Running or therapy?
I finally bought a visor at the Chicago Marathon Expo. I got it at the One More Mile booth, per Erin’s recommendation. One More Mile has a lot of funny products! I really like the visor and am happy I bought it just in time for the race. I can’t imagine having that sun in my face!
The one I picked out says “Running is cheaper than therapy.” Ha!
Of course, I was thinking about this statement. Can running be a replacement for therapy? Even if it is cheaper…
I know that when I got out and run, I come back with a clearer head and in better spirits. But that doesn’t necessarily mean I am (always) thinking about “my issues” and working through them while I am running. It’s more often that running is a distraction and the endorphins make me feel good. Sure, often I go out after a stressful day and a run makes me feel better. But it’s not like it will make, real, hard issues just go away.
The day after the marathon, I was reading the October issue of SELF and stumbled across an article called “150 Miles,” about an ultra marathoner. Of course, I was immediately intrigued and loved reading it. As I was aching in the tub, it reminded me that there are tougher goals out there than a marathon! I highly recommend it (you can read it here)!
The article is about Laurie Andrews, a woman who stumbled in to ultra marathons and became sort of obsessed with them. One of her quotes made me think of the slogan on the visor:
I have a sense of peace and joy when I’m outside running that I don’t get from anything else, and I can’t get enough of that feeling.
The article goes on to mention how exercise is a proven mood improver, and that in one study, 20 minutes of exercise made people feel positive for up to 12 hours afterward.
Andrews ended up doing really well at a few ultras, then had some setbacks. She kept pushing herself though, and in the end, became very injured and bed-ridden.
Then the article kind of changed gears and said that all of this time, Andrew was struggling with depression, and trying to use running to mask it. The article said that:
Although she had no history of depression, it’s not an uncommon side effect of training for sporting events as intense as the Marathon des Sables. After months, even years, of pushing everything else aside, athletes often feel lost when they return.
Jack Raglin, M.D. calls this the “staleness syndrome” and urges athletes to prepare for a letdown and find a way to relieve their accomplishment afterward, perhaps by talking to others who were there. “You have to come off of that running high as gently as possible, stop training and allow time for recovery.”
So, Andrews realized running was just another stress in her life, and after she recovered, she started swimming and biking, and having more of a social life. She still plans on running ultras, but lives a more “balanced” life now.
What is the point of me sharing all of this? Does anyone really think this much about a logo on a visor? Geez.
I guess I am just thinking, if you have real issues, running or other any form of distraction is not a replacement! If you need therapy, go. I have. Or talk to family and friends. Ha. But the visor is still funny to me (since I have gone to therapy and realize it the visor slogan is meant to be humorous!).
I think sometimes we have habits of distracting ourselves instead of taking care of issues. Or, at least avoiding issues and hoping they will resolve themselves.
Have you ever distracted yourself rather than faced an issue you were having?
Do you use exercise to improve your mood? Do you sometimes work through your issues while you are exercising?
Have you ever experienced the “staleness syndrome”?
Like I said, I sometimes do! But not everything can be solved that way.
Themocracy
I was going to mention the visor. I thought it was pretty cool.
Are you considering an ultramarathon?
Thanks Kevin! Have you checked out One More Mile? I think you would like some of their stuff! They had a cool shirt that said “My the course be with you.” I would have gotten THAT visor if they had it.
I am not considering an ultramarathon. Not right now anyway! Ha! I have a long long way to go in improving my distance running! Thanks for even asking and thinking it would be feasible for me (or maybe you were just checking in to make sure I DON’T need therapy right now?).
I feel the same way about running. I usually use it as a distraction. Even though I feel good when I get out the door and start running, I feel worse when I come back and the same pile of work is still waiting for me. I was just telling Harrison that I need to take up something more aggressive as an athletic version of stress relief–like kickboxing–because I get SO ANGRY (=ENRAGED) about my classes this semester. I asked him to install a punching bag, haha!
You should come over to our house (since we’re so close?) – we just filled up our punching bag this Friday! 🙂
But really, a class like that could be a lot more stress-relieving than running. All the bs work will still be there though.
And thanks about the photos! I wanted to reply but your comment did not send an email. I wanted to let you know I was forcing those smiles and posing most of the time 😉
Running has always been good for helping me to relieve stress, especially from my last job, and life certainly got worse when I couldn’t run. People at work could tell because I was on edge more! Also, when the days got really bad, I had some pretty fast runs!! That being said, when it got to the point that I was actually considering therapy, no amount of running was going to be a cure. (Although apparently a new job in a new city was the cure!)
I think you bring up a good point! Running doesn’t solve our problems, but it may keep us calmer, more even-keeled! I am happy to hear that your new job in NYC makes you so much happier than the last place! I am happy for you! 🙂
I think that running or exercise can be a good stress reliever and that it can help some people work through some problems but it’s definitely not a substitute for therapy in all situations. Like you mentioned, it can be used as a distraction or I suppose people could use it as a form of transference.
It seems that there is a segment of the running population that is a little obsessive and gets caught up in doing more and more miles, and can’t give themselves a break even when they need it. I don’t think running itself is harmful, it’s just that it can be attractive to people who like control.
I do feel better after a good run, but I also know when to give myself a break. I woke up with a cold today so I am going to bag my planned run in the hopes of being better by the weekend.
I think it’s a LARGE segment. Even I still struggle with not pushing myself too hard! Good for you for taking time to get better. I hope that cold goes away soon!
It’s almost exactly what they say about drinking: you can’t drown your troubles, since they know how to swim. Difficulties you try to escape by lacing up your shoes will either outrun you or be waiting by the door when you return.
That said, I know that *I* can be a different person by virtue of that run, and I can often handle the problems better. Also, if the depression is chemical, the running *can* be as effective as therapy. When I moved to Wisconsin, I started getting smacked hard by Seasonal Affective Disorder every year, and drugs and therapy didn’t help a lick. What did help? Getting outside and running, all winter long, regardless of weather. It was amazing.
What a great analogy. And I have never heard it before!
It is almost SADD season again isn’t it? I worked out outdoors last winter too and felt SO MUCH better!
I agree with you, Carrie. I think running, and exercise in general, really help me handle my problems better. I get out, clear my head and can approach things more effectively.
I too run outside all winter. It makes SUCH a difference in my mood. I’ve done it in New Hampshire, Minnesota and Chicago (Chicago’s a state too, right?). It just takes the right gear!
I work through everything on my runs, it truly is a peaceful and thoughtful time for me.
Post marathon it’s very hard not to feel a little down IF that was your major goal for many many months.
Running keeps me calm. I wouldn’t call it therapy, but it definitely makes me a better mom by virtue of helping me keep an even keel and softening my, ahem, rough edges.
I think ultrarunners are so hard core. I’m not sure if I ever could, but there’s that little piece in the back of my head that eats up every story I can find on them. Off to read that article now!
I do think running can sometimes be more of a distraction than problem solver for me. It is literally like running away from my problems; if I’m struggling with my mom or a friend, I can run and for that hour or so, not have worries of talking to them or them “catching up with me.” I realized this most when I was injured and couldn’t run; I had no temporary outlet from my depression.
I love the “One More Mile” gear! I had an ex that bought me the shirt “Will Run for Ice Cream” 🙂
I was hoping to find a “will run for food” visor!
I sometimes have escaped to a run just to get away from someone. Yeah. That doesn’t work!
I do use exercise to improve my mood. More because it’s the only time I get to have a complete uninterrupted thought!! Plus it makes me feel like I have accomplished something. I haven’t felt staleness syndrome, but I don’t work out any time comprable to an ultra marathoner!
(Nice to meet you!)
Thanks for commenting and stopping by Heather!
I do love that running is interruption-free! We don’t have many opportunities like that these days 🙂
I have really been craving the gym over the past week with the stress that life has thrown at me right now. It is more for the physical manifestation of the stress that I have in my body. Sure it helps mentally too, but that needs to be taken care of in another way. The trick is to find the balance.
I hope things get better for you! I am thinking about you 🙂
I agree with you and most of the commenters – running is definitely a great way to make you feel better and be better able to deal with life stresses but not a subsitute for therapy if needed. And yes, I do sometimes use my workouts, running and weights, to avoid other things – but this is way better for me than using food or alcohol!
Love the pictures! 🙂 Even if I’m having a horrible day and I go out and sweat it up at the gym I manage to come out of it feeling WAY better than I would have. I don’t try to use exercise to mask issues but sometimes just that alone time to myself gives me a chance to think or not think about them. Great thought provoking post! 🙂
You know me. I’ve been going to therapy for years. I don’t need it as much as I used to, but it has been key for my recovery from alcoholism and grief. The running that I’ve just started? It really does quiet the crazies. The thoughts and anxieties that I wouldn’t be able to stop mulling over at the end of the day and unable to sleep, would perpetuate them even more. Running gives me a respite from them long enough for me to not be overwhelmed by them. I don’t think about much at all when I’m running. THAT is what makes it magical for me. A break from my head. And then I can hold off the crazy until my next therapy appointment. It’s good all around. It IS good therapy. Both kinds.
I am happy to hear that running has been helping you so much. Isn’t it great when you are just out there, doing your thing and can kind of zone out? I can’t really do that on my own!
It’s interesting that they said she was still struggling with depression while exercising. I’ve read many times that if you struggle with depression that exercise can help. But I agree that while you can’t run away with your problems just getting out there can help boost your mood and perhaps that mood boost will help you work though whatever issues you face outside of running.
I certainly don’t work through problems or issues while running. I still tend to think about running while running!
I was having a conversation with one of my friends that participates in Triathlons. She participated in one recently and had a big set back during the swimming portion. She couldn’t complete the rest of the race. She took one day off from training and was right back at it. I was shocked. I told her that I thought she might need more than one day to recooperate, but she said training is her distraction from some tough issues she has been dealing with and she couldn’t bare to stop training.
As a psychologist, I have to say that I often suggest exercise as part of the “treatment” …not as a replacement. Making sure to rest well, eat regular and healthy meals, exercise, get together with friends and reduce stress…those are the basics. Along with that, we then work on specific issues and try and change distorted perceptions 🙂 …sorry I may have gotten a little carried away here…I love my work 🙂
Do you think that “staleness syndrom” is like Post-race blues? I know after I finished my first 1/2 IM, the world seemed duller…less bright. I was in a serious funk after the IM. I’m MUCH better now. Is that what the article was talking about?
I make my best decisions while I’m running. It’s definitely a form of therapy for me!
Oh yeah, it is totally the post race blues and I know EXACTLY what you are talking about! That is why I usually try to have at least one thing I am training for, even if it is far away!
I definitely feel like I work through issues when running. Very rare is the run that doesn’t fix a bad mood, or at least very rare is the bad mood that isn’t improved by a run.
Wow, talk about timing…Mark Remy was thinking like you this morning. 🙂 Did you see this post about the Chilean miner running while he waited on rescue? http://rwdaily.runnersworld.com/2010/10/trapped-might-as-well-run.html
I didn’t see that! What a cool story. Wow. I cannot imagine running underground. But I bet I would turn to that to cope too!
Perfect! I love this post because that is exactly what I’ve found through running. It has improved not only my mood but my attitude towards other people. It has also allowed me to escape my somewhat introverted shell. For me, it’s a wonderful escape when I want to forget about stress. It’s also a way for me to think through any problems if I feel like confronting them. Not only running, but any form of exercise can help with so many of lifes little challenges.
Oh, running is TOTALLY my release. It is my time to unplug and strive towards a goal that only matters to me. Not to anyone else. I do most of the things that you mentioned in your post…. I use it to de-stress, to work things out, or honestly just to space out. I’m a much better person because of it.
BTW – were you “wearing” your phone when you splashed yourself!? no wonder it died!!
Ha! No, I took these water pics around mile 18, and passed the phone to Steven at 11 🙂 I did have to get a new phone. Oops. Kind of ironic after the post I wrote last week!
I have that same saying on a shirt… but I often joke that it should say “Running is cheaper than therapy… but sometimes we need both!” That’s how I feel about the subject. Running definitely helps calm me, settle me down and soothe my nerves. But it also doesn’t necessarily help me talk through some of my problems the way I can with family, friends or therapist. And I have a tendency to become obsessive, so if I’m using any one thing as a crutch than most likely it will become a hindrance.
One of the primary reasons I wanted to get back to exercise is that my doctor yelled at me last time I was in to see him because he said no medicine he could possibly prescribe me for anxiety is going to work as well as exercising regularly. So there is definitely, definitely something to it.
That said, of course it shouldn’t be a replacement FOR therapy when needed. 😉
BTW, you might like my friend Tracey’s blog. She doesn’t update all that often, but she’s run a few marathons and is training for an ultra. http://www.traceysspace.net
This made me think – I hope EVERY doctor is recommending exercise, whether to help with anxiety or not! That is good to hear though, that your doctor wants you to use a natural anxiety reliever, rather than meds!
Thanks for the link! I will add her to my reader and check her out (once I get reader under 800 posts, lol!).
I definitely use exercise to help improve my mood but it’s definitely not a replacement for therapy. Seeing a psych is helping me SO much more than exercise (or anything) ever has. Besides, I’d rather work through my issues then hide them with something else.
I actually do some of my best thinking when Im running. Thats something my mom said to me when I was young, and I never understood it until recently. For me, running IS therapy. Of course, I dont have any serious issues to work through (anymore). But I really do think things out, and talk myself through stuff when Im running.
Also, I just read your marathon recap post this morning.
You are awesome. Thats all I can really say. AMAZING job!!
Aww, thank you Leah!
I think it’s cool that your mom ran (does she still run) and passed that knowledge down to you 🙂
haha, for me i don’t think running could ever be therapy, since all i do is think to myself how much i hate running the whole time. not very therapeudic, i dont’ think… 🙂
I sometimes use exercise to help me when I’m in a bad mood, but almost NOTHING can distract me when something’s really bothering me. I focus, focus, focus on it and drive myself crazy until I can do something about it. Half a lifetime of therapy has helped me learn how to cope considerably, though. 🙂
Exercise always makes me feel better… it’s the part where I make myself exercise that’s tough!
Very cute visor! I definitely consider running to be a form of therapy for me, or at least something that helps me deal with things. When I found out Bri had to deploy (I was at work) the first thing I did when I left work was head to the gym and kill myself on the treadmill (I hate the tm but it was icy out!). I still wasn’t happy afterwards but I did feel a little better.