As races all over the world are cancelled or postponed, runners are left wondering what to do about their training. Some people are signing up for virtual races. Others are shifting their focus to their rescheduled race date. Many of us are just continuing to hit the pavement, for one reason or another. Many runners are running for stress relief during this very uncertain time in our lives.
The coronavirus pandemic is a much different crisis than any of us have probably ever experienced. We are being told that it’s not a very serious disease (for most people) and to just socially isolate, wash our hands, and try to relax. Meanwhile, our lives are being turned upside down as schools are closed and companies are directing employees to work from home. We are at a point where it’s highly discouraged to really go out in public at all.
Even though this has all just sort of exploded over the past week, I have already found myself turning to running for stress relief. I am the type of person who likes having control in my life, and I feel very out of control right now. There are so many unknowns and a very unclear timeline for when things will improve. I just found out on Monday that my race on May 3rd is postponed. I don’t know when it will be rescheduled for but I’m still using running to help me get through this period of time.
Endorphins
Exercises gives us endorphins, and we could all use some of those right now! On the days I run I feel like I can face the day with a more positive outlook and I feel ready to face what comes my way. If you have kids, try to get them to exercise at least once a day for the same reason!
Fresh Air and Vitamin D
Our time out of our houses is somewhat limited these days, so I really appreciate my time running. It feels good to get some fresh air (and sunshine on the rare days that I run later in the morning).
No Need for a Gym
If you’r gym is closed right now, or you are too concerned about the spread of the virus to use your gym, then running is the perfect alternative. You don’t need equipment at home to go for a run outside!
Sense of Control
As I said before, I like feeling in control and this situation has left me feeling a little lost. I feel like right now it helps to follow my training plan and to be in control of my workouts. Even if your race is cancelled or postponed, you can still come up with a training plan to follow. This can actually be really helpful if you need to get into maintenance mode and prevent burnout from training too hard for too long!
Routine
By running and exercising most days of the week, it helps me feel like I am still keeping up with my regular routine. I think we can all use than sense of normalcy right now.
Forces a mental break from reality
When I am out running I can usually forgot (at least for part of my run) everything else that is going on right now. It’s time away from social media and the news. Maybe you run with friends, and its the only time you are having any social interaction. I think during these stressful times we all need a break from reality to just relax and focus on the positive things in our lives.
Over the past week or so quite a bit of information has come out about what to do if your race is cancelled. There are also virtual race options like this one from Rambling Runner. So try to take a deep breath, go for a run, and then figure out a plan for how you will adjust your training right now. We will get through this!
[Tweet “During these uncertain times, running is a great way to relieve stress and take a break from reality! @milebymilerun #runchat #runnersroundup”]
Do you use running as stress relief?
Are you keeping up with your regular running routine right now?
How has the Coronavirus affected your workouts/training?
RUNNERS’ ROUNDUP
Now it’s time for the Runners’ Roundup! Link up your running and fitness posts below! Join myself, Coach Debbie Runs, Confessions of a Mother Runner, Runs with Pugs, Running on Happy, and Faux Runner to post your favorite running tips, experiences, race and training recaps, workouts, gear, and coaching ideas.
Running is a huge outlet for me right now. I also appreciate the immune system boost from both exercise and fresh air!
Yes that’s another great reason to get outside!
I agree having small goals everyday really helps during times of stress. Running can give us a huge stress relief, fresh air and a sense of purpose in these uncertain times. Glad to see you are able to get out for your runs
The fresh air feels really good, and even when I dont run outside Ive been trying to get out for a walk every day.
Since my gym has closed, swimming and Body Pump are out of the question. Thank goodness for running! I have logged miles every day this week. I need it for the stress! 🙂
Yes its such a great option to have right now!
Running is my go-to therapy!
I never thought of the point you mention about feeling in control. It’s a very good one!
Even with cancelled races, we can have a training plan and it definitely feels empowering to follow that plan.
I’ve always had issues with control so situations like this are really hard for me. I’m so grateful for running for many reasons!
Yes, yes, ayes! I am so grateful for running right now! All my races have been canceled too so I am just running for joy (and stress relief) right now.
It works out that our stress reliever is one of the few activities we can do right now!
I agree, running is really helpful right now! Going for a walk or a run is the only time I get out of the house so the fresh air and change of scenery is really helpful.
Totally agree! It’s so important to move and get some fresh air.
Thus far, I’ve had one postponement (Fight for Air Climb) and two cancellations (both were for 10K’s, this weekend and next). I have two 13.1’s (Apr. 19th and 27th) which are still on (as I type LOL). I’m just going through the motions as if things were all still happening (but am scaling back the stair-training, a bit, until the Climb has a new date on the calendar). My routine involves daily movement, so I’m keeping things in motion 😉
It will be nice to have the reschedules dates so we can start planning again! Right now I’m assuming there will be no races until at least June. But really, who know what will happen.
I am so grateful for running right now. It’s a natural social distancer!
Yep, and it works out especially well when you prefer running alone anyway:)
OMG I wish I was able to run right now. My walks are the only thing keeping me sane, and they just aren’t enough 🙁
Stay safe and healthy.
It must be so hard not to run right now! I know walks aren’t the same but they are better than nothing. Just getting outside every day is a good thing!
I’m able to do more running now that I don’t have to report to school (as a teacher). I have morning hours where I’m required to be “on”, but then I’m kinda done for the day.
That’s one of the silver linings of all of this, right? I am appreciating not having to commute these days.
Yes! Running has always been a great stress reliever for me, but even more so now!
Its so helpful during stressful times!