Reflecting on the early years of running, it was 1974 when I bought my first pair of running shoes at the Bill Rogers’ Running Store in Boston.  We were visiting my brother-in-law who was a pretty good rugby player and also a “newbie” runner. He would eventually qualify for the Boston Marathon with a 2.35 marathon (the qualifying time for 30-35 was just under 2:50).   Not too shabby!   He was my inspiration to begin running and he was also a personal friend of Jock Semple, yes, he of the Kathy Switzer fame..

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            I took those new Nike’s ($19:95 US) back to Ireland and so began some serious running.  I loved the freedom of running the country roads where I lived at the time.  Working in a factory that employed 4,000 people, and residing on a housing estate (subdivision) where we had postage-size yards in terraced rows, and when the neighbours argued we could hear every word, it was both pleasing and pleasant to go for a run either before or after my “shift” at the factory.  That was 45 years ago and a lot of water has flowed under the bridge since then and many miles run down country roads, through meadows and forests, along trails, by rivers, lakes and oceans.

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            It was Howard Clinebell ( a United Methodist minister and professor of pastoral care and counselling and who is credited with helping people who have experienced trauma understand the healing power of nature.  Howard  Clinebell even coined a word to describe the science behind his work, and that word is “ecotherapy” and his book “Ecotherapy - Healing Ourselves, Healing the Earth” introduced readers to an innovative approach to ecologically-grounded personality-theory, spirituality, and education.  Clinebell also called it “green therapy” and “earth-centered therapy”.

I recall with a sense of wistful affection of those early runs down country roads back home, with green pastures on each side, and often sheep or cows lazily chewing away.   We had lots of rain back there (hence its forty shades of green) and so there was often the sound of running water, and birds singing from tree-tops and hedges.  There was also sometimes a sharp strong aroma  when the slurry (that wonderful mixture of manure) was spread on the land filling the air. Pretty pungent!

Over the years I have become not only interested in “ecotherapy” but have actively set out to practice it, not only during my runs, but also at other times, when just out for a walk, or when sitting looking out the window at my lawn and now blooming colourful spring flowers.  

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            A few years ago there was an article in the local paper here in Fonthill, Ontario, describing how there was an opportunity offered to Canadian Veterans teaching them how to “fly-fish” as participation with nature, being near or in or on water, surrounded by trees and songbirds, and the repeated pattern of the movement of casting helped one be in rhythm with nature’s mystical power to lower blood pressure, slow the heart and clear the mind.  All measurable indications that it is therapeutic, thus having a good effect, not just on the body and mind, but also on the soul, which is not quite so easy to measure.  Vietnam veterans have strongly asserted that Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is not a disorder of the mind, but rather an injury of the soul. 

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            Ecotherapy can be experienced not only through running, but also through walking, hiking, biking, gardening, nature photography, or just sitting in a park or under a tree - the Japanese call it “forest bathing - (Shinrin yoku).  Even just looking out the window or at photos of nature have a calming affect on the mind, body and soul.   Studies have shown that the view from your hospital bed can either facilitate healing or actually impede healing, such is the power of Mother Nature.

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            As I reflect on nature’s mystical power to heal the body, mind and soul, and on the 45 years of running through the seasons, and all the sights, sounds, smells and challenges that presents, I have found that not only does the run give me a sense of well-being, but that I also understand it is incredibly and extraordinarily therapeutic.   It refreshes my soul.   Run gently and enjoy nature.

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The running rev!