Interoception and High Pain Tolerance

Welcome back to another post in my Neurodivergent Runner Chronicles, where I continue to share the ways in which neurodivergence influences my running journey. Following up on last week's post about interoception, today I’m diving deeper into how it relates to having a high pain tolerance, and the unique challenges this creates for me—both in sport and everyday life.

What Does a High Pain Tolerance Mean for Me?

Because I don’t feel sensations as strongly as others, I need much more intense input to detect what’s happening in my body. This means I often don’t realise I’m in pain until I’ve reached a significant level of discomfort. Yes, I have a high pain tolerance, but it also means I can miss the early warning signs of injury or strain.

This doesn’t just apply to pain—smaller, everyday things are affected too. For example, I often only notice that my shoelaces are too tight when they’re ridiculously tight. It’s a quirky part of how I experience the world, but it can lead to challenges in both running and daily life.

The Impact on Sport

In sport, having a high pain tolerance can be particularly problematic. Since I don’t always feel injuries or discomfort when they start, I might push myself too hard without realising it, only catching the problem when it’s much worse. This makes it essential for me to be extra mindful of how my body feels, even when it’s not sending strong signals.

My Tips for Managing Discomfort and Avoiding Injury

Over time, I’ve had to develop strategies to manage these quirks. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is to make sure your shoes aren’t too tight! A simple tip I swear by is to always ensure you can fit a finger on either side of your laces when they’re tied—not too tight, but still snug. Additionally, getting your shoes properly fitted by a specialist can help prevent discomfort and injury.

Being mindful of my body’s signals—or lack thereof—also means I’ve become extra cautious about warming up and cooling down properly. I avoid overworking myself by scheduling my runs in a way that leaves plenty of time for recovery. This helps me manage my training more effectively and reduces the risk of injury sneaking up on me.

Takeaway: Understanding Your Body’s Signals

Understanding how my body processes (or doesn’t process) pain has been a game changer for managing both my running and my daily routine. It requires more mindfulness and proactive care, but it allows me to stay on top of my training without overdoing it.

Thank you for tuning in to another week of Neurodivergent Runner Chronicles!

Luvya, Nids x