Health

RUNNING FOR MENTAL HEALTH

‘I wouldn’t be where I am today without running’

One of my least favorite places are mental hospitals. I made my first trip to one when I was fifteen. While there are many things I could write about, the worst aspect is boredom.

And so, I’ve done my best (not always successfully) to stay out of mental hospitals. A big piece of my puzzle in staying mentally healthy has been exercise — specifically running. It’s been over 20 years since my first visit to a mental hospital, and though I’ve had to go back several times since, I’m certain I would have been in and out of hospitals more had it not been for running.

At 19, I was diagnosed with bipolar depression, and in my twenties a diagnosis of generalized anxiety disorder was tacked on. Though it hasn’t been easy, I’ve only had to go to the

BY NATE LECKBAND

hospital for my mental health four times since 2002, and with a high hospitalization and recurrence rate for people with bipolar, that isn’t too bad.

Before I was diagnosed with bipolar, I had an episode that looked like it could be bipolar. When I had a full blown manic episode a year later, I asked my doctor how I went a year without extreme bipolar symptoms without medication. He told me he believed it was most likely because I was running cross country at the time.

Over the years I’ve found myself to be the most balanced when I’m keeping a regular running routine. When I’m injured, I try to go on a long walks and do a lot of cycling.

While running is beneficial in managing my mental illness, it’s also beneficial for the mental health of those without mental illness. Studies have shown that exercise can improve mood, decrease stress, improve cognition and memory, and improve sleep.

The only hurdle I sometimes face is coping with injury. I have to be careful that I’m not running so many miles that I get injured and suddenly can’t run at all. The stress on my mental health of going from running 50 or more miles a week to having to rely on swimming, cycling and walking has led to a dip in my mental wellness several times. I now try to keep my mileage moderate and to cross train frequently so that there isn’t as extreme of a drop off when I’m injured.

I wouldn’t be where I am today without running. I could have higher anxiety, more depression or be at risk for a manic episode. Because of running, I’m able to live a more mentally healthy life.

RUNNING BRIEFS

News and Notes from the Roads, Trails and Track

Continued from Page 9

MDRA and City of Lakes HM partner with Mile in My Shoes in 2019 - Supporting Social Transformation through Fitness and Fundraising

Can your running change a life? Want a free entry to the City of Lakes Half Marathon plus a chance to make a difference in the lives of those who are homeless and displaced? The Minnesota Distance Running Association and the City of Lakes Half Marathon are excited to announce an official charity partnership with Mile in My Shoes! Partnership with this Twin Cities based nonprofit brings the transformative power of running to people experiencing homelessness and finishing sentences of incarceration.

This year, the Minnesota Distance Running Association and Mile in My Shoes are teaming up to raise funds and help even more people to the City of Lakes finish line through their FundRacer program. FundRacers provide a huge boost to MiMS’s annual revenue by committing to raise money for the organization while they train for and participate in a variety of races. In return, runners receive a free race entry, lots of exclusive incentives and the opportunity to connect with the local running community in a new and profound way.

Sign up as a FundRacer, pledge money to a FundRacer, or volunteer to be a Run Mentor to Mile in My Shoes Resident Members.

To learn more about becoming a FundRacer, visit www.cityoflakeshalfmarathon.com/fundracer