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.

Cardiologist Appointment

I finally had my appointment last Friday with my cardiologist.  The bottom line, no running until I have a nuclear stress test next week.  I was very depressed for a couple of days.  I think what got to me the most is the idea that I'm so limited in what I can do with running.  That sounds pitiful, and it is with every thing else I have to be so thankful for.  Flash backs of all the ways that I haven't taken care of myself over the years came flooding back.

I've pulled out my copy of Dean Ornish's book on reversing cardio-vascular disease and want to recommit to the diet.  I pretty much do everything else he suggests with stress management and exercise.  Writing about this I hope will keep me on track.

More Snow

What's up with so much snow in Mississippi.  We had about 5 inches last Friday.  Luckily, that was a rest day for me.  By Saturday morning, the roads were fine for a run.  I put in 7 miles.  This is my longest since my comeback.  The run was encouraging.  I still have trouble on hills, but other than that it felt pretty good.

Running hills has been a problem since my heart attack.  The medication that I take limits my heart rate and therefore makes it difficult to exert enough to make long hills.  It's very frustrating, but I understand why I have to take this.

I have my first race this coming Saturday.  It's a 5K to raise money for the Blair Batson hospital for children in Jackson.  It will be fun to be back with old race friends.

Day After the Super Bowl

Runs are not fun after a day of celebration.  Being from just north of New Orleans, I am unbelievably excited at the Saint's win.  Hell has frozen over and pigs are flying.  Of course, I ate too much last night while watching the game with my wife and friends.  I did put in 3 miles this morning though.

Training is going well.  No pain in my achilles.  I was able to put in a total of 16 miles last week and will try to get to 18 this week.

I have signed up for several runs.  Two 5K's, one 10K, and one half-marathon.  Having races to look forward to always helps me.

I am amazed at how much better I feel now that I am back running after a year off.  What a difference.  My energy is up and I actually feel more at peace.

Good Runs

I've had some good runs over the past few days.  I did a 5 mile Saturday, 3 Monday, 2 Tuesday and 3 today.  My achilles is not hurting, which is a miracle.  Saturday's run was different for Mississippi.  It snowed on me.  It was fun.

I've been trying out chi running form with some positive results.  My legs are not nearly as tired as they used to be, and I'm enjoying the meditative focus on relaxation during the run.  It hasn't been a very difficult change because I have always naturally been a mid-foot striker.  The focus on relaxation it what is most different.  I want to focus on pace and pushing it.  Leaving that by the wayside has been relaxing within itself.

Rest Day

Today was a rest day.  I did do some strength work and stretching.  Tomorrow, I have a five mile slow run planned.  At this point, I'm looking forward to it and want to enjoy it without any expectations of performance.

I did make an appointment with my cardiologist as promised.  Writing this blog is already giving me a sense of accountability even if no one every reads it.