We are facing really hard times all around the world. And everyone is more or less affected by the Covid-19 outbreak. It is changing our work, social activities and our running.
I know running is allowed in some cities especially if it is done individually. And it is a personal preference to run these days. A decision that might not only affect ourselves but our loved ones and the society.
Let's see what are the risks involved if we decide to run and what happens if we stop running.
Running in a group
I believe this one is out of question and is the most stupid action anyone can take right now. Please don't tell me about the social distance and hygiene. Anyone who has ever run in a group knows that it is not possible to keep your distance from the others.
If you run in cities it is quite tricky to avoid the others.And if you are trail runner as I am, just thinking about passing another runner on a single track or approaching through them.
And let's not forget spitting or blowing your nose while you run. It is pretty normal, right?
By running in group you are risking not only your health, but the others.
Running individually
The risk is still involved if you decide to run individually or with your partner or family member.
First of all you cannot count on any public amenities as they are possible source of infection. Just think about the water fountain or the toilet in the parks.
Some stuff that were completely normal before the Corona Virus now requires full attention. Passing another runner or walker, grabbing a rock or a tree while you are walking uphill or even tying your shoelace.
So if you decide to run individually try to chose a time when there are fewer people around. Take your water bottle with you and carry all the water you require to finish the run. Do not count on any water source! Take a hand sanitizer with you and use it any time you touch something. It is quite easy to touch your face to wipe out the sweat or to blow your nose.
Do not be quite adventurous and don't risk falling as it is quite hard right now to get any medical help.
And how about not running at all
I have been running for ten years now and it is an essential part of my life. I have been quite lucky not to be injured seriously during these years. The longest time I have been away from running was about two months due to frostbitten toes.
Now let's see what happens if we don't run until the disease goes away. Everyone has a different reason to run. Some run to get fit or to lose weight, while others train for a specific race or to challenge themselves to achieve an extraordinary goal. Some run to free their mind out of stress and anxieties of life while others do so for the sake of running, for the pure joy and for the runners high.
So let's talk about these reasons
Running to get fit
And if your race is not cancelled, as there are no decision made for the races in late summer, you will have enough time to train after the outbreak. So don't rush it and spend this time to do some cross training. If you are an ultrarunner you know that patience is an essential part of this whole game.
If you have a personal goal like a FKT (Fastest known time) in a route or there is a long mountain trail you want to run, you can hold it for a few months or even this time next year. The mountains are going to stay there and we can enjoy them later.
Running to feel better
If you run because you love running and you can hardly substitute it with any other activity I know what you are talking about. I do love running and I am feeling its absence in my everyday life. But as a distance runner I know the importance of powerful mind. Just deal with these non-running days as you would with an injury. And if you are lucky enough not to experienced any injuries yet, it is the best time to get ready for it. Every runner experience some time being away from running for one reason or another. I can assure you that you can get back to your current running level quite soon and you will enjoy it even more when you are not stressed about your health.
I personally decided not to run because all the reasons mentioned above. I replace running with the other activities which have less or no impact on spreading the disease. I miss running as hell but keep thinking about the positive impact I can have on people's health by not leaving the house for personal benefit. I know we will pass this time and I hope we do so with less tragedy.
So please let me know your thoughts on this. What do you replace your running with? Or if you insist on running, I would love to hear your reasons.
I know running is allowed in some cities especially if it is done individually. And it is a personal preference to run these days. A decision that might not only affect ourselves but our loved ones and the society.
Let's see what are the risks involved if we decide to run and what happens if we stop running.
Running in a group
I believe this one is out of question and is the most stupid action anyone can take right now. Please don't tell me about the social distance and hygiene. Anyone who has ever run in a group knows that it is not possible to keep your distance from the others.
If you run in cities it is quite tricky to avoid the others.And if you are trail runner as I am, just thinking about passing another runner on a single track or approaching through them.
And let's not forget spitting or blowing your nose while you run. It is pretty normal, right?
By running in group you are risking not only your health, but the others.
Running individually
The risk is still involved if you decide to run individually or with your partner or family member.
First of all you cannot count on any public amenities as they are possible source of infection. Just think about the water fountain or the toilet in the parks.
Some stuff that were completely normal before the Corona Virus now requires full attention. Passing another runner or walker, grabbing a rock or a tree while you are walking uphill or even tying your shoelace.
So if you decide to run individually try to chose a time when there are fewer people around. Take your water bottle with you and carry all the water you require to finish the run. Do not count on any water source! Take a hand sanitizer with you and use it any time you touch something. It is quite easy to touch your face to wipe out the sweat or to blow your nose.
Do not be quite adventurous and don't risk falling as it is quite hard right now to get any medical help.
And how about not running at all
I have been running for ten years now and it is an essential part of my life. I have been quite lucky not to be injured seriously during these years. The longest time I have been away from running was about two months due to frostbitten toes.
Now let's see what happens if we don't run until the disease goes away. Everyone has a different reason to run. Some run to get fit or to lose weight, while others train for a specific race or to challenge themselves to achieve an extraordinary goal. Some run to free their mind out of stress and anxieties of life while others do so for the sake of running, for the pure joy and for the runners high.
So let's talk about these reasons
Running to get fit
If you run to get fit or lose weight, there are many more options out there. You don't have to leave your home to become fit. You can do weight training to gain strength and build muscles. The more muscle you have, the higher your metabolic rate goes and you can lose weight while gaining muscle mass. You can also do cardio at home, anything from jumping rope to running in place or even running at home. There are many runners that are logging very long runs at home. One of my favourite cardio exercises is stair running. You can keep your cardiovascular system on the edge by sprinting up the stairs and do some plyometrics for getting explosive power and strength. You can also do bodyweight training and use resistance band, med ball or improve your balance with a bosu ball. You don't really need any equipment, just try to be creative and have fun.
Training for a race
If you are training for a race, it is most likely that your race is cancelled. I was registered for the UTMF this year. A 170-km race around the magnificent Mount Fuji in Japan. I was quite excited about it but that is not going to happen this year. So I know the disappointment given that my last race was also cancelled after only 50 km due to harsh weather. I will start training again after getting rid of this virus and will plan my future races.And if your race is not cancelled, as there are no decision made for the races in late summer, you will have enough time to train after the outbreak. So don't rush it and spend this time to do some cross training. If you are an ultrarunner you know that patience is an essential part of this whole game.
If you have a personal goal like a FKT (Fastest known time) in a route or there is a long mountain trail you want to run, you can hold it for a few months or even this time next year. The mountains are going to stay there and we can enjoy them later.
Running to feel better
If you run because you love running and you can hardly substitute it with any other activity I know what you are talking about. I do love running and I am feeling its absence in my everyday life. But as a distance runner I know the importance of powerful mind. Just deal with these non-running days as you would with an injury. And if you are lucky enough not to experienced any injuries yet, it is the best time to get ready for it. Every runner experience some time being away from running for one reason or another. I can assure you that you can get back to your current running level quite soon and you will enjoy it even more when you are not stressed about your health.
I personally decided not to run because all the reasons mentioned above. I replace running with the other activities which have less or no impact on spreading the disease. I miss running as hell but keep thinking about the positive impact I can have on people's health by not leaving the house for personal benefit. I know we will pass this time and I hope we do so with less tragedy.
So please let me know your thoughts on this. What do you replace your running with? Or if you insist on running, I would love to hear your reasons.
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