Running as heartbreak therapy
A quick way to get back to where you need to be
I got dumped a few days ago. In a way, it was expected, but at the same time, it came out of nowhere. Nothing I haven’t been through before, but it hurts. It always does.
If you’ve been reading any of my other articles, you know I always try to show how exercise, especially training for endurance events, translates into “normal” life.
This is how running has helped me deal with my breakup.
Feel it
In order to heal, you need to let yourself feel everything. Go through all the thoughts and emotions. It’s not pleasant. Running makes it easier.
For me, running is great for thinking in general. Being out there by myself without any distractions.
Add the feelings of heartbreak into the mix, and I could run for days. The running numbs that horrible feeling I get from going through all the emotions. That does wonders.
Going to the gym is usually like therapy for me as well, but not as much in this case. While it’s a great way to let out aggression, and it helps numb that horrible feeling, it doesn’t bring me the peace of mind running does. There are a lot of distractions in commercial gyms(like other people, loud music, etc.).
Move on
When I’ve been feeling sorry for myself for a while, it’s time to move on. Focus on me. Work on my body and my mind. Guess what activity combines those two? Running.
So if you just got your heart broken, go for a run. Or a walk, bike ride, swim, or anything where you’re alone with your mind and doing something physical at the same time.
