[@mmgaitan243]

My brother mad a mental block in the 800m a couple years ago and what significantly pushed him to be better was to NOT try and conserve energy as much as he did. He would conserve energy and have too much by the last 100m or so. So in my opinion try and attack the race from the gun if you are on the shape of low 16s. I hope this helped. 🙏

[@ericpacker7151]

If you are training at a level greater than you are racing then it could be that you are not getting enough beneficial recovery to make those workouts effective. Are you running too hard on your easier days? It is important to run easy on those days to make the most of the more intense workouts. You might consider reading a book called "80/20 Running" by Matt Fitzgerald where he discusses running 80% of your runs at a low intensity and 20% at a very high intensity.

[@ryanwilson3717]

How fast do you run your easy/recovery runs?

[@Leeroy49]

I have a naturally low body fat percentage. You can't generalize that it's very individual. My weight basically varies from 64kg-67kg depending on training regiment. But there's never fat in that mass.

[@AnthonyMcqueen1987]

Cant even imagine the mental stress as a world class middle-distance runner at the elite level damn.

[@brucehutchinson9527]

With the State of Nutrition and Physiology knowledge now, when you are an elite athlete I believe depression can be controlled and reduced significantly for an elite athlete.

[@ericklein435]

Great vid. I'm kinda headed the other way as I've found track later in life and still want to see what I can do. All the same it's important to hear and share that having that singular goal (50 sec 400m for me ) is great but you better enjoy the journey as it can be a long way down from the mountain top. I've read most Nick's book (which is such a great resource) I think some of the important keys to longevity as ive read in Nick's book is to find a community you can share the journey with, cross train and Nick's second favorite thing...have a cold one or 2 once in a while ;) Shoot for the stars everyone, if it's in your heart to achieve something you won't be disappointed either way when you cross that line.

[@krakhour2]

healthy and fit ...2 different things...I can imagine a 142 800 meter runner that you did..........Insane .....you would be the top 3 this olympics

[@chickennugget4607]

Hey Nick

[@hanphilnoffz8827]

I feel the same is just i wanna skateboard when I don't run

[@j54011]

Didn’t know you had 2 channels lol!

[@thomasgarlinghouse1445]

surf trip at 7:15?

[@SarahHowells100]

Is the depression partly caused by the stress on your body from overtraining and underfueling (e.g to make race weight)? Even as an everyday athlete / runner I know I start to feel low/depressed/stressed/anxious if I have not eaten enough for a few days. Within a few hours or less of a big meal I usually feel alot more relaxed and happy.

[@classicalgreekintroductory6045]

Waiting for the comeback...

[@nicholaswan8872]

Ur still faster rn than I’ll ever be 😆

[@loganford6483]

I didn’t know too much exercise can actually inhibit your immune system. Is exercise like food, where if you eat too little you’re unhealthy, and if you eat too much you’re also unhealthy?

[@jacobanteau6020]

Nick is definitely a hat backwards typa guy

[@julianduron5671]

Ok

[@talvarayesha7435]

very useful information to all aspirants. masterbation can affect athletic performance? if yes how many times masterbation is good for a week?

[@jacobcockerham8034]

Nick, how much weight should I drop for championship week, rn I’m 153 6’2’. Not “skinny” but thin right now

[@jonahbancroft6350]

Hello.

[@HarleyJBM]

America has it easy you don't have lockdown we have no tracks open yet where I live we are training on a sand track and I have not raced in 2020

[@brian-sf2re]

Goat

[@XxGustofreshxX]

One day I will win the giveaway🙏