Running and the Coronavirus
These are difficult times we live in, this coronavirus BS has us all on lockdown, quarantine, shelter in place, or stay at home orders. It is definitely stressful and frustrating to have our whole world upended with no end in sight, and then to be stuck in the house day after day only adds to the feeling of isolation and uncertainty. Everyone's situation is different, some are confined to their homes, others can get out and at least walk through their neighborhoods while respecting social distancing guidelines. We all just want a freaking break, so why not get back to running, or at least doing some form of exercise.
For those fortunate enough to be able to get outdoors in their city, community, or rural setting, I would encourage you to take every opportunity to soak up the spring air and get those legs moving. Most runners have been practicing some form of separation from others for most of our lives, that's why we like to run. I know the highlight of a majority of my days lately has been looking toward that afternoon run with my dogs up and down our private road. Maybe you only have a small neighborhood, or a city block or two to cruise around, but get out and do it, multiple times if you have to.
It's the folks trapped in their homes, and only allowed to go out for essentials that I pray for the most. I really can't imagine what y'all are going through. Don't just crumble and give up though, there are tons of indoor activities available if you get creative and challenge yourself and push those limits like we all need at a time like this. If you have a treadmill, use it. Pull that exercise bike out of the back room and dust off those weights. Even if you don't have one single piece of equipment, you can still get a great session. Google "bodyweight workouts."
It's also possible to get in a solid running workout if you are willing. Back in the late 1800's there was a gentlemen by the name of of Walter George, who came up with the routine know as "100 up," so he could exercise while at work. It is basically doing 100 high knees, and he was able to shatter multiple amateur records and even break the 4:30 mile before going professional a few years later. Then there was G. Gordon Liddy, who chose to run around the yard while he was in prison serving 52 months for being part of the Nixon Watergate break in. Liddy was said to be able to run a sub 5:30 mile at the time of his release despite being incarcerated for over 4 years. There is also James Cambell, who you might have read about back in the beginning of April. He decided to run a full marathon in his back yard for charity. He went 20ft, back and forth, over 7000 times to accomplish the tedious task.
I'm not saying anyone of use is in the ideal situation, I'd love to be hitting the trails at my local state park with my buddy instead of going up and down our dirt road. I do know one thing, that running has gotten me out of a funk more times than I'd like to admit, and in this screwed up situation, a little exercise might be the best medicine available to keep our sanity and hope for a brighter future.
You can follow my workouts on Strava @ Jonathan Cummins
Also, I have published two fiction novels available on Amazon. The main character is an ultra runner!
Killer is Me
River of Deceit
For those fortunate enough to be able to get outdoors in their city, community, or rural setting, I would encourage you to take every opportunity to soak up the spring air and get those legs moving. Most runners have been practicing some form of separation from others for most of our lives, that's why we like to run. I know the highlight of a majority of my days lately has been looking toward that afternoon run with my dogs up and down our private road. Maybe you only have a small neighborhood, or a city block or two to cruise around, but get out and do it, multiple times if you have to.
It's the folks trapped in their homes, and only allowed to go out for essentials that I pray for the most. I really can't imagine what y'all are going through. Don't just crumble and give up though, there are tons of indoor activities available if you get creative and challenge yourself and push those limits like we all need at a time like this. If you have a treadmill, use it. Pull that exercise bike out of the back room and dust off those weights. Even if you don't have one single piece of equipment, you can still get a great session. Google "bodyweight workouts."
It's also possible to get in a solid running workout if you are willing. Back in the late 1800's there was a gentlemen by the name of of Walter George, who came up with the routine know as "100 up," so he could exercise while at work. It is basically doing 100 high knees, and he was able to shatter multiple amateur records and even break the 4:30 mile before going professional a few years later. Then there was G. Gordon Liddy, who chose to run around the yard while he was in prison serving 52 months for being part of the Nixon Watergate break in. Liddy was said to be able to run a sub 5:30 mile at the time of his release despite being incarcerated for over 4 years. There is also James Cambell, who you might have read about back in the beginning of April. He decided to run a full marathon in his back yard for charity. He went 20ft, back and forth, over 7000 times to accomplish the tedious task.
I'm not saying anyone of use is in the ideal situation, I'd love to be hitting the trails at my local state park with my buddy instead of going up and down our dirt road. I do know one thing, that running has gotten me out of a funk more times than I'd like to admit, and in this screwed up situation, a little exercise might be the best medicine available to keep our sanity and hope for a brighter future.
You can follow my workouts on Strava @ Jonathan Cummins
Also, I have published two fiction novels available on Amazon. The main character is an ultra runner!
Killer is Me
River of Deceit
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