Another Reason to Run Cross-Country: Shinrin-Yoku

Belmont Plateau Cross-Country Course, Philadelphia, PA

One of the things cross-country runners love best about their sport is the feeling of running freely through woods and forests. They just know it is good for them.
 Doctors in some East Asia countries are now prescribing what the Japanese call shinrin-yoku or "forest bathing"-- using the senses to soak up the sights, smells and sounds of the of the woods.
  Scientists at the University of East Anglia analyzed the findings of more than 140 studies involving nearly 300 million people from 20 countries including the U.S, Spain, Australia, and Japan.
They found that spending more time outside in nature or leaving near green spaces including urban parks is associated with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, early death and high blood pressure, as well as with better sleep and stronger feelings of well-being.

Running through Redwoods National Park, California

  In a report in ScienceDaily.com: "Forest bathing is already popular as a therapy in Japan and South Korea. The Study's author Caoimhe Twohig-Bennet says, "Our study shows that they have the right idea."
Breathing in phytoncides, which are organized compounds emitted by trees may stimulate our immune systems and reduce inflammation.
Twohig-Bennet says the study found concrete evidence that green space "significantly reduces people's levels of salivary cortisol- a physiological marker of stress."
Of course, cross-country running is one of the few sports to routinely offer this benefit.

Start of a Gloucester Catholic Cross-Country Meet in New Jersey

GCHS Cross-Country Runners Patrick Glennan and Vincent Li Featured in Diocese of Camden High School Senior Showcase

Catholic Star Herald
South Jersey's Official Catholic Newspaper

High School Senior Showcase 2018:
Gloucester Catholic

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 by Peter G. Sánchez ,  June 26, 2018

Seventh in a nine-part series celebrating recent graduates from Catholic high schools across South Jersey.

Previously: Holy Spirit; Our Lady of Mercy Academy; Paul VI;  Saint Augustine Prep; Saint Joseph; Wildwood Catholic  

Today: Gloucester Catholic, Gloucester City

Laura Elizabeth Blaston

High School Activities: National Honor Society, Gymnastics, Leadership Retreat at Camp Ockanickon

Plans for the Fall: Villanova University

Advice for incoming freshmen: Your freshman year academic performance sets the foundation for how you will develop as a student throughout the rest of high school, so get off to a good start but enjoy every second because it goes by quickly.

Patrick Glennan

High School Activities: Forensics, Varsity Cross-Country, Model United Nations

Plans for the Fall: The University of Pennsylvania for the study of Biology

Someone who made a significant impact on his life: My Cross-Country coach Jack Heath, for his unlimited and unparalleled energy, devotion, and kindness. He is one man who I would very much like to emulate.

Vincent Li

Bio from school:

Yunshen “Vincent” Li has traveled many miles over the past 4 years just to attend Gloucester Catholic.  From the Chinese province of Shandong, Vincent has made every attempt to acclimate to American culture and has taken advantage of all of the opportunities Gloucester Catholic has to offer.  A member of our National Honors Society, Vincent also played a year of football, ran cross country and was on our tennis team.  An accomplished photographer and artist, Vincent’s work has been featured several times in our annual Maroon and Gold Expo.  Two accomplishments, however, are exemplary: Vincent attended the American Legion Boys State Program and was elected State Senator by his peer group.  Only two boys out of more than 1000 of the best and brightest students in New Jersey were chosen for this position and invited to the White House; the second accomplishment was winning First Place in the National Catholic Math League.  This fall, Vincent will attend the University of California at San Diego where he wants to pursue a variety of academic interests.

Monica Patel

High School Activities: Volleyball, Bowling, School Newspaper

Plans for the Fall: Drexel University

What she most appreciates about Catholic school: Despite not being Catholic, I truly believe that going to a Catholic High School has significantly influenced my character and has shaped me into the person I am today.  Having the opportunity to have a Catholic education has taught me morals and values that I will surely carry with me throughout the next chapters of my life. Going to Gloucester Catholic, a close-knit family community has taught me to respect others despite their differences.