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Run for Your Life: Mindful Running for a Happy Life
We all know how a long walk, a slow jog or a brisk run can free our minds to wander, and give us a powerful uplifting feeling. Some call it the 'runner's high', others put it down to endorphins. But what if we could channel that energy and use it to make positive change in our lives? William Pullen is a psychotherapist who helps people dealing with anxiety, lack of motivation and addition, to work through their issues using his revolutionary method, Dynamic Running Therapy. He believes that we need a radical new approach to an approach that originates in the body itself. Whether you are looking for strategies to cope with anxiety, change or decision-making, or simply want to focus your mind while pounding the streets, Run for Your Life offers a series of simple mental routines that unleash the meditative, restorative powers of exercise.
224 pages, Paperback
Published February 28, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
October 27, 2019
If you're looking for a book about the benefits of running and maybe some exercise etc, this book is not for you.
If you're looking for a book to help you through a rough patch, one that gives you ideas how to live happier life, this book still isn't for you.
Honestly I struggle to see who this book is actually meant to be for. It at times feels like the essays we've all written in our life (compulsory ones of course). A mixture of webMD pseudopsychology, praise for the book and what it "will do" for you and a planner-type of notebook. As mentioned it lacks any depth for either of the topics it should delve into. Running is really only a gimmick for an already gimmicky self-help book (not knocking on S-H books, there's some good ones out there too). A big chunk of the text feels as if filler to make this more than just a glorified leaflet filled with semi-relevant quotes and advertisement.
All in all, if you want help mentally or physically, or even just want to read about these things: seek elsewhere.
If you're looking for a book to help you through a rough patch, one that gives you ideas how to live happier life, this book still isn't for you.
Honestly I struggle to see who this book is actually meant to be for. It at times feels like the essays we've all written in our life (compulsory ones of course). A mixture of webMD pseudopsychology, praise for the book and what it "will do" for you and a planner-type of notebook. As mentioned it lacks any depth for either of the topics it should delve into. Running is really only a gimmick for an already gimmicky self-help book (not knocking on S-H books, there's some good ones out there too). A big chunk of the text feels as if filler to make this more than just a glorified leaflet filled with semi-relevant quotes and advertisement.
All in all, if you want help mentally or physically, or even just want to read about these things: seek elsewhere.
June 4, 2018
This book was more of a therapy book than a running book. It ended up talking so much about the things that make us sad and angry. Where was the running with mindfulness? Not until the very last quarter of the book were some running mindfully exercises explained. A let down of a book.
Favorite quote: "Trying to fix yourself means starting at a place where you are broken. This is the opposite of the self acceptance that sits at the heart of dynamic running therapy."
Favorite quote: "Trying to fix yourself means starting at a place where you are broken. This is the opposite of the self acceptance that sits at the heart of dynamic running therapy."
September 25, 2024
Mais do menos... Previsível!
June 16, 2022
My lovely friend, Eve, got me this book as she thought I would find it interesting since I've recently gotten back into running after a year or so's hiatus and I did find it interesting! It's also a tough a book to summarise or review because I feel like it's a book that different people will get different things out of.
It focuses on the idea of Dynamic Running Therapy (DRT) which is a step-by-step therapeutic method for confronting difficult feelings and circumstances in your life through movement. The movement is usually running, but it can also be something as simple as going for a walk. It's linking running together with mindfulness which makes perfect sense because exercise is often used by many people as a salve for poor mental health.
Personally, as someone that has done a lot of running over the last few years (albeit with a break in the middle) I feel that some of the concepts brought forward by DRT and the writer of this book aren't necessarily for me - such as the grounding technique before a running and taking time to sit and take in your surroundings. It's a wonderful idea but not something that works for me with the way I run because I like to get outside and go - I've got to the point now where I don't plan a run, I just got when the mood strikes me, which has been most days as of late. If I were to start trying to bring in the grounding technique and put several steps before getting off my butt and running then it would defeat the purpose of running - for me, anyway. But I do 100% agree with the therapeutic nature of running and using it as a way to clear your mind, focus your thoughts and reflect on your life and problems because I've been doing that since I started running regularly a few years ago, ad I feel that DRT is perfect for people that need to bring in not only an introduction to regular exercise, but also to therapy and looking after their mental wellbeing as well as their physical wellbeing.
With this book, I think if you're already a runner then you won't necessarily find it that helpful. It's not a book about running per se - it's not give you any tips on how to be a better runner and the focus on talking about running happens more at the beginning of the book and the end of the book. I'd like to have seen more of how running and therapy interlink in the middle parts of the book - it is touched upon, for sure, but it feels like a bit of an afterthought sometimes.
This is definitely more useful as a therapy book because it focuses much more on the therapy and mindfulness aspects of DRT than it does the running aspects. But if you're someone that is struggling with their mental health and also looking to start using exercise as a way to combat that, then this could well be a good place to start as it introduces the idea of DRT and also asks a lot of pertinent questions surrounding your mental health and how to introduce physical exercise into your life to help start improving your mental wellbeing.
Personally, I think I already have a lot of the elements of DRT in place - and I will always use running as a way to clear and focus my mind. Especially now I have a confirmation of an ADHD diagnosis - running allows me to focus on that one physical activity and let my mind go over all the things in my head and find some order. As I mentioned, if I start bringing in the grounding aspects of DRT and delaying my runs, I think it would throw off my running rhythm and motivation. The book has a lot of nice ideas, and I think some people will take more from them than others. For me, it definitely solidifies the idea that I've done the right thing of starting running again because, in what is proving a stressful time in my life right now, I am feeling much less stressed out than I should be right now and I think having the motivator of running back is a big part of that, which shows that running as a form of therapy is definitely a thing that helps not only myself but millions of others. This book could be a good place to start for many people, but a lot of people may also be disappointed by the lack of focus on the running. For me, it was a reassuring read that gave me even more motivation to continue doing what I'm doing.
It focuses on the idea of Dynamic Running Therapy (DRT) which is a step-by-step therapeutic method for confronting difficult feelings and circumstances in your life through movement. The movement is usually running, but it can also be something as simple as going for a walk. It's linking running together with mindfulness which makes perfect sense because exercise is often used by many people as a salve for poor mental health.
Personally, as someone that has done a lot of running over the last few years (albeit with a break in the middle) I feel that some of the concepts brought forward by DRT and the writer of this book aren't necessarily for me - such as the grounding technique before a running and taking time to sit and take in your surroundings. It's a wonderful idea but not something that works for me with the way I run because I like to get outside and go - I've got to the point now where I don't plan a run, I just got when the mood strikes me, which has been most days as of late. If I were to start trying to bring in the grounding technique and put several steps before getting off my butt and running then it would defeat the purpose of running - for me, anyway. But I do 100% agree with the therapeutic nature of running and using it as a way to clear your mind, focus your thoughts and reflect on your life and problems because I've been doing that since I started running regularly a few years ago, ad I feel that DRT is perfect for people that need to bring in not only an introduction to regular exercise, but also to therapy and looking after their mental wellbeing as well as their physical wellbeing.
With this book, I think if you're already a runner then you won't necessarily find it that helpful. It's not a book about running per se - it's not give you any tips on how to be a better runner and the focus on talking about running happens more at the beginning of the book and the end of the book. I'd like to have seen more of how running and therapy interlink in the middle parts of the book - it is touched upon, for sure, but it feels like a bit of an afterthought sometimes.
This is definitely more useful as a therapy book because it focuses much more on the therapy and mindfulness aspects of DRT than it does the running aspects. But if you're someone that is struggling with their mental health and also looking to start using exercise as a way to combat that, then this could well be a good place to start as it introduces the idea of DRT and also asks a lot of pertinent questions surrounding your mental health and how to introduce physical exercise into your life to help start improving your mental wellbeing.
Personally, I think I already have a lot of the elements of DRT in place - and I will always use running as a way to clear and focus my mind. Especially now I have a confirmation of an ADHD diagnosis - running allows me to focus on that one physical activity and let my mind go over all the things in my head and find some order. As I mentioned, if I start bringing in the grounding aspects of DRT and delaying my runs, I think it would throw off my running rhythm and motivation. The book has a lot of nice ideas, and I think some people will take more from them than others. For me, it definitely solidifies the idea that I've done the right thing of starting running again because, in what is proving a stressful time in my life right now, I am feeling much less stressed out than I should be right now and I think having the motivator of running back is a big part of that, which shows that running as a form of therapy is definitely a thing that helps not only myself but millions of others. This book could be a good place to start for many people, but a lot of people may also be disappointed by the lack of focus on the running. For me, it was a reassuring read that gave me even more motivation to continue doing what I'm doing.
March 8, 2020
هذا الكتاب يدور حول فكرة واحدة قد تكون غير واضحة.. ولم تشرح بطريقة وافية.. ألا وهي العلاج الحيوي بالحركة.. الذي أسماه اختصارا (دي آر تي).. فكل ما في الكتاب مرتبط بهذا المصطلح ولكن تطبيقات هذا العلاج وربطه بأفكار الكتاب لم يكن واضحا بالنسبة لي.. فعلى سبيل المثال هو يتكلم عن مصطلح التأمل الواعي الذي نمارسه خلال الجري.. ولم يشرح ما هو هذا التأمل.. وكأنه افترض أن القارئ يدركه.. ويتكلم عن الجري وكيف يمكنه أن يسفر عن مشاعرنا اتجاه الأشياء لتبدوا أكثر وضوحا.. ولكن للأسف شرحها بطريقة غير واضحة وغامضة.. هو يريد أن يربط التأثير الإيجابي بالعلاج الحيوي بالحركة بمواضيع مهمة مثل، البيئة المحيطة، وشريك الرياضة، والاكتئاب والقلق، وعملية اتخاذ القرار، يربطها بطريقة عامة وعائمة.. تصلح بأن تربط بأي شي.. كالقراءة على سبيل المثال أو السفر.. ولكن الكتاب لا يخلو من تطبيقات مفيدة أخرى.. وأن أقوى عناصر الكتاب هو قسم الأسئلة في نهاية كل فصل.. فهذه الأسئلة إن تمت الإجابة عليها بعفوية وصدق.. فإن فائدة الكتابة ستكون أكبر من فائدة القراءة.. وهذا ما حصل معي فعلا فإن استمتاعي بالكتابة كان يفوق استمتاعي بالقراءة. #الحركة_أسلوب_حياة #runforyourlife @thatalsalasil
January 17, 2021
One of the most straight-forward and helpful self-help books I've read. We all know how much running can benefit our health, both mental and physical, but this book explores how running may further help some of us with issues such as depression, anger and anxiety. Running may also deepen your intuition and confidence when it comes to navigating life's challenges or making a major decision.
The author, who is also a therapist has a calming way of writing, very factual, perceptive and therapeutic. There are several guiding questions and things you can do at the end of each chapter. Some of the questions seemed hard to answer, but I think it was calling me out and beckoning me to speak my truths. I wasn't prepared for everything, but for those little moments of self-awareness and acknowledgement, it made the whole experience so precious and priceless.
The author, who is also a therapist has a calming way of writing, very factual, perceptive and therapeutic. There are several guiding questions and things you can do at the end of each chapter. Some of the questions seemed hard to answer, but I think it was calling me out and beckoning me to speak my truths. I wasn't prepared for everything, but for those little moments of self-awareness and acknowledgement, it made the whole experience so precious and priceless.
March 21, 2021
الحركة طريقة علاجية قوية وممتعة في نفس الوقت لمواجهة الظروف الصعبة والحالات النفسية التي تلازم كل واحد منا
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والكاتب أراد تحديدا أن يتحدث عن رياضة الجري ودوره في التنفيس عن مشاعرنا المنهكة لأجسادنا كالغضب، القلق والإكتئاب، وأطلق عليه اسم (العلاج الحيوي بالحركة)
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وبهدف التوضيح للقارئ عن هذا الأثر، أسهب المؤلف بشكل كبير في شرح المشاعر وطرح الأسئلة حولها على حساب الطريقة التي يمكن من خلالها تفعيل رياضة الجري في التنفيس عنها.
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كنت أتمنى أن يكون مجمل الكتاب حول أثر الرياضة على النفسية، مع تقنيات أكثر وضوحا وعملية من التي طرحها الكاتب
ولكن
هذ لا يقلّل من قيمة الكتاب في طرحه فكرة قلّما نجدها في الكتب العربية، وأنا على يقين أن كل قارئ لهذا الكتاب سيجد نفسه في صفحة واحدة على الأقل أو في عبارة تمسه بشكل مباشر.
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والكاتب أراد تحديدا أن يتحدث عن رياضة الجري ودوره في التنفيس عن مشاعرنا المنهكة لأجسادنا كالغضب، القلق والإكتئاب، وأطلق عليه اسم (العلاج الحيوي بالحركة)
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وبهدف التوضيح للقارئ عن هذا الأثر، أسهب المؤلف بشكل كبير في شرح المشاعر وطرح الأسئلة حولها على حساب الطريقة التي يمكن من خلالها تفعيل رياضة الجري في التنفيس عنها.
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كنت أتمنى أن يكون مجمل الكتاب حول أثر الرياضة على النفسية، مع تقنيات أكثر وضوحا وعملية من التي طرحها الكاتب
ولكن
هذ لا يقلّل من قيمة الكتاب في طرحه فكرة قلّما نجدها في الكتب العربية، وأنا على يقين أن كل قارئ لهذا الكتاب سيجد نفسه في صفحة واحدة على الأقل أو في عبارة تمسه بشكل مباشر.
November 6, 2017
Disappointed doesn't even begin to cover this.
I've recently started running again, after a few years off. The sense of clarity running gives you is second to none, and I picked up this book on audible with the hope that I'd be able to build upon this foundation, and gain some more tools to help with mindfulness.
Unfortunately, this book is 30minutes of gold, and 3 hours and 30 minutes of filler.
If the ridiculous amount of filler didn't turn me off, the fact that the narration is incredibly slow was gunna make sure of it. I bumped the speed up to 1.2x just to get through it.
So disappointed, such a missed opportunity.
I've recently started running again, after a few years off. The sense of clarity running gives you is second to none, and I picked up this book on audible with the hope that I'd be able to build upon this foundation, and gain some more tools to help with mindfulness.
Unfortunately, this book is 30minutes of gold, and 3 hours and 30 minutes of filler.
If the ridiculous amount of filler didn't turn me off, the fact that the narration is incredibly slow was gunna make sure of it. I bumped the speed up to 1.2x just to get through it.
So disappointed, such a missed opportunity.
September 28, 2020
What I take from this book is whether you think you do or don’t need to...get therapy, check in with yourself!
William Pullen is a psychotherapist, a good one. In this book he introduces the Dynamic Running Therapy (DRT) which can help you deal with interpersonal issues such as depression,anxiety, decision making ,relationships etc. You get yourself a running/jogging/walking partner where the both of you run your issues out. When one speaks the other listens while taking chances.
Every topic addressed is a literal session. As a psychotherapist he defined what these issues are, what causes them and how you can overcome them effectively through DRT. Each chapter closes with self check questions which when answered honestly can be the beginning of a loosed life.
If there’s anything our generation needs but fails to explain,it’s this book.
Quote: [insert serenity prayer]
William Pullen is a psychotherapist, a good one. In this book he introduces the Dynamic Running Therapy (DRT) which can help you deal with interpersonal issues such as depression,anxiety, decision making ,relationships etc. You get yourself a running/jogging/walking partner where the both of you run your issues out. When one speaks the other listens while taking chances.
Every topic addressed is a literal session. As a psychotherapist he defined what these issues are, what causes them and how you can overcome them effectively through DRT. Each chapter closes with self check questions which when answered honestly can be the beginning of a loosed life.
If there’s anything our generation needs but fails to explain,it’s this book.
Quote: [insert serenity prayer]
May 2, 2022
Not as riveting as a novel, but it is interesting to think of other ways to increase mindfulness to running. Walking would work as well and some of the questions would be good for hikes next year with the girls. The idea of partnering with someone to talk or listen is interesting. I know having something else to do allows one to talk more and not having to look at the other person allows them to talk with less feeling of judgement.
August 6, 2021
I'm no runner, but these ideas apply equally well to walking, and I love the idea of using mindfulness while walking to work through things that are on my mind. I think mindfulness or flow can happen automatically while we are being active but it doesn't always, and it's nice to have some techniques for being more intentional in my approach.
December 3, 2017
Slow to start (which is probably why I am it it down for several months & then finally picked it up today), but some really great ideas & messages in the exercises section.
I hope to use a bit of DRT & journaling in the new year 😊
I hope to use a bit of DRT & journaling in the new year 😊
April 19, 2020
This is not a running book, it's more about mindfulness and self-help,
it has some lists of quite deep questions that we supposed to ask ourselves internally, but I assume it would be great as an exercise book to accompany guided DRT therapy and know about it
it has some lists of quite deep questions that we supposed to ask ourselves internally, but I assume it would be great as an exercise book to accompany guided DRT therapy and know about it
August 14, 2020
It was therapeutic book. It’s Was talking about How are running can be therapy through anger , relationship ,anxiety ,etc .I like after every chapter there are questions and there is a space you can write. For me it was enjoyable ,therapeutic and short .
September 1, 2021
A really interesting read.
Narrowed down from the fill, it focuses on using running to ask yourself difficult questions.
I'll revisit the book for particular references as I try more and more of the techniques and questions.
Narrowed down from the fill, it focuses on using running to ask yourself difficult questions.
I'll revisit the book for particular references as I try more and more of the techniques and questions.
Read
July 13, 2019Excellent way to on how to use running to solve life problems
September 10, 2020
I enjoyed the chapter on decision making. basically it's about how to think while running, and what things you could think about.
January 7, 2021
Not really my cup of tea but had some interesting insights
Read
August 13, 2021Did anyone else find the title misleading?
Read
August 25, 2021Wasn't what I was expecting, but was needed
April 28, 2023
I am biased bc of my work/interests, but this book was helpful for me to brainstorm ideas on how to utilize this in my practice.
June 8, 2024
Think it would be better in another format. A running podcast or playlist, or a class. Doesn’t translate well to a book.
September 24, 2025
This book is useful only of you want to run. Also the questions the author asks in the book is good
January 16, 2018
"If you can see the path laid out in front of you step by step, you know it is not your path. Your own path you make with every step you take. That's why it's your path." Joseph Campbell
p.15, Introduction
This book is not meant to be a quick read, but rather a journal/workbook that you use over the course of many runs to discover your own path towards greater self-knowledge through running; as such it is heavy on questions and journal space and lighter on content.
p.15, Introduction
This book is not meant to be a quick read, but rather a journal/workbook that you use over the course of many runs to discover your own path towards greater self-knowledge through running; as such it is heavy on questions and journal space and lighter on content.
January 4, 2024
This is a wonderful way to learn to meditate and exercise at the same time. I have been doing both, but separately. Combining them has helped me to discover a new whole world.
September 19, 2018
Nice ideas but the format is not the best. It's more a collection of questions to ask yourself when running to overcome anger, depression, relationship issues, big and small decisions, etc. with A LOT of space to write down your notes after the run. It's more like a diary of your runs kind of thing. I would have preferred something shorter and more to the point.
I guess it could be something useful to scroll through when you feel you need a run to figure something out as inspiration for what you could think of during your run.
I guess it could be something useful to scroll through when you feel you need a run to figure something out as inspiration for what you could think of during your run.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews