There's no place like home when it shines

I’ve left the Canaries and its barren red, open volcanic landscape behind for now. So long to its basking sunshine yet cooling breezes, the miles and miles of trails, mountains, sand and tracks to trot away on, and its warm blues seas. Returning home to the emerald green isle for work, for family and for life is okay too, as a break puts a pep back in one’s step and makes you realise all the beauty and wonder we have back home too.

As the plane lowers down, my eyes light up on the quickly forgotten sightings of greenery; not a blade of grass to been seen in Spain. The wide-open green fields that continue for acres, the hand built natural stone walls that separate the holdings of land, the animals grazing out in healthy pastures after a difficult winter. We fly nearer to the mountain peaks and it’s now becoming clearer where we are; some unfamiliar summits and some I plan to frequent. These are some of the many natural beautiful features Ireland offers that we so easily forget and take for granted when we are away.

The talk on the plane is about the heatwave coming, not to the Canaries but to Ireland, for two weeks. Happy days.

The bags get quickly unpacked and the washing machine is on but it takes a while to readjust, in particular to training in the Irish weather; the rain takes a bit of getting used to and it takes longer for the body to warm up. Sunday morning comes around though and you can feel the drastic change; the heat is on its way. Bright from early morning, the wash goes on the line, another one gone in and I will be heading for the trail.

We are blessed with a wealth of stunning running routes and sometimes on mornings like this the difficulty is that we have too much choice; the countryside transforms into a vibrant tapestry of green, punctuated by bursts of wildflowers. Coastal paths, such as those along the Wild Atlantic Way, offer panoramic views of the ocean waves crashing against rugged cliffs. Forest trails, like in Clonbur, invite runners to explore shady glades surrounded by ancient trees and wildlife.

My local woods have finally been cleared after Storm Éowyn. It has taken months of hard work by the forestry workers to safely open up the trails. Now an unfamiliar place, acres of trees, woodland, natural features, ripped up in minutes by the hurricane that tornadoed through like never seen before.

When the sun shines the lakes shine brighter, the mountains can be seen for miles, the beauty is ignited and everyone has a smile. The soothing sounds of nature – the rustle of leaves, the chirping of birds, and even the distant sound of flowing rivers – create a serene ambiance. It’s 23 degrees but this time at home in Ireland and I sure do love it. Being out at this hour, one normally has the place all to themselves but this morning there is a heightened business with everyone making the most of the heat. The warmer temperatures and beautiful scenery often provide the motivation needed to push through the daily chores and challenges.

As people emerge and go about their daily errands, they are not just running, farming or carrying out a job, they are immersing themselves in the beauty of their surroundings. This connection with the nature all around us encourages mindfulness, allowing people to appreciate the moment and escape the stresses of daily life.

When the long days of summer unfold in Ireland, the air fills with the sweet scent of blooming flowers and freshly cut grass, and the morning draws me out more easily, to hit the trails. Running in weather like this in Ireland is more than just a workout; it is an immersive experience that combines the joy of physical activity with the enchanting beauty of the Irish landscape. The extended daylight allows me to take advantage of the cooler parts of the day, like early morning, which is perfect for enjoying invigorating runs. Under the gentle warmth of the sun, I soak in the vitality and energy that summertime brings. The sunlight uplifting the spirits, with its invigorating rays stimulating the production of serotonin, often referred to as the “happy hormone.” On mornings like these, the road is left behind because too many beautiful places are ready to be explored. When the sun shines, the trails are firm yet have a carpet-like bounce. The flowers are highlighted by the bright rays. Daisys, dandelions and delphiniums easily capture the eye, buttercups, bluebells and banksias easily capture the bees, while trees, branches and briars easily capture the birds. Wild deer gallop from one trail to the other, the ferns scraping my arms, the animals bouncing through the shaded woodland. The noises in the trees make one jump out of their comfort zone, the bird song in full flight helps one flow through the route.

Running through our landscape throughout the summer months will occupy the mind and capture your senses because there's a lot going on: a lot to explore, to take in, but most of all to enjoy. Being in nature is an experience that awakens all our senses. There is a clear link between nature and people's health and happiness. In the forest, for example, is a rich sensory experience, and we need to breathe deeply to be able to fully appreciate it. Today I can smell the clay and dust, the pungent aroma of the woods is carried by the trees lying dormant along my way, the small odorous branches that are clinging on for dear life. The aroma from the trees is piney, similar to the smell of freshly cut wood, but with a hint of metal and lime.

The air is filled with a smell that is undeniably evocative of previous summer holidays: it is crisp, it is sharp and it is spicy. Sap seeping from the roots has a richer and darker aroma, the stickiness of its grasp carries with it the nuances of the magnificent wood from which it originates. Studies show that smells are linked to different aspects of wellbeing – relaxation, comfort and rejuvenation. They are connected to memories and specific ecological traits and processes that happen over space and time. Running around the trees reminds me of childhood memories, roaming through woodlands with friends, in basking sunshine, passing time, but having fun.

Nature is a multisensory experience, and the potential significance of being aware of how all our senses are awakened is essential for wellbeing. Our senses are important to our overall feelings; when we are not feeling so good, an eye-catching sight, a cheerful noise, a familiar smell, a beautiful taste, a feel-good touch can instantly change our emotions and how we feel. If you can, make yourself move outside to see the light emerging through nature’s beauty and if you can, go to a quiet, beautiful area and clear your mind to be present. And if you can, experience what is around you through your senses, listen for nature’s sounds, smell its scents, taste the fresh air and touch the leaves. And if you can, look at the scenery all around you, move a little, follow the light, leave the dark behind. Do this every day you can and your body will eventually crave it and when the rain comes you will enjoy it and when the wind comes it will waken you up.

We all have dark moments, dark days, and these are the days when we need the outdoors even more. We have beauty, nature and wildlife all around us. Use the sunshine in Ireland to give us a new breath of fresh air. The sunshine won't last forever but neither will our emotions or darkness; they will fade and the light will appear. You will then be there to listen to someone else, to ask them how they are.

I am glad to be back home running in Irish summertime. It is an experience that goes beyond exercise; it is an opportunity to connect with the environment, embrace the joys of nature and foster relationships within the running community. The soothing warmth of the sun, the breathtaking landscapes and the shared spirit of camaraderie create an enriching atmosphere that transforms every run into a cherished adventure. Each and every time I take to the trails and roads, I rediscover not only the beauty of Ireland but also the beauty of the journey within myself, because every adventure is a journey and each and every day it follows a different path.

The Canaries I will return to but when the sun shines on Ireland’s pastures, on its highest peaks, over its rivers, lakes and nature’s wonders, there is no place I’d rather be. Sometimes the hill beside us is the greenest.