The Psychology of Running

Why do people run? How can I improve my running performance? Will running help me feel better? The Psychology of Running provides a unique insight into why running is such a popular form of exercise and competition. From evolutionary perspectives on why humans have needed to run and how our bodies have adapted for this function, to discussing evidence-based interventions that can improve running performance, the book delves into the psychological motivations and benefits of running. The book also considers ways in which running can be used for social change and life skill development, highlighting how such a simple activity can have benefits for our physical and mental health. Providing proven psychological strategies and techniques to help improve running performance and boost our individual self-belief, The Psychology of Running shows us how we can enjoy running, no matter our age or ability.

Noel Brick, PhD, is a lecturer in sport and exercise psychology at Ulster University in Ireland. He is a chartered psychologist with the British Psychological Society and a registered sport and exercise psychologist with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). He has applied his experience as a sport and exercise psychologist in a range of performance settings including running, cycling, Gaelic games, and Irish dancing. Noel's research interests include the psychology of endurance performance, with an emphasis on the psychology of long-distance running. His research also focuses on mental health in sport. Noel has completed over 30 marathons and ultramarathons, including the Marathon des Sables in 2012 and the Boston Marathon in 2022. Noel is also co-author of The Genius of Athletes. Stuart Holliday is a chartered psychologist with the British Psychological Society and a registered sport and exercise psychologist with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) based in London. He has worked for over ten years in the field with Olympic, Paralympic, and Premiership squads and teams. His main interest is in endurance sports, and running in particular. He works in private practice with athletes at all competitive levels and is a keen club runner, competing across all distances up to the marathon. Stuart was a contributing author to Touring and Mental Health: The Music Industry Manual.

1. Why do we run?  2. Why do we slow down or stop?  3. What will help me run faster?  4. What should I focus my attention on?  5. Can running help me feel better?  6. Are running-based programmes beneficial for children and adults?