At ultra marathons, when it’s cold, raining, sleeting or snowing, other runners are often miserable and more likely to drop out. They might hear me talking about negative ions and rambling on about this gift of free energy. There is science to back the value of negative ions, and I have ample anecdotal experience. I “know” it works for me. I might talk to these skeptical runners about how I play with my mind and learn to “love the smell of skunk”! When runners are dropping out left and right, I hope to have the right gear, and that is the time to apply quantum physics concepts to avoid “stinkin thinkin”. I’m not trained in medicine, physics or chemistry, so do your own due diligence as always. In quantum physics, like attracts like, even at the level of thought. Thoughts are measurable. Thoughts are energy. So, thoughts are “things”, as are emotions, which can be employed as amplifiers for our thoughts. Negative thoughts and emotions therefore attract more of the same. If you goal is to succeed in your race and life, then actively pursuing an upward spiral is vital, and requires focus. For me, there is little or no downside to practicing mind over matter.

It would have been the late 80’s when I first heard a coworker in our advertising sales department mention negative ions and the benefits of going outside after storms. I’ll call him Ron because his name is Ron. Ron is smart, a runner for decades and a former college athlete. Still, I wondered if there was anything to this negative ion chatter. Had Ron been bullshitting me all those years? It wasn’t till the early 00’s (after Al Gore invented the internet and after a particularly enjoyable run in the rain) that I did an online search for information about negative ions and found some science to back up the story. As I was digging around recently, I learned more and realized this idea goes well beyond getting more energy after it rains!

Early in 2011 I started running ultra marathons and have not let up. I wrap life around running. It’s my core fitness, therapy, hobby and adventure. The trail is my sanctuary and nearly everywhere is my “trail”. When I’m running, that may be the best part of my week. I’ve learned that everything I do to become a better runner, helps me be a happier and healthier being. Creating an upward spiral in wellbeing is my long term goal. Living with “ease” vs disease is the priority, so my latest goal in life is to maximize my hours of runner’s high.

Only now am I putting the puzzle together as to why I love long showers, scenic long distance runs, running in fresh powder while the snow is still falling, and being near rivers, lakes, forests, and mountains. Negative ions. Man!! Sunshine and fog are awesome too. But why?

What the hell is an ion exactly? Pronounced “eye on”, an ion is an atom that has either lost or gained one or more electrons so that it has an electrical charge. Ions can be negatively or positively charged. Stale indoor air can have zero negative ions. Isn’t it ironic that positive ions are not positive for us!

Negative ions are created in nature as molecules break apart due to sunlight, radiation, and moving air or water. These beneficial negative ions are released by be waves and falling water, evaporation from plants, photosynthesis, summer rains, sunny weather, fresh snow and more!

Being aware of this “free energy” is huge for me. Life is all about awareness, as is athleticism. Negative ions are also thought to clear the air of allergens such as pollen, mold spores, bacteria and viruses. They perform this function by attaching themselves to positively charged particles in large numbers and then negatively charging those particles. How cool is that?

Much like running, negative ions increase the flow of oxygen to the brain. Running is about turning our bodies into an efficient oxygen delivery system. Negative ions help, but positive ions…well, not so much. This explains why I’m less likely to feel high energy after my frequent indoor barefoot Winter runs at a local college arena. Air conditioning depletes the indoor air of negative ions.However, taking a shower creates more negative ions. Think about it – a shower is a essentially a man-made waterfall. What’s better than a long hot shower after running a one hundred mile race? I can think of only a few activities.

Inappropriately named positive ions have negative effects on our health, including damaging cells by changing our acid-alkaline balance which ultimately contributes to decreased immune function.

Recently my family enjoyed a week at Indian Rocks Beach in Florida. I ran six consecutive days on the beach, barefoot. Constantly gravitating to the edge of the surf. I was magnetically drawn to that area where the waves stopped. The concentration of energy and life there was addictive. I couldn’t believe how many runners had music or podcasts piped into their ears, and socks and shoes on their feet, while running far from the surf to keep those stupid shoes and stupid feet dry. Yes, most shoes make our feet stupid and that’s a whole book’s worth of blogs. My skinny-ish, plant-powered, bare feet were taking in an abundance of sights, sounds, aromas and more from the beach – an orchestra of sensory delight including fish, foul and more! I was feeling the breeze and water splashing. So simple, yet magical. I didn’t realize at the time, but the waves were filling me with negative ions as well! Most of my running has been a search for negative ions! Who knew? Ron did. Ron’s smart. Be like Ron. ElectRon.

Negative ions are odorless, tasteless, and invisible molecules that we inhale in abundance in certain environments such as the places many of us ultra runners are drawn to such as mountains, waterfalls and beaches. Once negative ions reach our bloodstream, they are believed to produce biochemical reactions that increase levels of the mood chemical serotonin, helping to alleviate depression, relieve stress and boost our energy! The invisible world around us is often where the magic is, as well as what we ought to fear and strive to avoid such as cancer cells. Awareness of the power of negative ions can help get us into that magic zone where life flows with euphoric pleasure.

The best stuff in life is often free, and negative ions are no exception. Living with more ease and less disease is about awareness. Now you are aware. Go out and get your free negative ions, but realize that achieving ease and joy in life takes effort! Ease takes great focus.

Several months ago, we acquired a diffuser and run the “aroma therapy” device every night on my side of the bed, about a foot from m head. I love the scent and the steamy moisture. The diffuser seems to have improved my respiratory health. A quick online search indicates that yes, the diffuser logically adds negative ions!

While I’ve enjoyed pure barefoot running on the beach and barefoot indoor Winter running greatly, my favorite “barefoot” shoes are from Xero Shoes. #XeroAmbassador. Check them out. Xero has almost everything from thin huaraches to sport sandals, dressier shoes, water resistant boots, road running shoes, athletic shoes, trail running shoes, racing “flats” and more. Tell them Randy sent you! 5000 mile outsole warranty, attractive designs and highly functional. Everything we do matters, including what’s on our feet when we are not running!

#PaidXeroPartner I am a proud Xero Shoes Affiliate and may receive compensation for referring the Xero Shoes brand