Trees are life. Carbon-cleaning giants, home to diverse species. Our world would no longer exist without them.
They also have soft power. Offering awe, shelter, perspective and childlike adventures. Settings for fairy tales and epic trail runs alike.
For me, it was a no brainer that Joy Run #1 explore the joy of trees by running in woodland.
How to run this theme: trees
Trees are deeply personal. How you interpret this theme can be too.
Think about:
- that otherworldly forest on the edge of town
- your favourite picnic spot
- the make-believe world you played in as kids
- the apple tree now offering gifts
- your local equivalent of the sycamore gap
- the horse chestnut that generously spills conkers in autumn
- a park’s trees reaching for the sky in summer
- morning sunlight bursting through a tree’s leaves
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Where a joy of trees took me
Whinlatter, in the Lake District.
England’s only true mountain forest.
A happy coincidence had me in this beautiful part of the UK, so I couldn’t resist going big.
I’ve always loved a forest run. The dramatic setting elevating otherwise ordinary exercise. The senses awakened, the heart opened, as we move beyond our individual lives to appreciate our part in a larger story.
Whinlatter offers up well-marked-out routes or chose-your-own-adventure type runs. Being my first visit, I decided to run Whinlatter’s circular 10km route. A mixture of forest trails and dirt tracks guiding you round.
A physical and spiritual workout
The scale of Whinlatter catches you off guard. Rising to 1000ft above sea level, it’s bursting with moments of awe – both in itself and of unrivalled views across the Lake District.
Whinlatter’s encyclopedia of trees boasts Sitka and Norway spruce to Scots pine, larch, Douglas fir and Lawson, creating a million shades of green to run to.
Its many ups and downs are full of nature’s obstacles too. The momentum constantly shifting between runner and route.
What I love about running in woodland is not only the feeling of conquering tricky terrain but also immersing yourself in the beauty and serenity of the wilderness. The quiet beauty of trees, watching over us. Opening up new branches of thought.
“Trees die when they’re moved; humans if they’re not.”
Unsure what to expect, every turn revealed a combination of spellbinding scale and small wonders.
From never-ending views to enticing detours. Soothing streams and lush green ferns. Encounters with wildlife and pint-sized waterfalls. Uprooted trees felled by storms, a reminder of the world beneath the forest floor. Ample reward for climbing the slopes.
I can’t help but feel strange hand of companionship in wooded areas. You’re alone, but not.
Trees and forests are infused with life. A feast for the eyes and first aid for the soul. It’s impossible not to leave inspired.
The science of forest bathing
As trees breathe out, we breathe in.
We are so deeply connected to trees, a trip through woodland is kind on both the body and mind.
Shinrin-yoku – the Japanese term for “forest bathing” or “taking in the forest atmosphere” – involves unplugging from technology and being at one with nature.
This mindful time spent under the canopy of trees helps you to switch off, unwind, and connect with your surroundings in a meaningful way. It’s also been proven to boost the immune system and counter illnesses, thanks to the chemical phytoncide, which is released by trees and plants.
One final thought...
If you’ve enjoyed this theme, why not become get a Forestry England membership (or your country’s equivalent, wherever you are) to allow them to continue their good work.
A win-win for nature and humans.
→ Other ‘Running in Nature‘ themes
7 Responses
I used to go to Whinlatter as a kid. Wonderful place.
Thanks for inspiring me to get out. I ran an old tree-lined route and it felt great.
Loved my first Joy Run! Struggled to get back into running for years and this community gave me the gentle push I needed. No pressure, at my own pace, appreciating what nature has to offer! What a treat.
My first thought was ‘oh no, what a shame I’m on holiday as I have SO many favourite trees at home!’ (What a hardship!) but actually this was a great way to open my eyes to the many different varieties of trees here in Portugal – the classic palm tree, to the tree lined residential streets, to a carefully cultivated urban oasis. Thank you Joy runs, I look forward to more challenges!
I haven’t been out for a run for a few weeks now but this week’s prompt gave me the inspiration to get out and enjoy my local nature reserve in York. It felt great to just gently run on different paths I wouldn’t normally take without worrying about the overall distance or split times! I made sure to take the time to take a couple of photos as well, which I wouldn’t normally stop to do! I look forward to next week’s joy run!
Running by the trees, in the forest, it is always a great motivator for me.
It almost feels primal. Getting back to nature and just embracing been outside and running in that space.
Almost takes my mind on its own adventure. To being the hunter gatherering ancestor of a bygone time.
You’ve kicked off with what would be my favourite theme. Looking forward to discovering new ones.
I specifically changed my usual route this morning to get more tree action which equalled more shady spots from the mid-morning sun. Good thing I did as I spotted an ancient woodland across the ings. Perfecto tree vibes 👌
This week’s theme not only motivated me to run on a Monday, it also got me doing a detour to my favourite tree on my second run of the week. It’s the first time I’ve run twice in a week for a very long time. Thanks joy runs.