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About The nugget. (Sisters, Or.) 1994-current | View Entire Issue (Oct. 18, 2017)
Wednesday, October 18, 2017 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon 19 Running commentary home to a variety of wildlife, many tall trees, and relative Correspondent tranquility. A pair of work- I certainly believe that ers acknowledged me with a running is good for the body, wave as I headed around the but the mind and soul as well. three-mile loop. My image As a high schooler, run- looked small reflected on of ning was training for racing the large filter ponds with the and I gave little thought to its blue sky overhead and maple, other benefits. I believe that I oak and fir trees as a back- was a senior on the onset of drop. I recall feeling absorbed adulthood when I first began into the scene and experienc- to recognize that running ing a real sense of peace and provided much more than satisfaction. the ability to run a fast 3K or Living in Sisters for the complete a marathon. past 23 years with a national Between seasons of cross- forest outside my back gate country and track most of my I have enjoyed the luxury running was done solo since of access to nature, which there were no organized prac- I believe plays an equally tices in the winter months. important role as the run- The relatively mild tempera- ning. As life became more tures in the Willamette Valley complex, with demands of and shortened days meant raising children, working as long runs after school often a school counselor, and navi- concluded near sunset, but gating personal challenges, I those rare days without cloud recognized more deeply than cover allowed for a few extra ever the therapeutic impact of minutes of daylight. running. On one of those clear I believe that most people days late January I headed who have been runners for out toward Stayton Island, an any length of time agree that area east of town that afforded the benefits go far beyond natural surface and no traffic the strengthening of muscles since the site was managed and improvement of the car- for the City of Salem’s water diovascular system. As I supply. As a semi-restricted have grown older and slower area, Stayton Island was my priority has switched to By Charlie Kanzig running for the mental health benefits and not being able to run as much the past two years has been a loss to me. Rima Givot, a runner since high school, believes in the power of running. “When I get out for a run I feel the stress flow off of me in layers, which allows me to clear my mind and feeling healthier,” she said. She now shares her love of running with others through coach- ing cross-country at Sisters High School. “I want them to have the gift of running as a healthy lifestyle the rest of their lives.” I have read a lot of research on this topic that confirms my own experi- ence. Multiple studies show that running can significantly reduce stress, increase men- tal sharpness, alleviate anxi- ety, and even be used as an effective therapy for clini- cal depression. Runners also report improvement in sleep quality, creativity, and even self-esteem. The American Psychological Association (APA) has also concluded that the benefits of exercise for mental health are unde- niable. An article by Kirsten Weir for the APA stresses that exercise has an immediate positive effect on mood and that mental health workers are increasingly prescribing exercise as part of patients’ wellness plan in therapy. Being surrounded by nature here in Sisters plays a significant part in the quality of our health. Most exercise produces the release of hor- mones known as endocan- nabinoids, which are respon- sible for what runner’s some- times experience as a “high,” but spending an hour on a treadmill or elliptical does not appear to have the same depth of effect as getting outside. Running in the woods can be compared to the Japanese practice of “forest bath- ing,” which is the practice of spending time in the woods in order to cleanse the mind and renew the soul. After eight years of study starting in 2004, Japanese researchers concluded that the health benefits of being out in the forest had such positive benefits that the gov- ernment of Japan installed 48 “therapy trails” in the country as a result. Studies in Japan showed conclusive evidence that even moderate exercise 60+SENIOR HEALTH FAIR IN SISTERS Friday, Oct. 20, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at SPRD (next to High School) FREE Over 60? Free education & screening for: • Functional Strength, Movement, Posture & Balance • Bone Density Testing • Blood Glucose Testing • Hearing • Blood Pressure • Tire Checks • Orthotics • Dental Check • Cholesterol • More! 541-549-2091 1750 W. Mckinney Butte Rd. www.SistersRecreation.com Clearance Sale On Now! Everything you need for hot tubs Including chemicals and natural solutions Saunas • Exercise Therapy Swim Spas Spa service & maintenance BBQs • Smokers Self-massaging chairs 541-790-9679 | 413 W. Hood Ave. | www.aquahottub.com The Spa at Black Butte Ranch You don’t need to be a resort guest to get pampered at the Black Butte Ranch Spa, but you’ll certainly feel like you’ve escaped after your visit. The Spa at Black Butte Ranch is just what you need to unwind, relax, rejuvenate and reward yourself. Choose from an extensive menu of therapeutic and beauty services that provide head-to-toe care. Enjoy massages, body treatments, relaxing to results-oriented facials, couples spa treatments, and a variety of pam- pering for the hands and feet. Spa guests can enjoy full access to the indoor pool, fitness center, steam room and hot tub. You can also enjoy the wonderful selections inside our sports and gift shop, featuring a variety of organic skin-treat- ment products, apparel, shoes and accessories. Visit BlackButteRanch.com/spa for monthly specials and information or call 541-595-5878. PHOTO BY CHARLIE KANZIG Running is good for the body — but maybe even more beneficial for mind and soul. among the trees increased the body’s immune system, among other benefits. A study by Japan’s Chiba University concluded that, “Forest environments pro- mote lower concentrations of cortisol, lower pulse rate, lower blood pressure, greater parasympathetic nerve activ- ity, and lower sympathetic nerve activity,” the study concluded. Walking, jogging, and running clearly is good for improved mental health, but taking the practice out into the woods apparently weaves in even more profound results, giving us all another great reason to hit the trails here in Sisters Country.
