Winter, Endorphine Withdrwal, & The Munchies

Ronin · #1 (**permalink**) 12-07-2007, 03:49 PM

Everyone:

While I'm in the midst of an emotional roller-coaster with a very sick cat (see Chit Chat for details), I'm also noticing that as winter has set in here in NJ that I'm also experiencing Endorphine withdrawl that is taking the form of "the munchies." I have a great desire for CHOCOLATE! Fortunately I have found a low carb (5 g. per 8 oz serving) chocolate drink, but not having that daily 90 minute outdoor tandem/single bicycle ride is playing havoc with me. The drink takes the "edge" off the withdrawl but doesn't completely satiate the withdrawl.

We do have a winter routine that is a double/tripple Bowflex session on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays with a 16 mile "Indoor Time Trial" on our old tandem mounted in a magnetic resistance trainer on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. The endorphine blast just isn't the same.

Does anyone else have a similar experience in the winter?

kstreeter513 · #2 (**permalink**) 12-07-2007, 04:01 PM

Actually for me, it's just the opposite. I love to run. When I run outside on a cold day, nothing makes me feel more superhuman that a run in the brisk cold air. I feel like I should be on a Nike commercial or something. It's really great!!! Especially if it is dark. I can come home and take off my hat; when I stand in the light coming off the porch light, I can see the steam rolling off my head, and almost feel high. I guess this is "the runners high", everyone talks about, but hey that's just me.

Scratch · #3 (**permalink**) 12-07-2007, 04:03 PM

I've been struggling with this some, it seems like. Definite cravings for chocolate and a lot more carbohydrate than usual. I'm not too fond of this time of year with the daylight dwindling down, but we're almost to the turnaround point.

But I've probably had more Hershey chocolate bars the last few weeks than I had all year up until just before the half-marathon I ran.

shockme · #4 (**permalink**) 12-07-2007, 04:17 PM

i could kill for carbs-especially chocolate and other sweets!!!!! so- can i blame it on the season?!

trish

Ronin · #5 (**permalink**) 12-09-2007, 05:18 PM

Hi kstreeter513!

I used to run, but my knees (which hyper-extend) don't allow any serious running. So, cycling is my exercise of choice (actually tandeming which allows Linda and me to exercise together). Therfore winter is vexing because weather conditions often prevent going outside. When the roads are clear and dry we do go out an ride, but now that winter has really hit NJ our next outdoor ride is looking distant.

We also love the thrill, not to mention the victorious feeling, of being outside when most folks are huddled in front of the television. On those days I don't have that choclate craving (which I know stimulates the same receptors as endorphines).

Handybear · #6 (**permalink**) 12-09-2007, 05:25 PM

Ah the winter doldrums. Here in the Chicago area it seems to get dark around 2 pm on cloudy(which is most) days. I tend to get the munchies staying inside so much.
We have been having an ice storm and you could literally skate down my block. Thank goodness for the treadmill.

volleyball · #7 (**permalink**) 12-10-2007, 10:25 AM

My exercise of choice for tonight got canceled due to school closing. Lucky for me the storm left a lot of ice that needs to be chipped.
Snow shoveling has to be done during the winter so I look forward to it. You don't get a high but you definitely can get a groove going. I only have 1500 sq ft to shovel but each shovel full has to be carried up to 50' to be dumped. Sometimes it takes hours.

kstreeter513 · #8 (**permalink**) 12-12-2007, 02:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ronin

Hi kstreeter513!

I used to run, but my knees (which hyper-extend) don't allow any serious running. So, cycling is my exercise of choice (actually tandeming which allows Linda and me to exercise together). Therfore winter is vexing because weather conditions often prevent going outside. When the roads are clear and dry we do go out an ride, but now that winter has really hit NJ our next outdoor ride is looking distant.

That really sucks about your knees.

I don't know what I would do if I had bad knees. What about cyclocross? I want to get into cross racing, but I've never done it, as right know I am a student and unfortunately cannot afford a cross bike, but it can be a great winter sport! Let's hope the groundhog doesn't see his shadow and we get an early spring