Walk/Run Therapy: Getting Started & Myths About Running
Whether you are new to running or an experienced runner, walk/run therapy can be an excellent way to meet your mental health needs. As a run coach who learned how to run in my late 20s on my own, I have found that some information can be false or even toxic for those who are trying to get started. If you already run, this info can still be helpful! Let’s clarify some myths so that we are on the same page before we begin the therapeutic process. Let’s jump right in!
I need to have a “runner’s body” to be a runner.
What is a “runner’s body” and who is deciding that? We tend to see the media promote those with tall, lean bodies when it comes to running. Let me first say there is nothing wrong with those bodies. Those who have larger bodies or shorter bodies may feel discouraged by seeing those images. I am here to tell you that there is no specific type of weight or body that is required for running. Runners come in all shapes and sizes. We must remember that there is an entire industry profiting off of the many people who try to be a certain size or weight (and they don’t care about us). If you run, you are a runner. Even if you walk and run, you are still a runner! That leads us to the next myth…
I have to run the whole time without stopping or it doesn’t count.
For some, focusing on time and speed is a priority. For our purposes, we are looking for a new habit and long-lasting joy as we blend movement and therapy. What is the point if you can’t find joy in your movement? You will likely not repeat it if it feels terrible, and we are looking for sustainable movement. Even elite runners incorporate walking into their runs (it helps you recover more quickly and you can get stronger). We can avoid any negative self-talk here from the beginning and accept that if we need to stop to walk, it is our body looking to do just that! And it totally counts!
I’m too old and/or not fit enough to start running.
Unless your doctor has told you that you are at risk if you run due to your age or medical reasons, we can consider this one a myth. This belief might come up for those who didn’t grow up running or maybe hated it when they were in gym class (I know I did)! Studies even show that older adults can see improvement in their brain health when starting later in life. Again, if you need to walk, it still counts! We will only go at a pace that we can actually talk, and if that means we have to walk, so be it!
Running will help me lose weight.
Not necessarily. Some people gain weight when they start running, some lose, and some remain the same weight. Bodies are different from person to person. Sure, weight loss is a possibility but not a guarantee. If your sole purpose is to lose weight, walk/run therapy would not be appropriate for you. Weight loss is not the goal of this type of therapy. It’s also important to remember that walk/run sessions are not a work out for either of us, but I do encourage you to get your work outs in outside of sessions if that is what makes you happy!
Running increases risk of injury and isn’t worth it.
The benefits outweigh the costs with this one. Also, injuries are preventable! Although my role is to be your therapist and I would not be working as your run coach, I can still point you in the direction of running safely. This means that strength exercises, warm ups, and cool downs must be incorporated into your movement. Injuries may still happen and I would refer to other professionals if needed. Check out the Benefits of walking/running on my Walk/Run therapy page for more info!
You may have other questions or concerns about using walking/running in therapy. I want to hear from you and I can’t wait to get moving with you!
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