Disclaimer: I received an Amazon gift card to review FitnessBank as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com
Running & COVID-19 – My Thoughts
Well, it’s about time to write this post. Running and COVID-19. Let’s start from the beginning.
Races I had for 2020 that I was training for:
- Feed Your Neighbor 5k , Illinois – April 3rd
- River to River Relay, Illinois – April 18th
- Christie Clinic I-Challenge 5k and Half Marathon, Illinois – April 24 & 25
- Make Tracks for the Zoo 5k, St. Louis – May 17th
- Herrinfesta 10k & mile, Illinois – May 25th
- Wonder Woman 10k, St. Louis – June 14th
All of the above have been canceled, or postponed, with the exception of the Herrinfesta race. At this rate, I believe that will be canceled as well. I also was hoping to sign up for a 4th of July race (yes, the morning of our wedding.) I am obviously waiting to sign up because that may even be too soon.
My thoughts went as follows:
- Okay, this gives me more time to heal and recover. (Response to the relay and my half marathon being postponed.)
- NOOOO, not the Zoo run!! I love this one. (Response to
Make Tracks for the Zoo.) - Oh my gosh, JUNE?! (Response to Wonder Woman 10k.)
- Well, now I really can take time to recover and casually run without pressure of a timeline.
As I continue to work in my healthcare role and am aware of what is around us and coming, I have grown increasingly irritated at the amount of people still meeting up. I let my groups know I would be solo running and honestly, my last run I even was too nervous for that! I went out on what I thought would be a 3 mile run and I am able to stay pretty alone for the first mile until I hit the sidewalk. There were too many people out walking, that I ultimately chose to turn around and go home.
I didn’t want to pass by others or be sharing the same air. I’m a mouth breather when I run for goodness sake. I was doing really good with running last week because I needed to. My grandfather passed away and we couldn’t be there. My father had to visit him as he was in a backdoor at his facility, hours before he passed. This was hard. I still haven’t watched the slideshow, because I know I cannot handle that right now. So how did I take my bereavement days? I tried to manage my grief like normal and run. Until running outside was too difficult for me. I’m saddened by those who are not taking this seriously. I have now started to just get in small walks around the block with Zimmerman and Graham, or hopping on the treadmill for a short walk.
I know I’ll be back out on the streets again, but doing loops around less populated places, so I can still fill my mental cup and if that doesn’t work, I will utilize my treadmill.
If you are feeling like me right now, and unsure of your running and what that will look like, it’s okay. It’s also okay to not run and give yourself grace. It’s also okay if you have never ran before, and you start now. Running can be SO AMAZING, but I just urge everyone to take precautions and also know that meet ups are not okay right now.
What my plan is and some suggestions for you:
Release the Runner – A social media campaign started today that you can follow on all social channels by searching #releasetherunner. This is to help inspire all runners and non-runners. This week you will be seeing a lot of runner’s running journeys and their “why.” For those who may be thinking of utilizing running for the amazing outlet it can be, we are HERE FOR THAT! Join the movement! No matter how long, how short, how fast, how slow, it doesn’t matter. Have fun with it, even if it’s just running down your driveway to start.
This movement can also help inspire those who may be stuck in their running feelings. The idea of “everything is canceled, so why bother,” should be a long gone thought. Des Linden herself, said it best in this post:
Fitness Bank Des Spring Step Challenge – Starts Tomorrow!
April 1st, this challenge starts! New to running or not, here is a place you can start! What better way to have friendly motivation to get your steps up, whether it’s running, walking, cleaning your living space, chasing your kids or playing with your pup, you can benefit from joining this challenge! Des Linden herself is in this challenge and you can see how her steps stack up to yours. Best yet, there are prizes!
*You do not need to create the bank account. Just the step app and create an account. If it is asking for bank information, you have the wrong version.*
Prizes include:
posters signed by Des Linden
Brooks Running shoe
a grand prize of FREE RACING FOR A YEAR (Ts&Cs apply)
Zwift Running
The last suggestion is Zwift running. You may have heard of Zwift in the cycling world, but they also have FREE running. This helps me feel not alone. When I said I utilize my treadmill, it’s so I can virtually walk or run with others in gorgeous environments. Here is a screenshot of my 1 mile walk today.
As you can see, there are others out there and this actual moment, someone gave me a “ride on,” which is the thumbs up above my head. Very encouraging. Other routes are more populated, but I wanted to see the woods today. You can even have a “meet-up” and invite certain users to join you and run/walk together.
These are just a few ideas to help you get started again, or even for the first time. Tomorrow starts a new month and I will try to kickstart my training again! For me, running has always been my coping mechanism. Those who know me, knows that if I don’t run for an extended amount of time, I become a poor version of myself. You probably want to avoid me during those times. I just know that running helps my mood, but also allows me to work through my emotions or difficult times. I also cherish running because there was a time I couldn’t. When I was diagnosed with compartment syndrome, I made the decision to have surgery so I could continue my running journey throughout the rest of my life.
So yes, it is unfortunate right now, and your favorite routes may be off limits, and your races may be canceled/postponed, but you will always have running. It may look a little different right now, but it will be there through this and then normalize when COVID-19 is OUTTA HERE!
Know that you are not alone and here is a virtual hug!
