Lock down and running

[AliceInThePalace]

What is it like going out for a run during lockdown?

[TortoiseRegretsHare Graduate]

Where I am, it's busier than going out for a run when there isn't a lockdown, especially in the week. There are so many people who can't go to the gym, aren't at school or work, etc - lots of people on new bikes, very wobbly, lots of people exercising with their kids - and they all seem to be in the park where I usually run. So it feels different, but not in the way I'd anticipated.

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate]

There are certainly more runners about than there usually are, with all the gyms, fitness centres, spin classes closed all those fit and healthy people are going walks, runs and bike rides instead, it will be interesting to see how many people are in the parks tomorrow Sunday, especially the parks in London.

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

In a word... liberating. Only being allowed out for a couple of reasons it feels so good when you step outside for your exercise session.

[Hidden]

It feels a priviledge to get out to run at the moment.

I think everything that is happening has heightened people's awareness of the important things in life and people recognise the benefit of exercise to both our physical and mental health.

The runners, walkers, cyclists etc that I have met outdoors this week have been very friendly and respectful of each other's personal space. If you are worried Alice, why don't you just go out for a walk first, especially (as you mentioned in your other post) you haven't been out for a while. That way you can see what it's like and you'll be able to prepare yourself for your first run.

As to when to run - whenever you feel like it. A morning run sets me up for the day ahead, but an afternoon and evening run is also lovely.

😊🏃‍♀️

[CobbleRunner Graduate]

It is freeing! 💛

[59er Graduate]

I'm getting the vibe here that you're slightly apprehensive of going out right now. I went out this morning and whenever I met someone I acknowledged them with a wave but kept well away. They were all doing exactly the same. I felt great this afternoon because I'd done it - my mental health is worth it.

[Tasha99 Graduate]

Going out everyday is the highlight of my day. If I don't run, I walk or cycle.

[JoggingBear Graduate in reply to Tasha99]

This is my ‘feelgood’ too. Any one of the three will do, lov’em equally, tho I’m relatively new to running.

Each can be a good work out or a leisurely jaunt and I find each complements the others well. Though I do have days when I reward myself with (near) complete rest.

Recently the person to dog ratio has increased considerably but still plenty space out there.

[Hidden]

It's great. Usually when I run, quite early in the morning, people aren't awake enough or children are queuing for their school buses and no one moves out of the way for me to run past. Now people (the few I do see) practically leap into hedges to get out of the way! Hahaha It certainly makes everyone more aware of others using the pavements.

[RB-I Graduate]

I've just come back from my run. There were people around, but they kept their distance. If you are worried about running into others, I have found if you go somewhere that isn't the "obvious" park/route (e.g. down residential streets) it is very quiet. Similarly if you go early in the morning or after dark (I feel safe doing that in the well lit streets round here, but obviously only if you are comfortable with it).

[ForbiddenPlanet Graduate]

I've been out every day of the lockdown, either for a run or a 4 - 5 mile walk, and it is the highlight of my day, especially the runs. Although my preferred route has always been busy, as others have found there are a lot more runners than usual. My personal choice to make social distancing easier and less error prone has been to go out early. By 7 am it's starting to get busy with runners, walkers, and dogs, so I go out at 6 am. This morning on a 4.5 mile walk at 6 am, I saw a total of four people. That may be a little exceptional as the clocks went forward overnight, so I expect it to be a little busier tomorrow, but not much.

[PollensaPal]

If I’m honest I feel a bit guilty going out, however I need to go to preserve my sanity! Not sure if it’s the route that I do, but I don’t seem to see many other runners (maybe that’s why I’ve been feeling guilty). Once I get going I’m absolutely fine. Any runners/dog-walkers have been very courteous.

[Fionamags Graduate]

Get out there Alice- you won't regret it. Just make sure you go somewhere there is plenty of space for maintaining distance. That's what I've done and its totally fine.

[Treewoman Graduate]

It’s fine- just been out- I’ve changed

From my normal route around a lake because the shoreline doesn’t give enough space to get the social distance. So I swapped to streets- and except for a couple of times everyone is moving over, as am I. The ones who seemed oblivious I just ran around. It is now a running -plus- mindfulness exercise! You get 2 types of workout for the price of 1!

[Taf55]

I'd choose times carefully. I went yesterday at about 10am and there were far too many people out, meaning that I kept having to speed up quickly to pass them and go into the road, so I wouldn't get too close to anyone. Ended up not being able to finish my run as I got too out of breath! Early evening probably preferable or weekdays..

[backintime Graduate]

it's very quiet in our village

most people are staying home, I feel a bit guilty as if I'm disobeying the rules, even if I stick to them obeying the letter and the spirit of them.

I live in France and we have to print a "declaration" saying what we are doing and where we are going with the time and date of leaving the house and we have to be home within an hour (unless it's for work or health reasons)

It's quite nice to be able to run in the roads and not worry about getting run over (we don't have much in the way of pavements) and my youngest is learning to skateboard without worrying about getting run over