You’ll often find us chatting between appointments not just about therapy—but about our runs. Katie Huggins, Julia Akins, and Adam Glendye have been steadily building their endurance as runners. Whether we’re following a structured marathon training plan or simply logging miles for general aerobic fitness, running has become more than just a hobby—it’s become an additional metaphor for how we approach life and mental health.
5 Tips for Running and Mental Health
Here are some takeaways we’ve learned from endurance running that apply directly to counseling, mental health, and life in general:
Don’t Start Too Fast
In both running and life, starting too fast can burn you out. A strong start might feel good, but endurance is built by doing things consistently over a long period of time. Just like in a training plan, pacing matters in emotional growth and mental wellness.
In counseling, we often see people try to “fix everything” all at once. Real change, like marathon training, is gradual and steady. Make a plan with your counselor to help you address your overall goals, and make a strategic plan for approaching the many areas that you want to change.
Trust the Power of Zone 2
Sally McRae, one of the most respected ultramarathon runners and coaches, often puts athletes in Zone 2 training for months. Why? Because this slower pace builds a solid cardiovascular base and long-term performance gains.
In life, we want results now. We love instant gratification, detailed planners, quick tips, and instant success—often modeled after a TikTok or Instagram reel. But just like marathon training, real transformation—whether physical or emotional—requires patience, repetition, and commitment. It takes time to develop better life skills, recover from trauma, repair your relationships, or develop into a better leader in your workplace.
Your Mental Game Is Everything
The more we run, the more we realize that mental strength is just as important as physical fitness. The way we talk to ourselves during a run often determines how it ends. And in mental health, that same self-talk determines how we cope with stress, setbacks, or feelings of failure.
Did you know most emotional reactions last less than 90 seconds? It’s not the feeling that sticks—it’s the story we tell ourselves about the feeling. In counseling, we explore those internal narratives and help reframe them so clients can run (and live) more freely. Harvard brain scientist Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor explains that “When a person has a reaction to something in their environment, there’s a 90-second chemical process that happens in the body; after that, any remaining emotional response is just the person choosing to stay in that emotional loop.”
Be Brave
Long runs can be intimidating. Even seasoned runners experience pre-run anxiety—doubting their nutrition, gear, or hydration plan. We’ve delayed runs ourselves, standing at the edge of discomfort.
Counseling helps people realize that those anxious feelings often show up right before something important. When your brain and body are preparing for something big—whether it’s a presentation, a boundary-setting conversation, or a 15-mile training run—you’re activating your full potential. That’s not a flaw. It’s your system rising to the challenge.
Don’t Forget Why You Started
Halfway through a 20-week marathon training plan, we sometimes grumble. “I have to run today.” “Another long run already?” “I hate running in the rain.” Sound familiar?
It’s easy to forget that we chose this. We love running, but fatigue and repetition can rob the joy. The same is true with our life goals and mental health work. We start strong—but can lose sight of why we began.
One of our favorite ultrarunners, Andy Glaze, is known for saying:
“Smile or you’re doing it wrong.”
That joy is just as important as discipline.
Life Is a Marathon, Not a Sprint
Whether you’re working toward a physical goal like a marathon or showing up to weekly counseling sessions, the process requires endurance, grace, and patience. Mental health isn’t about quick fixes—it’s about sticking with the work, trusting the journey, and learning to be kind to yourself along the way.
So next time you lace up your running shoes—or sit down on the couch in your first therapy session—remember: you’re training for something that matters. And you’re not alone.
Ready to Start Your Own Training Plan for Life?
At The Pursuit Counseling, we walk (and run) alongside you through life’s transitions. Whether you’re processing anxiety, grief, or burnout—or just trying to find your footing again—we’re here to help you build the endurance for the life you want. Remember that the most successful people in life have teams of people supporting them. We want to be on your team.
Let’s get started—one step at a time.
At The Pursuit, we believe in empowering you to live your best life. Located in Fayetteville, GA near Town at Trilith and Trilith Studios, our team of skilled therapists is dedicated to providing exceptional, personalized counseling services. Whether you’re seeking support for life transitions, anxiety, trauma, or personal growth, we prioritize evidence-based strategies, compassion, and tailored treatment plans to meet your unique needs.Want to start your Pursuit of meaningful change and personal growth with Counseling in Fayetteville, GA?
Continue reading to explore how The Pursuit can help you navigate life’s challenges with confidence and clarity.
