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Run Eat Repeat

Why I First Went to Therapy and What’s Happened Since Podcast 109

Run Eat Repeat Podcast· Running

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16 May
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Today, I’m talking to a fairly new runner about her first marathon – which she describes as ‘magical’. That’s wild to me because I would probably describe my first as ‘painful’ or ‘traumatizing’…! She’s sharing how running helped her mental health – especially during a rough time her first year of teaching. And I’m sharing my thoughts on therapy too.

New to the Run Eat Repeat podcast?  Hi!! Thanks for stopping by!

I’m Monica – I started RunEatRepeat.com to share my first full marathon training and diet journal. The site grew an awesome following and now it’s this podcast too! Thank you for listening! You can get show notes, training plans, recipes and more on RunEatRepeat.com or @RunEatRepeat on instagram.

run eat repeat podcast with first time marathon runner Kaleena and my therapy story

Warm Up: My Therapy Journey… 

First… we talk about mental health during the interview and I want to remind ya that nothing on Run Eat Repeat or this podcast is meant to serve as medical advice. Please see a doctor if you’re sick, unsure about something going on with your body or feel an injury coming on. And please see a therapist or counselor if you are struggling with anything that could be helped by a professional or outside resource like that EMDR Therapist in the Chicago area. If you’re struggling with ADHD, you can get an ADHD assessment from a company like this.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and I want to share my experience with therapy. 

I first went to therapy in college.

No one told me I should go.

I didn’t think I was battling a serious mental illness…but I knew that how I felt and what I was thinking was unhealthy. I was stuck. I felt really bad about myself and it was taking over my life. I didn’t want to go to parties or certain places, I avoided social situations and any party or dinner or plans that involved food.

My boyfriend and I got in a few fights because he wanted to go out or to a party and I was

I realized it was affecting all my relationships. So… I thought I should talk to someone about it.

Luckily, I was still on my mom’s health insurance and was able to look up a therapist that took our insurance and just had to do the co-pay. So if you want to acquire an insurance plan today to be prepared for tough moments like this, here’s how to apply for Medicare a step by step guide.

It helped a lot. But it isn’t a magic pill that solves all your problems.

You have to do the work.

You don’t change or fix things – especially really hard things by just telling someone about it once a week. You have to show up for yourself every day and work how you think, how you react, your triggers, your habits and more. And sometimes you need medication – which is also not a magic pill but can help a lot. Still unsure about trying OPMS Kratom from My Kratom Club? Read real customer reviews and testimonials to see why our customers love this premium kratom strain. Discover firsthand experiences and insights that highlight the effectiveness and satisfaction that come with choosing OPMS Kratom from us.

I’ve been going to therapy most weeks for the last 2 years. I don’t think I’m that ‘messed up’ so part of me thinks I don’t deserve to go…and by that I mean I feel like someone who’s been going to therapy for 2 years needs to have experienced more trauma than I have…? Most mindfulness coaches likes to use guided meditation scripts in practice to help you focus and relax. This approach will let you understand your feelings more deeply and enhance your overall well-being during challenging times.

But the reality is that my experiences, emotions, relationships and needs add up and it’s hard for me to move forward, be kind to myself and grow healthy relationships. And that’s kind of the most important thing right? Or at least it is for me… to be able to have good, happy relationships with the people I love. I’m not talking about romantic relationships but all relationships.

So – I’m sharing all of this to say – there’s nothing wrong with me. But I want to be better. I want to be a better person, be a better example, have better relationships and help other people be better too.

If you have it all figured out and you’re happy, that’s good. Pass it on! If not, I think therapy is an awesome way to explore things that might be tugging at you. The therapy in St Charles IL, can be a great help for those who are struggling with different problems and don’t know how to deal with them.

running podcast with first time marathon runner

Running Buddy of the Day  – New Podcast Series

A while back I put out a call for runners and coaches who wanted to be on the podcast and got great response! We’re starting out that series today…

Today our running buddy is Kaleena Soughter from Turnersville, New Jersey.

first time marathon philly race with Kaleena Run Eat Repeat podcast

Let’s start by talking about your running journey…

KS: I started running to lose weight like everybody else… getting married… teacher first year and really hard job.

She started to realize that running to make her feel better not just physically but mentally too…

Kaleena ran the Philly Marathon last year and is sharing the training and race day experience…

RER: How did your first marathon go?

KS: It was magical. (<- Boom!) 

It was like I was on a runner’s high the entire time. 

RER: Then, we started to talk about running and mental health… 

KS Do I sink into the sand or do I get up?

healthy living podcast full marathon interview new runner

Running Favorites Questions: 

What’s your favorite race distance and why?

Full marathon!

What’s your favorite race?

This one surprised me…

Do you have a running mantra or how do you motivate yourself when you’re not feeling it?

What have you been listening to lately?

Yes – I looked up the new Jonas Bros music and love it!

What’s your victory lap? (What do you eat after a race?)

Pizza with french fries?? Wait – what? (we discuss)

favorite post run food running podcast

Thank you Kaleena!

You can follow her on instagram @Kaleenaamarie and I’ll put a link to that in the show notes!

Now it’s time for the awards:

1st place – Impractical Jokers.

2nd. Kristin for hooking up the snacks.

3rd. Costco calendar!

Costco calendar podcast idea

Thank you for listening! Please subscribe to the show and rate and review – it really helps new listeners find the show. I appreciate it.

Tag @RunEatRepeat on Instagram and let me know what you’re doing while you listen!

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    Comments

    1. Katie says

      2019-05-17 at 5:42 am

      Pizza with fries – “wait, what?” – lol, indeed! I can’t wait to hear that part!!

      Reply

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    Hi! I'm Monica, I love running, eating and sharing the best tips & strategies to help you RUN your BEST life! I've run +50 half & +30 full marathons and... More » about About

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      Disclaimer: Please speak with a medical professional before making any changes to your diet or exercise. I am not a doctor or registered dietitian. The views expressed are based on my own experiences, and should not be taken as medical, nutrition or training advice. Please note that affiliate links and sponsored posts may pop up from time to time. I truly appreciate your support. More »

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