Laura Aliberti on Running and Mental Health
In the Final Sprint segment, the psychologist reflects on personal limits, the romanticization of pace, and the strength of female support networks.
In a rapid-fire Q&A on Girls Who Run, psychologist and runner Laura Aliberti shares insights on resilience, asking for help, and the role of sports in mental health. She also critiques the obsession with winning and the romanticization of pace.
To close out the Yellow September special episode of Girls Who Run, psychologist, psychoanalyst, and runner Laura Aliberti took part in the "Sprint Final" segment. In a dynamic format featuring rapid-fire answers and free association, Laura outlined vital links between athletic practice, mental health, and the importance of maintaining an active support system.
The Romanticization of Pace and Lessons in Defeat
When asked what people should stop romanticizing, Laura pointed directly to the exclusive obsession with victories and the constant progression of metrics like pace. For the specialist, focusing solely on flawless performance fuels a persistent need for external validation, whereas moments of frustration and defeat often offer athletes the most valuable lessons.
The psychologist also opened up about her personal connection to different sports: running serves as her sanctuary for moments of solitude, while swimming provides a unique sense of bodily pleasure and fulfillment. In defining mental health and desire, Laura invoked the concepts of the psychosoma and vital energy (libido), emphasizing that psychological balance cannot be separated from physical well-being.
Limits, Resilience, and the Courage to Ask for Help
At the intersection of training and clinical practice, Laura highlighted that running has taught her valuable lessons about resilience and recognizing personal limits—both the capacity to endure effort and the wisdom to accept that one does not have to handle everything all the time. Conversely, psychology has taught her to appreciate and celebrate every stage of personal development in adulthood.
For those navigating difficult times, her core advice is to strengthen bonds and know how to ask for help. Having someone close by offers a fresh lens to see a way forward when solitary thoughts become clouded. Laura emphasizes the value of female role models, encouraging open dialogue among women and the cultivation of small, everyday pleasures that foster comfort—whether through sports, music, or a comforting meal.