I got new running shoes yesterday. And they are wonderful.

While I was being fit, Megan (my new running friend and friendly local running store employee) and I were chatting about cycles, good ones and bad ones, and how running is the key that keeps all the awesomeness going.

Here’s the cycle:

1. I stop running as much because life gets busy and I don’t have a race on the calendar anyway.
2. Since I’m not running, my depression acts up.
3. Because I’m depressed, I start eating poorly and neglecting my self care.
4. Due to eating poorly and neglecting my self care, I gain weight (not the good kind) and feel even more depressed.
5. My sleep suffers, my rhythms are completely off, and I am a grouchy, cranky wife, mom, employee and friend.

I know many of you run for many different reasons, but I run for one simple, easy to state reason (excuse the cussing especially since my mom reads this blog):

If I don’t run, I feel bat shit crazy.

And I’m not the only one. Don’t believe me? OK, here’s a great article from the NY Times all about running as part of a healing plan for depression. And here’s another one from the Washington Post that’s  an account of how one woman found healing through running.

So I’m back in the saddle again. Getting back to center and focusing on what I can control and releasing what I can’t. And when I start to fall down the rabbit hole again (which I will), maybe I’ll remember this post and re-read it and put on my shoes and go run.

As always, when I post about depression, I will add this caveat: talk to your doctor. Although I am not currently on medication, for many people a combination of medication and exercise is the key. I am not a mental health professional and my experience is mine alone. And if your depression is out of control, or if you feel like you might hurt yourself, please get help. Here’s a link to a place to reach out if you need help right now. Depression grows when we are alone and afraid, and kind, compassionate people are the water that puts out the fire. 

Happy Running and God Bless, My Friends.