Running and Psychopathology

I read an interesting study many years ago in which a psychiatrist divided his depressed patients into three groups.  With one group, he did traditional therapy.  With one group, he ran with them on a daily basis.  With the third group, he did a combination of therapy and running.  Which group had the most improvement in their depressive symptoms?  The group who simply ran.  Close behind was the combination group (no statistically significant difference), but both were significantly more improved than the therapy only group.  (I am sorry it's been too long ago for me to remember a reference to the study.)

Two years ago, I worked with a marathon training group on a similar basis.  We asked anyone who needed help with any emotional issue to participate in group therapy combined with a training run.  Several persons responded to the call and we gathered weekly for eight weeks.  I was amazed at their progress.

Anyone who runs does not find this surprising.  It is almost intuitive to us.

I would love to hear from other mental health professionals who have had similar experiences.

Cardiologist Report

A mixed bag.  No new disease, but no running.  He wants me only to walk.  I called him a few choice names and immediately began readjusting my self expectations.  OK, I will walk and not run.  Maybe it's a good thing.  Maybe it will teach me to simply enjoy rather than constantly trying to reach another goal.

I've participated in one race since the appointment.  I averaged about 14 minutes per mile.  I've walked daily since then, listening to my favorite podcasts and music.  I find myself noticing the beauty on my usual route at our home that seems to have been unnoticed while running.

I have always had a strange mixture of attraction to a meditative life but a goal directed drive.  I will chose to pay attention to my circumstances and simply be with this.