Why are so many runners drawn to pain, suffering and extreme endurance challenges after going through trauma? In this episode of the Rokman Podcast, mental health nurse Paul Regan explains why running, marathons, ultras and hard physical goals can help people cope, but also when they can become avoidance.

We talk about why people who have suffered life trauma are often pulled towards endurance running, why voluntary suffering can feel powerful, and whether running is genuinely therapeutic or just a way of running away from deeper problems.

Paul also explains why purpose and goal setting matter so much for mental health, and why men may need a different approach when it comes to support, therapy and rebuilding themselves.

This is a conversation for runners who use training, racing and endurance challenges to stay sane, find purpose, build confidence and prove to themselves they can still do hard things.