It’s that time again where our weekend round-up writers have to get creative and Hannah Irwin is first up, with a list of things we can do during lockdown 2.0.
We all know there is a long list of things we can’t do in England for the next 4 weeks. These include, racing in person, going to the gym, training in groups or even making race plans for the future, as we don’t know when normality may return.
However, we’ve done it before, so we know how to make the most of a bizarre situation. All we seem to be told about on a national level is what we CAN’T do, but what about what we CAN do?
How can we, during “lockdown 2.0”, maintain our motivation and drive and keep on top of our fitness whilst training alone from home? Here are a few suggestions on how you can make lockdown as bearable, and close to normal as possible.
Virtual racing
Love it or hate it, it’s probably here to stay. We got used to it before, so we can get used to again.
Whilst it isn’t the same as real racing, the camaraderie and sense of unity it brings at this isolated time, is something to recognise. The newly found world of virtual racing has shown the ability of the running community to come together and support one another when we are unable to have imminent races to work towards.
So, with this in mind, what virtual races are there in the upcoming month that you can get stuck into? Maybe even get yourself some handy new virtual PBs.
What’s coming up?
If you don’t want to be confined to completing over one weekend, the virtual Cardiff Bay Run is offering you the chance to run a 10k, from anywhere, at any time throughout the month of November.
You’ll even get sent a medal and a T-shirt for finishing; who doesn’t love a race T-shirt? (Some of us prefer trees – Ed.) The distance does need to be completed in one single run, but there is no time limit.
RELATED: Trees not tees offer alternative to racers.
If Fast Running editor Robbie Britton won the 5k category last time, there must be a reader who can go quicker! Photo: Stuart March/Centurion Running
For those looking for distances up to ultra-level, the Centurion One Community is an excellent opportunity for athletes to end their running year on a positive note. The second of the One Community events (the first took place in the first lockdown) will run from 23rd-29th November.
The event takes place over 7 days, and is for anyone, of any age, anywhere in the world. It’s not all ultra either, with the distances available spanning from 5km to 100 miles and can be completed in one single run (with lockdown rules), or cumulatively over the week of the event.
There are plenty of other events you can get involved in listed on PO10 or you could try some virtual racing on Zwift if you have a treadmill handy.
Train with one other
Under the guidelines of lockdown the second time round, the ability to train with one other person has been maintained. This means you no longer have to struggle alone if you are finding training difficult at this time.
Whether you team up with someone locally to enjoy some long runs together, maybe a few sessions, or even a testing time trial, you can still enjoy that extra company.
You can also catch up with your coach over an outdoor session, to keep that connection strong. Whilst it may not be the same as the big groups you are used to training in, it is a massive improvement from not being allowed any company in lockdown number 1.
If however, you are unable to pair up with someone else, keep the contact and check in with other running friends to remind yourself that you aren’t alone.
Be careful not to get carried away with any new weights regime, but you can get a remote physio appointment if you do.
At home circuits
Gyms might be shut once again, but there is no need to neglect that all important strength and conditioning work that all runners love ;).
For many, the act of leaving the house and going to the gym makes S&C work seem so much more manageable and feel more motivated for it. However, with gyms now a no-go zone, we’ll all have to be disciplined to get that strength work done, as it is so important to staying injury free and running happy!
If you either struggle to know what to do or lack motivation to get off the sofa as you don’t enjoy S&C, online circuits or workout videos may be the way forward. There are thousands of workout videos to follow on YouTube, but these are a few we recommend.
#TeamThieCircuits with focus on legs tonight with a grantee to raise heart rate & get muscles working! https://t.co/ax5PT78CnN
Plus join us for our #Firebreak4 for @FareShareUK free entry link: https://t.co/wWsWIHqBsY— James Thie (@TeamThie) November 2, 2020
For a vast array of weekly circuits perfectly suited to runners, give TeamThie’s online circuits a go. You can stream them live at 6pm every Monday or catch up in your own time on any of the previous videos. Each circuit is roughly 30 minutes long, so there is no excuse for not being able to fit it in.
GB ultra marathoner and personal trainer Ali Young does a great variety of virtual workouts which you can sign up to as well, check out her Instagram for more information.
For short and sharp 20-minute workouts, head over to The Running Channel’s site. They have a few workouts to choose from which you can quickly smash out in your lunchbreak, or before or after work.
Keep stretched out
With S&C potentially not being done as much as you would when gyms are open, and less contact with coaches or others who usually see you training, it is key to stay on top of stretching.
Whether you do a little bit every day, or a spend slightly longer less frequently, find out what works best for you. To avoid boredom or feeling unproductive, I even try and read or get some sort of work done at the same time. Otherwise, I watch a series to pass the time! Stretching is another one of those little things that helps keep niggles at bay, so if you can get into a routine of doing it, it will seem less time consuming.
Gemma Steel also like a bit of yoga and pilates.
RELATED: Gemma Steel on yoga, pilates and balance
Stretching can also be made slightly less dull by doing yoga. There are plenty of YouTube channels offering generic yoga, as well as yoga specifically for runners, so you can easily give it a go. We recommend trying Yoga With Adriene, who offers yoga for every mood you could imagine, or Cat Meffan, who provides slightly more intense yoga sessions for all time frames.
Whilst it is key to keep on top of the little extras to reduce injury risk, this time around we can still make trips to the physio.
Thus, if you do have any niggles or injuries you are worried about, be sure to get them checked out. It is always better to veer on the side of caution, especially at these times, as we all need to keep running for our mental sanity!
Ultimately, try to stay positive, and use running to your benefit. Despite the ‘doom and gloom’ nature of the news, look for the little positives, and remember, at least we can go for a run to get away from corona for a while! There is always something we CAN do, even when we’re always told about what we CAN’T.
Want to run faster? For just £30 per month athletes are provided with a Final Surge plan for each day of the week, coaching advice from Robbie Britton and Tom Craggs, as well as access to the unique Fast Running Performance community.
If you would like more information on joining the project, click here.