Reiki for Runners: An interview with Jackie Linehan - The Peaceful Runner

I first "met" Jackie Linehan, better known as the Peaceful Runner (@PeacefulRunner ), when I came across her website as I was researching running and how to heal injuries.  Turns out she was implementing a Remote Reiki for Runners program and though skeptical, I gave it a try.  Here is what I learned by interviewing Jackie: 

Christy: What is Reiki?

Jackie: Reiki is an alternative therapy that originated in Japan. It is used for stress  reduction and relaxation and it also promotes healing. It is a simple, safe and natural method of healing and self-improvement that everyone can use.

Reiki treats the whole person as it aids the body's natural healing process. It focuses on the "life force energy" that flows through us and causes us to be alive. Reiki balances and heals the energy in the body and its healing energy goes where it is needed most. 

After a Reiki treatment, sometimes a condition appears worse for a short period of time. This is a sign of healing as the condition is being brought to the surface where it can be healed and released. 

Christy: How did you become interested in Reiki?

Jackie: I have always been interested in natural healing methods and I also have a strong belief that our health is related to how we connect to our bodies on a spiritual level. When I witness others suffering needlessly, I want to be able to help them. So when I first heard about Reiki, I knew it was something I had to learn. It has given me a way to help others improve their health and well-being in an natural and spiritual way.

Christy: What are the benefits of Reiki?

Jackie: There are so many benefits of giving and receiving Reiki and absolutely no disadvantages or negative side effects. Reiki has been known to be effective in helping virtually every known illness. It has been scientifically shown to decrease pain levels, speed healing and relax the mind and body. Some other specific benefits include:

• Strengthens the body's natural healing abilities
• Assists in high risk surgeries
• Speeds recovery after surgery
• Helps chronic conditions
• Strengthens self-esteem and awareness
• Relieves stress, anxiety and depression
• Decreases pain levels and speed healing
• Alleviates sleep disorders
• Helps substance abuse recovery
• Promotes spiritual awareness and connection
• Reduces side effects of radiation and chemotherapy

Christy:  Why focus on runners?

Jackie: I am a runner myself so I am aware of the issues that frustrate runners, particularly running injuries. I also believe that many running injuries would be prevented if runners could develop a stronger connection to their bodies by strengthening the mind and body connection. 

On my website, thepeacefulrunner.com, I provide lots of tips on how to prevent injuries. However, when a runner develops an injury, the healing process can often take quite a long time. This is where Reiki can help. 

When injuries or illnesses take a long time to heal, it is often caused by low energy levels. Reiki's healing energy can stimulate the body's healing process and balance the energies in the body so that healing can occur much more quickly.

Christy: Can Reiki be practiced anywhere? Please give some examples.

Jackie: Another great thing about Reiki is that it is not limited to location. Reiki can be performed at a distance and it is just as effective as an in-person session. 

So runners everywhere can now benefit from the healing benefits of Reiki!

Examples: I live in London, England and I have given Reiki treatments from my home to clients in Canada, the U.S., Austria and in a village nearby. All recipients have reported that they felt sensations from Reiki's healing energy during the treatment and they also reported that the sessions were beneficial. 

Christy: Anything else you would like to add?

Jackie: Reiki's healing energy addresses imbalances on four levels: physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual. This means that the recipient may not only experience physical improvements but improvements in other areas of their life as well. Difficult situations may suddenly seem easier to cope with, relationships improve and they feel more at peace.  Reiki treats the whole person creating many beneficial effects as its healing energy goes where it is needed most. 

New to Trail Running? Follow these tips to get out on the trails

Trail running can improve your performance and provide an escape from the paved path.   But how to get started?  The following two articles offer tips to help newbie trail runners experience the joy of trails with the added benefits of increased strength, stamina and mental focus. 

In the Runner’s World (http://www.runnersworld.com/) article 3 Things Every New Trail Runner Needs to Know (http://bit.ly/2eHfTLr ), Jenny Hadfield (@coachjenny) gives 3 great tips to begin running trails.  She recommends running by perceived effort – not pace (yes, it is ok to walk the steep inclines),  run by time - not miles and lastly, but perhaps most importantly, run mindfully.  

Trail run at Lost Lake in Yellowstone National Park, Texas, July 2016. Photo image by Christy Ahsanullah.

The Beginner’s Guide to Trail Running (http://bit.ly/2efpavl published on the Daily Burn (http://dailyburn.com/life/) by Emily Faherty (@emfaherty) shares tips from trail running expert Ian Sharman (@sharmanian). Sharman recommends researching the trails first, making sure you have the right gear, to put safety first, take it slow and stresses “it should be fun”.

The top tips for getting out on the trails are:

•  Take it slow – focus on the minutes and not the miles and walking is ok – really!

• Be mindful– know where you are going, keep your focus in the trail and be safe. 

• Run by Effort, Not Pace - the uneven surface and often hilly terrain can mean you burn more calories and get stronger – focus on the outcome of your performance.

Taking it slow, focusing on outcome, and being mindful are great ways to approach trail running.  Take running off road and onto the trails and see where it may lead you and above all: HAVE FUN!  To find a trail near you, visit American Trail Running Association (http://trailrunner.com/find-a-trail/) and Trails.com (http://www.trails.com/activities.aspx?area=14939)

Trail Running is Good for You (and it’s fun too!)

For both new and experienced runners (and walkers too!) trail running offers a number of benefits to improve your performance, find balance and an escape from the paved path.   As a 4 year runner who has stared incorporating trails, I have found two articles that help highlight the benefits of the trail running experience and why you need to incorporate trails into your training. 

In the Active.com (http://www.active.com/ ) article 5 Reasons to Try Trail Running(http://bit.ly/2bL0VRH), Jacquie Cattanah highlights the benefits of running trails.  She shifts the focus from running your PR (personal record) to the experience of running with better scenery.  The trail experience provides a mental and physical escape which she believes are so needed in today’s fast paced world.     

     Trail run at Balanced Rock in Big Bend National Park, Texas, December 2014. Photo image by Christy Ahsanullah.

In the Why Trail Running Is Good for You (http://bit.ly/2bmo6nm) published in Runner’s World (http://runnersworld.com) Lisa Jhung (@LisaJhung) highlights some reasons that trail running is growing in popularity and why to head out to the trails.  She stresses that it is better training, especially for those suffering or recovering from lower body injuries than paved paths.  She takes it a step further in saying “… don’t let the trails intimidate you. After all, it’s just dirt.”

The three key benefits of trail running are:

·       Gentler on your body – the softer surfaces reduce the stress and impact on your body which can mean fewer injuries.

·       Mental relaxation – the focus is on the scenery and connecting with nature thus escaping stress of the day or the performance pressure of time/pace – you have permission to slow down.

·       Getting stronger - the uneven surface and often hilly terrain causes you to have improved technique (landing on forefoot) and utilizes more muscles for movement.

Getting stronger, less injuries and mental relaxation are three great reasons to add trail running to your training plan and can make for a more enjoyable experience.  Take running off road and onto the trails and see where it may lead you.  Happy Running!