Believe it or not, 10 – 15% of Americans suffer from some sort of eating disorder. Meanwhile, 18% of American adults suffer from anxiety and approximately 10% from depression. The mental health of our nation is not something to be ignored. Maria Abbe, a running and mental health blogger, has found a way to overcome all three of those things with exercise. Read her interview below to find out why health and fitness is about so much more than physical vanity.

Name: Maria Abbe
Location: Charlotte, NC
Title: Running and Mental Health Blogger
Specialties: Years of personal experience dealing with mental health and running
Years of experience: Running for 4 years, Blogging for 2 years
Instagram: @runningmyselftogether
Facebook: Facebook.com/RunningMyselfTogether
Website: www.runningmyselftogether.com

Interview with Maria Abbe, Running & Mental Health Blogger

  • What got you started in running and blogging?

I started running when I was in college. I had a few friends on the cross country team and we’d go on trail runs together. However, it wasn’t until I was in recovery from anxiety & depression that running became a crucial part of improving my mental health. Now it’s my passion; so much so that I started blogging about it and sharing its goodness with others.  

  • How has running positively impacted your life?

Running has opened up my world and my eyes to so many beautiful things. I use running as a type of therapy and doing so as helped me overcome an eating disorder, anxiety, and depression. Running clears my mind, helps me work through things, and is the inspiration for my blog; which is another cathartic outlet in my life. Most importantly though, my journey with running has exposed me to other people’s journeys which has allowed me to watch the beautiful transformations occurring in their lives. 

  • What one or two things do you currently do in your training that are keys to your success?

When I’m training for a race, or even just running in general, I always set an intention before I start my run. Sometimes, the goal is to think through a messy situation. Other times, the goal is simply to clear my head. I’ve found that when I don’t have a purpose for my run, they tend to be much less enjoyable. Another thing I’ve learned the hard way: stretching and cross-training are very important for sustaining a healthy body as a runner!

  • What is your biggest challenge, and what do you do to manage this challenge?

My biggest challenge, at the moment at least, is dealing with injury. I’ve been injured for a few months so I haven’t been able to run as much as I typically do. It’s been challenging to find other outlets that give me the same release running does. Running truly is therapy. But it wasn’t until I got injured that I realized how important it’s been for my mental health over the years. 

However, instead of focusing on the negative, I’ve used the situation to reshape my thoughts. My injury has helped me realize that my identity doesn’t simply rest in one aspect of my life. I am a running, but I am not only a runner. Lately I’ve been exploring other areas of physical activity like yoga, swimming, and the elliptical. I’m hoping that strengthening my body with other workouts will help me when I return to running at my typical pace and frequency.

Learn how Maria stays smiling at RunningMyselfTogether.com

Learn how Maria stays smiling at RunningMyselfTogether.com

  • What is your biggest accomplishment in your sport?

It’s interesting being a runner who isn’t really a runner. My background is in theater & writing and if you had asked me when I was in high school if I’d be considered a “runner”,  I would’ve laughed. For me, running is the foundation for a healthy mind and body. I try not to make it competitive because its purpose is far deeper than setting a personal record or running a marathon. With all of that being said, I would say my biggest accomplishment is the run club we started in Charlotte, NC. It’s not the only run club in Charlotte. It’s not the biggest. It may not even be the best, though I would disagree (but I’m a bit biased). However, it’s my biggest accomplishment because it’s an avenue for others to accomplish their dreams, meet others in the community, and foster a love for running.

  • What is your diet like?

I try not to be too hard on myself having had an eating disorder, but I’ve found that when I eat a clean diet I feel the best. For breakfast I’ll have a nutrient packed smoothie, for snacks I’ll eat a lot of trail mix and fruit, and for meals I eat a lot of salads and protein. I started working with a personal trainer who has been helping me eat healthier, but not in an obsessive way like when I struggled with an eating disorder. For me, it’s about being happy. If a piece of dark chocolate is going to make me happy, you’d best believe I’m going to eat it!

  • What 1-2 things do you believe differentiates you from other bloggers?

I’m not just a mental health blogger and I’m not just a running blogger. I’m both. Most running blogs document the bloggers’ run and diet, which is awesome and inspiring. But my blog documents the mental part of running, which is a huge component of running as well. It’s why a lot of runners run and it’s how a lot of people overcome their mental hurdles.

  • Do you have any recommended resources to share?
  • Run Fast by Hal Higdon (if you’re a new runner)

  • Life Without ED by Jenni Schaefer (if you’re suffering from an eating disorder)

  • Women, Food, and God by Geneen Roth (if you’re suffering from an eating disorder)

  • Or check out Lori Harder’s Podcast (if you’re looking for some self-help & motivation)

  • Do you have a saying or motto that you live your life by?

When I’m having a bad or anxiety-filled day I’ll repeat the mantra, “You run this day. This day doesn’t run you.” I’ll say it over and over again. When I’m running up a hill and just can’t do it I’ll tell myself, “It’s just a hill. Get over it.” I’ve found these both translate well into motivating me in my daily life as well. 

  • Where do you draw your inspiration from?

I’ve tried pulling inspiration from my own personal experiences and that helps sometimes. But honestly, it’s other people who inspire me – others’ kindness, others’ joy, and others’ positivity. 

  • Anything else you’d like to share?

Some people think running is just for the athletic. Trust me, it’s not. Running is for everyone. Start small and run to the end of the street. Then the next week take it bit further. And then the next week take it a little bit further. It’s about a gradual progression and it’s so worth it. 

Did Maria’s experience as a running and mental health blogger inspire you? Join the NHS community so you can continue to get motivating health tips right in your inbox.
Questions inspired by “50 Athletes over 50”.