Those of us that are lucky enough to have their health through this lockdown may worry about how this extended hiatus from regular training is effecting our running.

We’ve put together 5 things runners can learn from lockdown:
 

1. RUNNING IS A PRIVILEGE, NOT A RIGHT

At any one time something can go wrong. None of us could have imagined three months ago that a global pandemic would kerb our time out on the streets, but it could equally be an injury or illness that takes away our passion. Love that you can run – even the bad runs are better than no running.
 

2. RACING IS FUN, BUT IT’S NOT THE BE ALL AND END ALL

We’re suckers for a training plan, can’t wait for the next medal. Some of us find it hard to motivate ourselves unless there’s a goal at the end. If lockdown has taught us anything, it’s that we also need to find the joy in running for running’s sake.
 

3. SLOW DOWN AND SMELL THE ROSES

The love of running comes from being out and being free – now that we’ve had our exercise curbed and limited we’re recognising what pleasures there are in seeing the beauty around us when we run.
 

4. RUNNING ISN’T THE ONLY EXERCISE (- REALLY!)

Some of us have more time on our hands giving us time to finally add some strength and flexibility workouts to our usual training. The benefits to our bodies from a few Joe Wickes’ sessions or a bit of yoga stretches are showing and it’ll be good to see that continue.
 

5. RUNNING IS A MENTAL HEALTH PRESSURE VALVE

For those that hadn’t realised it before now, running isn’t just a way of keeping physically fit. Running is a moment of complete clarity. Space to run gives us space to breath. Endorphins are released and the mental equilibrium’s restored. Maybe after lockdown we’ll worry less about pace and more about headspace.
 

We can’t take away from the worries that we are all facing right now. The health of ourselves and our loved ones, money and jobs – it’s a stressful time. However, alongside the points above, try and remember that there are some silver linings too. Be gentle with yourselves. We’re all doing our best.