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.
Running as Therapy: A Vital Coping Mechanism
For many, running serves as a powerful tool for mental and emotional well-being. It’s not just about fitness; it’s about clearing the mind, working through life’s challenges, and finding peace amid chaos. Running allows us to escape, even if for just a little while, from stressors, anxiety, and the overwhelming demands of life. It’s a way to focus on something that feels good for our minds and bodies.
But when we tell athletes that "running is not therapy," we risk invalidating these very real, therapeutic benefits. For some, running isn’t just about the physical act—it’s a mental reset. It’s a space where athletes process their thoughts, release stress, and regulate emotions. Running provides clarity in a world where so much feels outside of our control. To dismiss this can make people feel that their connection to running as a form of mental relief is somehow lesser or unimportant.
The Bigger Issue for BIPOC Athletes
Now, if we zoom out a little, we see a deeper issue, especially for BIPOC athletes. The phrase “running is not therapy” can come across as even more dismissive when we consider the unique experiences of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color in sports and in life. Many BIPOC athletes face systemic racism, daily microaggressions, and cultural pressures that take a toll on mental health. For them, running often becomes more than just a sport—it’s a necessary coping mechanism, a way to process the trauma and stress they encounter.
For example, many BIPOC athletes turn to running to reclaim space in environments where they’ve historically been excluded or made to feel invisible. It’s a form of resistance, empowerment, and self-care all rolled into one. It allows athletes to take control of their bodies and their space in a world that often tells them they don’t belong.
To tell these athletes that running isn’t therapeutic is to ignore how running helps them navigate and deal with the specific emotional burdens they carry. For BIPOC athletes, running provides a sense of belonging, a place where they can temporarily leave behind societal pressures and the weight of discrimination. It’s a way to feel connected to something larger than themselves—whether that’s nature, their community, or even just the rhythm of their own breath.
The Truth: Running Can Be Therapy
While running may not replace professional therapy, it plays a crucial role in maintaining mental well-being for many people. It’s a form of self-therapy that allows individuals to release pent-up emotions, manage anxiety, and find moments of joy. For BIPOC athletes, running can be part of their healing process—helping them work through emotional wounds, stress, and personal challenges. It’s also a reminder that mental health isn’t just about what happens in a therapist’s office—it’s about everything that contributes to well-being, including movement, community, and personal growth.
Running with Purpose: How We Can Shift the Narrative
Instead of telling athletes that running is not therapy, let’s acknowledge that it can be an incredibly therapeutic practice in its own right. For some, running is not just a way to get fit—it’s a way to clear the mind, release stress, and work through life’s ups and downs. It’s also a practice that brings people together and creates a sense of community, something especially important for marginalized groups who may feel isolated or misunderstood.
If you’re a BIPOC athlete, a runner, or anyone who has found solace in running, I encourage you to embrace it for the therapeutic role it plays in your life. And if you’re looking to explore how running, mindset, and coaching can help you unlock your full potential—without unnecessary pressure or expectations—I’d love to work with you. Together, we can build a plan that taps into both the mental and physical benefits of running, while helping you navigate the challenges you face as an athlete and as a person.
Whether you’re training for a marathon or simply trying to find more peace in your life, running can be part of the solution. So let’s stop saying “running is not therapy” and start acknowledging the powerful role it can play in our mental health and well-being. If you’re ready to take your running to the next level—both physically and mentally—let’s work together to unlock your potential.