I'm a distance runner. I may not run the long distances other runners do, but when people ask, and I tell them how far I run, they always say, “Wow! That's great!”even if it is only five or six miles at a time. I am also 54 years old and have been running for about 25 years. If I meet friends who have not seen me in awhile, one of the first questions they ask is, “Still running?” I respond, “Oh, yeah! Four days a week, just like always!” And then I think, “Why would I ever stop?” Running is as much a part of my life as eating, sleeping and drinking water.

   I run in the Metroparks along the Rocky River. A nicely paved bike path meanders through woods following the course of the river. I run no matter what the weather: rain, snow, ice, wind, bitter cold and extreme heat. I have run on days when I am in pain, and I have run when I have had a fever. I once tripped and fell, scraping my left knee and shoulder pretty badly. My knee was bleeding, but after I checked to see that nothing was broken, I got up and finished my run. I run even when there is something else I would rather be doing. I've run in Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, England and Mexico. I always say that nothing will stop me from my getting my run in, and very little ever has.

   Much has been written about the physical benefits of running. This aerobic exercise keeps the heart and lungs strong, strengthens the legs and burns many calories. But it can be much more than that. Running keeps me centered and grounded. If, for some reason, I cannot get a regular run in, I feel terrible inside. My muscles get achy and restless, and I have a hard time concentrating on anything. I know it is from the energy that my body stores in anticipation of a run that did not happen. After a run, all that excess energy has been burned off, and a feeling of peace, centeredness and ease sets in. No other exercise will do that for me. While biking, swimming and yoga are great, none of them gives me the same feeling of exhilaration as running.

   I find running is as much a spiritual exercise as a physical one. I prefer to run by myself. For an hour or so, I am alone with my thoughts and nature. I prefer the sounds around me to anything recorded, so I do not use a headset. The kaleidoscope of nature provides constant stimulation – shifting seasons with infinite and constantly changing shades of green, blue, red, orange and brown combined with a diverse cast of foraging wildlife.

   I run by geese (and sometimes get chased by them), deer and ducks. In the spring, the new hatchlings swim with their parents. Peregrine falcons often soar down in front of me. In the haze of the summer heat, I escape to the relative coolness of the trees' shadows – crickets sing and dragonflies hum. When I run in the fall, the foliage envelops me with endless luminosity. Some of my most enjoyable runs have been on the coldest days of winter – the quiet hush of the woods, the pristine snow-blanketed ground, the brilliant and beautiful blue sky. Every moment of every season offers an inspiring and spiritual experience.

   There is no rule that meditation requires sitting still; running can be a great time to meditate. So many times I like to just be in the moment of the run – concentrating on my breath, focusing on the “now,” appreciating the outdoors. Sometimes it is difficult to keep my mind free of clutter while running, but it can be a very powerful experience, and it is worth the effort.

   It is also possible to work out problems during a run. I am open to guidance during this time, and my mind seems to be receptive to new ideas and answers to problems. (Many articles that I have written have come to me during a run. This is one of them!)

   Running is not for everyone, but all it truly takes is an inclination to run, a good pair of shoes and an enjoyable trail. There is no requirement to go far or fast, just a desire to open up to a whole new physical, emotional and spiritual world! Happy running!


Dennis R. Ehren, DC is a Chiropractor in Lakewood, Ohio at 13314 Detroit Ave. He specializes in Network Spinal Analysis, the gentle, light touch approach to Chiropractic health. He can be reached at 216-221-9990. www.ehrenchiropractic.com.

Photos by Bob Perkoski, www.Perkoski.com.