London-based psycho-therapist, author, app developer and founder of dynamic running therapy, William Pullen, is spreading the message that movement is medicine for mind, body and soul.
He is the author of the book:
Running with Mindfulness: Dynamic Running Therapy (DRT) to Improve Low-mood, Anxiety, Stress, and Depression
, which offers solutions to many of the issues people are currently experiencing.
William and Stephanie talk about how he works with his clients, whether running, walking or sitting, and how he helps them identify and overcome their challenges.
And while many of us know that Paxil can be a natural tonic for anxiety, depression, and stress, William also shares the potentially negative, and unintended, consequences of focusing on the wrong goals.
Healthy levels of physical and mental activity are extremely therapeutic
As he states, mindfulness is observing what you’re thinking, feeling and doing rather than an actual activity. And in this age of over-stimulated, ‘success’-focused rushing around, it makes sense that combining healthy levels of physical and mental activity are extremely therapeutic.
He also shares the results of a study that shows a surprising correlation about running and longevity, but you’ll have to listen for all the details.
Questions William is asked:
2:24 First Four:
- How old are you?
- Where were you born?
- Where do you live now?
- Do you compete?
3:33 What is Dynamic Running Therapy and how have you used it yourself and with others?
5:03 How did your childhood experiences impact running as therapy?
8:01 Do you actually run with your clients?
8:43 What is “Emotion in Motion” and how does it help people?
13:02 How do you help people avoid over-emphasizing running as therapy?
14:47 How have you worked through various issues with clients, with or without running?
16:43 How do you work with people’s ‘goals’?
18:50 How do you help clients understand what their running can and should do for them?
22:01 Is there more to ‘Dynamic Running Therapy’ than just running?
29:30 Do you find if you take clients outside for a few minutes, does that help?
32:24 What else would you like to share about running and therapy?
37:51 Final Kick Round:
- What is your favorite local training run (location, starting point, parking, distance, terrain and safety issues)?
- Favorite running book(s)?
- Words of Wisdom or Humor?
- Who or what would you like to have featured on the Run To The Top podcast?
Quotes by William:
“When you’re depressed, you really don’t expect any elated moments of emotion. And if you can just one, it’s a crack of light in the darkness.”
“Regular psychotherapy costs money, you need time, you need transport, you need a willing partner quite often. Whereas with running, there’s not many barriers to entry, just a pair of old sneakers.”
“Mindfulness is very observational. It’s not about doing and it’s not about getting anywhere; it’s about being where you are.”
“To over-identify with running and your times is in danger of leaving you marginalized.”
“Your ‘Why’ may need to change at times. When you were younger and strong, your ‘Why’ may just have been to prove how strong you can be. When you realize you aren’t getting any stronger, then that’s going to be a lousy ‘Why’.”
Take a Listen on Your Next Run
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Mentioned in this podcast:
Run To The Top Winners Circle Facebook Community
Book: Running With Mindfulness by William Pullen
Follow William on:
Dynamic Running Therapy Homepage
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