irunoffroad

In these uncertain times it would be easy to let everything overwhelm you. Our normal routines are being challenged and the unfamiliar is now becoming the norm rather than the exception. We all need something to cling onto that keeps us sane. Running is my sanity.

I’ve been running for over thirty years so if there’s one activity that can normalise these abnormal times then lacing up my trainers will keep me grounded. I’ve read of so many people in our running community making similar statements. Running isn’t just a form of exercise it’s a way of life that you come to rely on.

My last few runs have either been three or five milers. It’s really noticeable how many people are out and about walking, running and cycling. Now, that’s admirable but at the same time I seem to be crossing the road or even running in the middle of the road but it’s all worth it.

In an ideal world I’d be driving out into the countryside but again running from home is a small price to pay.

Mapping out your route so that you have a plan and a purpose seems to be the key. I’ve chosen the riverbank and the rapeseed fields which are luckily fairly close by.

Another noticeable impact of the additional people out exercising is the extra “hellos” “well done” and “mornings” that you receive and offer out 🙂 This community feeling of we’re all in it together will again help us to cope.

I’ve seen numerous people that I know when I’ve been out on my runs and this really does add to the sense of normality. The races may well be a long way off but when we spend all day indoors its great to get that fresh air in your lungs.

So, in summary, stay safe, look after each other and keep running. One further impact of the current situation is really silly but I could defiantly do with a haircut ha ha !!

On a slightly different note I was contacted by Winchester Radio to see if I’d like to talk for five minutes about the positive impact of running on your mental and physical health, especially in the trying times.

Finally, no blog post would be complete without a shout out to the NHS. On my morning run I saw two nurses getting into their car. My immediate thought was to shout out “well done” and even though they looked a little embarrassed I felt it was the right thing to do.

Stay safe, keep on clapping the NHS on Thursdays at 8pm and keep on running !!

Cheers Roger