therapy runs

Therapy runs are the runs that are preceded by a fight with a family member or a sudden onset of concern. These runs go by faster than regular runs and your pace is likely to improve.  Therapy runs are completely engrossing, whether you are the "therapist runner" or the "peeved runner" in need of support.  Oftentimes, you won’t even remember the route you took.  All of a sudden, you’ve hit mile 5 and you feel like you are finally coming up for air.  Your breathing is less shallow and you realize the majority of your anger was left behind, stomped deep into the pavement of mile 3 and a half. 

The most important requirement for a therapist runner is she must listen well.  She must also believe in the healing powers of ranting as a necessary process of human development.  A therapist runner doesn’t care how many times a story is repeated and from how many different angles it is told.  In fact, the more perspectives the better as far as she is concerned.  Men need not apply for this position, this is woman's territory. (My husband argued I take this line out.  I saw his point, and this is my compromise).

The therapist runner must give advice prudently and understand the exact science of good timing.  As a general rule, she takes the side of the peeved runner.  The therapist runner must be willing to sacrifice “me time” during the run to help the peeved runner.  And she knows without a doubt, tomorrow the same sacrifice would be made for her.  In fact, the roles between therapist runner and peeved runner are interchangeable and reversals may happen many times within one run.  In a healthy therapy run relationship, the work feels mutually beneficial.

The therapist runner intuitively knows when to add her personal grievances to enhance the therapeutic work.  At the end of a successful therapy run (and they always are), the peeved runner feels clear headed.  She is moving forward, ready to forget the situation altogether, or she knows which important actions to take toward resolution.  The therapist runner feels satisfied with her work, pats herself on the back and is not surprised hours later when she gets a text saying, “Great run!  Thanks for listening today, it really helped.  You are the best! xo”  

Not every run is a therapy run.  Therapy runs have a unique energetic quality, and you never know when you are lacing up for one.  If you don't feel mentally prepared to be the therapist runner, don't worry, just listen and tell her she's got this.  She needs you running beside her, breathing it out and pounding it into the ground.

When you find a good therapy run partner, keep her! Buy her new mittens in the winter and surprise her with baked treats.  You do these things because you realize the relationship is an expansive one that goes far beyond miles.

Finally, The Golden Rule of Therapy Runs: 

WHAT IS SHARED ON A THERAPY RUN STAYS ON A THERAPY RUN!