Running during lockdown

[Sadie-runs]

Dear plucky runners,

NB: this post only applies to those countries that are still allowing outdoor exercise.

I do hope that you are all well and getting out and enjoying your runs? Especially as the weather is getting nicer (on the whole!) and the mornings are so much lighter.

As you are all aware, government guidelines during lockdown allow us all to go out once a day and take our daily exercise. I do understand that some people are nervous about running outside right now, but there is a reason that the government is allowing this: they understand and appreciate the need for humans to exercise and get fresh air – it is so important for mental and physical health, and the health of the nation is the most valuable thing right now. So if anyone is feeling guilty, or nervous about running outdoors at the moment – don’t! Just make sure you are being sensible on your runs.

I am also mindful of some very negative press out there regarding runners right now, which in turn, I know is making some people nervous to go out and run. This is very unfair, as the majority of us are being sensible and mindful of the regulations. However, it only takes a few to disrespect those rules before the press starts printing nasty articles, and for individuals to follow suit with their criticism. So, collectively, let’s all take responsibility and try to change people’s expectations on how runners behave!

Here some things to consider for your runs. I know that you are all probably following these anyway, and I do not mean to patronise you, but, these things are worth repeating!:

* If you are able, I highly recommend getting out early. I have been running between 6-7am, and it is definitely much quieter out there. Try to avoid mid-morning and mid-afternoon (if you can). On my walks, this is when I have noticed family groups out and about taking their exercise. It is harder to dodge family groups, especially on pavements! It's also less stressful for you, not having to dodge and weave quite as much.

* I know that the social distancing rules dictate that you give other folk a 2-metre distance when passing, but as there has been so much bad press about “panting, sweating runners”, if at all possible, give other folk (including other runners) more distance. I run in a large park, so I am lucky I have the space, and have been able to keep at least 6-metres from other people on the whole. Whether this is necessary or not is up for debate, but at the very least it gives the signal that you are being considerate to the person/people you are passing, and they will appreciate it.

* If you are running along a pavement, keep looking ahead – if there are people coming towards you, then consider crossing the road. I do feel that runners should be “giving way” to walkers, personally, as we are moving at a greater speed, so it is easier!

* If you have no choice but to run somewhere that can get a bit congested, consider pausing your run in order to stand aside and give people space. Pause your C25K app, or Strava, or Garmin or whatever it is you use to time your run. Pausing on a run is not cheating, it is sensible. And hey, who doesn’t like to take a breather?! (Note: I often stop on my runs anyway to take pictures etc – honestly, it makes no difference to your fitness and is no reflection on your ability as a runner or your progress) I have a slightly busy main road leading up to my park, and I always walk to the park, and start my run when I have space. Warm-up walk goals!

* Thank people if they make space for you when you are running. Also, a smile or "good morning" will go a long way to make non-runners realise that we are not a threat, just a lovely bunch of people moving at a slightly faster pace than them.

But most of all, keep running. Exercise can help to support the immune system (unless you are doing a marathon, and seriously, don’t run a marathon right now!), acts as a very welcome distraction, and can add some much needed structure to your day.

Sadie-runs x

[Decker]

Well said Sadie!

[David_G]

All very sensible advice Sadie-runs . I run between 6:00 and 7:00am whenever I can, particularly at the weekend🏃‍♂️

I also give way to others as best as I can🙂 Dog walkers🐶 tend to be courteous, but the occasional one thinks they own the pavement😟

I try to make eye contact as soon as I can if people are coming towards me and indicate which way I’m going. As a last resort, I can always turn around, run back the way I came and find another route.

Take care everyone, stay safe 🌈🌈and look after yourselves and your loved ones by staying at home when you’re not out running!😊👍

[dijep Graduate]

Very well said. I much prefer going early for all those reasons you mentioned. Where I live I find they're are less people about early than before lockdown, probably because people aren't having to fit runs and walks before going to work.

[linda9389 Graduate]

Well said Sadie! It's sad that some people are so angry and intolerant at the moment, and some of the worst prejudices are clearly in display. There's some pretty poor behaviour out there too. But for all the reasons you outline, I agree it's important to keep getting out there if we can. Leading by good example and assuming it's our own responsibility to get out of the way may reduce some of the anger and irritation on oth sides. Happy, safe and considerate running everyone.

[mrrun Graduate]

Well put, Sadie. I'm going about my business in sarf Landan running around like a bemused fox and staying away from humans whenever possible. Yes, l do cross the road when l can or at least run a theatrical loop around the next guy.

We are getting negative press? Really? We've become infamous? I didn't know. Oh well.....

[Joanney69 Graduate]

Thanks Sadie ☺

I managed to get out today, first time in 2 weeks! Not quite as early as I thought but 8am was not bad - I'm in a village which tends to be quiet anyway, and this morning I saw a couple of ladies on bikes 🚲, and a couple of walkers who all said good morning, from a safe distance obviously ☺

Hoping to get out again on Saturday, possibly earlier ☺

Happy running, stay safe 😊 🏃

[Tjcp]

Lots of really sensible advice! When I'm allowed out to exercise again, I'll certainly bear it all in mind. Love the photo!!!!

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Nice one Sadie.

One other bit of advice passed on to me by a runner, was that if you run in the slipstream of another runner you will be inhaling their exhaled air, even if you are well outside the two metre range..............so keep well away from those runners, you don't know where they have been.

[Decker in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Yes I saw the same advice in this article based on a recent study: medium.com/@jurgenthoelen/b...

[IannodaTruffe Mentor in reply to Decker]

Thanks for the link Decker

[Katnap Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

So 6m distance if possible...? 😁

[Roxdog Graduate]

Very sensible thank you.

[Katnap Graduate]

Agreed. All very sensible. I'm also praying for bad weather as this is another sure fire way to reduce human traffic! 😃🤣😂😅

🐱 Katnap 🐱

[SandraY1 Graduate in reply to Katnap]

Bad Katnap 🤣🤣😂😂🤣

[Hidden]

1st class post and a must read 👍

[Torkyfinlay]

Great info, I paused my efforts because of some of the above issues