hustle.run.thrive. blog — running therapy
Unraveling the Bias Around Running as Therapy: Why It Exists and Why It’s an Opportunity
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Running is therapy, but Western bias keeps dismissing it. This blog post breaks down where that bias comes from, why people cling to it, and how we can shift the conversation toward a more inclusive, expansive view of healing.
Why "Running is Not Therapy" is a Problematic Message—Especially for BIPOC Athletes
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If you're like me, you’ve probably seen the phrase “running is not therapy” tossed around in some form or another. On the surface, it might sound like a well-intentioned reminder that running isn’t a substitute for professional mental health care. But as someone who works with runners, especially BIPOC athletes, I can’t help but think this message can be more harmful than helpful. Let’s break it down.
Do You Really Need to Rage Run?
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We’ve all been there. Something frustrates you, stress piles up, and before you know it, you’re lacing up your shoes and heading out the door, ready to run until you’ve burned off all that pent-up energy. The rage run is real, and sometimes, it works.
But is it the best way to handle stress? And more importantly, is it sustainable?
If We Reimagined Therapy Like We Reimagined Training
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Running isn’t therapy for everyone, but healing isn’t one-size-fits-all. A grounded look at movement, culture, trauma, and why the narrative needs to evolve.