A panel event on Runner's High with Adrienne Adhami, Savannah Sachdev, Sam Purnell, and hosted by our Athlete in Residence, Rosie Viva.
On June 04, our London community joined us for an engaging panel discussion on "The Emotional Benefits of Long-Distance Running." The event, hosted by our Athlete in Residence, Rosie Viva, featured four UK-based runners—Adrienne Adhami, Savannah Sachdev, and Sam Purnell— each sharing their personal journeys, the emotional support running has provided over the years, and their motivations for continuing to run today. Tune into the full conversation at Pruzan Studios on Spotify.
The evening kicked off with the panellists discussing how they embarked on their running journeys. Running, for many, starts as a physical endeavour but often soon evolves into a profound emotional outlet. Adrienne started running during her university years to manage stress and anxiety. The rhythm and solitude of running offered her a meditative escape, helping her clear her mind and focus on the present moment. Rosie found running during a challenging period in her life, using it as a therapeutic tool to regain control and find inner peace. Savannah initially embraced running for the solitude it provided, giving her space to process thoughts and emotions away from daily pressures. Sam’s entry into running was through a local run club, where he discovered camaraderie and mutual encouragement that deepened his passion for the sport.
Running serves as an essential emotional outlet for many, which each of our panellists pointed to in their personal stories. The repetitive motion and steady pace of running can create a meditative state, allowing runners to disconnect from stressors and connect with their inner selves. This meditative quality can be particularly beneficial for those dealing with any degree of anxiety or depression, as it offers a form of moving meditation that helps clear the mind and reduce stress.
Additionally, running can help manage hormonal fluctuations and emotional swings, particularly for women, as Rosie thoughtfully explained that “the hardest parts of running can be as a woman, dealing with hormone jumps and the impact they can have on your physical and emotional state." The physical exertion and release of endorphins during and after a run can stabilise mood and provide a natural, healthy way to cope with emotional turbulence. This aspect of running was particularly highlighted by Rosie, who found that running helped her navigate the emotional ups and downs associated with regular hormonal changes.
The sense of community that running fosters was another significant topic of discussion. While some runners, like Savannah, prefer the solitude that running provides, many find a strong sense of belonging in running communities. Online communities can offer support and motivation for those who prefer solitary runs but still crave connection with like-minded individuals. On the other hand, joining local run clubs or participating in races can create bonds and friendships that enhance the overall running experience. Sam emphasised the joy and fulfilment he finds in being part of a run club, discussing how “the community generated from participating in and now leading a run club has been incredibly rewarding. It’s about more than just running; it’s about shared experiences and mutual support."
When discussing the challenges of running, the panellists touched on the difficulty of letting go of ego. In a culture that often emphasises achievement and perfectionism, it can be hard for runners to shift their mindset from a binary view of success and failure to one that embraces the journey itself. Adrienne pointed out that overcoming this mindset is one of the hardest yet most rewarding aspects of running.
The rewards of running extend beyond the physical benefits. The panellists spoke about the profound sense of accomplishment and pride that comes from setting and achieving personal goals, whether it's completing a marathon or simply improving personal best times. The endorphins released during and after a run, often referred to as the "runner's high", contribute to an overall sense of well-being and happiness, something Savannah described during the discussion as “unbeatable”.
Moreover, running provides tangible rewards such as medals and race bibs that serve as physical reminders of personal achievements. These tangible rewards can boost self-esteem and serve as motivation to continue running. Additionally, the act of acknowledging and celebrating one's efforts and progress is a significant emotional benefit, reinforcing a positive self-image and a sense of accomplishment.
The panel event provided a wealth of insights into the emotional benefits of long-distance running. The shared experiences of Adrienne, Rosie, Savannah, and Sam highlighted how running can be a powerful tool for emotional well-being, community building, and personal growth. Attendees left the event feeling inspired, motivated, and ready to explore their own running journeys with a deeper understanding of the emotional rewards it offers.
We put on this panel alongside our sponsor HUX, a health company created to inspire everyone to find their daily edge by making complex nutrition simple.
Listen to the full panel discussion at Pruzan Studios on Spotify.
Photography by: Cece Di Paolo