Got into an argument with training partners a few days ago during a recovery run. We were discussing how we got into running and what made us want to step up to the next level. I brought up the fact that i was going through some relationship difficulties when I restarted running as an adult (I'm 41) and that most people i knew got faster when their personal/professional life was going to Sh*t, including mine. One friend's running improved dramatically after a divorce, another was fighting alcohol addiction... I also brought up something i remember from reading about Adam Goucher, and how he was clinically depressed while a Buff, and I thought that might have driven him to fight his personal demons on the XC course.
Anyway, on the other side, Paula Radcliffe says in a recent article about her pregnancy that happy runners run better, and I have one friend who agrees that being happy helps him run faster.
I suspect that the context and personality of the individual counts in as well, so the answer could very well be that we run from our demons and the resulting endorphin rush, public acknowledgement, personal satisfaction ultimately heals us.
Thoughts? Opinions?