I Struggled With Depression For Years—But This Type Of Exercise Changed My Life

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Nowadays, I run five days on, two days off, sometimes six days on two days off, but I know that rest really is part of training. It took a long time for that shift to happen for me, but I realized that when I’m running I just need to go out there and enjoy myself, and it feels like a much happier, healthier place to be.

I try not to run the same route twice if at all possible. I like changing it up and having variety. I love new things. I don’t really listen to music either because I need to be aware of my surroundings from a safety perspective. 

Other times, running can be playful. If I see a rock that looks manageable, I will jump off. If I see a dog, I’ll stop to pet it or take pictures. This is not a serious endeavor. 

That said, at times, it’s not always easy to keep up the routine. A week and a half ago, I hit a really low spot. I was crying and laying on the bed, but I had enough willpower to get my clothes on and get dressed. My wife suggested that I go for a run and she would follow me on the bike for the first mile or so.

I made it to the end of the driveway, and when I looked down, I thought that my usual route seemed so far. So I started walking, and then moving faster with the next steps. I started jogging, and by the third or fourth mile I felt a transformation. It’s almost like a stranger stepped into my place, and when I get back, I felt so much better.

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