Running Through the Pandemic

running through the pandemic

Image by Annie Spratt via Unsplash

Needless to say, 2020 has been quite the year so far.

Pretty much all of our lives have been impacted by Covid-19 in one way or another, and most of us have been impacted in multiple ways!

As runners, we have definitely felt the impact. Races have been canceled and postponed left, right, and center, and there is still plenty of uncertainty hanging over races currently scheduled for late summer and into the fall. Point blank, we simply don’t know what will happen with races for at least the rest of 2020.

While there are no guarantees about scheduled running events, remember that the one thing that hasn’t been canceled is running itself. For the most part, if you want to go for a run, you can still go for a run.

Even though running is still something we can do, it’s been a bit of a struggle for more than a few of us. If you’ve been struggling to get your miles in this spring, hopefully the following tips and suggestions will help you get out of your funk and into your running groove this summer!

Lack of Motivation

For those of us who are really motivated by races, having no races on the schedule can make it a real struggle to stay consistent with training.

If you’re struggling with the motivation to train due to the lack of races right now, here are a couple of other ways that you can find some motivation to run until races are happening again.

A Sense of Normalcy

As runners, we run.

Pure and simple, it’s what we do.

With so much change and uncertainty in your life right now, running is one of those things that can provide a much-needed sense of normalcy right now.

Keep the Big Picture in Mind

If there’s one thing I know about runners, it’s that we have a tendency to set some big goals for ourselves. When it comes to really big goals, success is usually dependent on years of consistent effort, not just weeks or months.

If you keep an eye on your long-term goals, the ones you’re not likely to achieve for another few years at least, it’ll help you remember that the work you’re doing this summer isn’t all for naught.

Keep putting in the miles and doing the little things, and you’ll keep making progress toward those goals that are still a long way off.

Give Yourself a Bit of Grace

Obviously, right now things are pretty hectic.

So do yourself a favor and don’t judge yourself harshly if you’re not living up the standards you’ve set for yourself in the past.

Need an extra day off? Take it. Struggling with paces and workouts that used to be easy? Don’t sweat it. Really struggling on a run? Cut it short.

As much as you may try to convince yourself that the current stresses of life aren’t impacting you or your running, they are. So when it’s needed, give yourself some grace for doing what you can and don’t beat yourself up for what you didn’t do.

Whatever Works for You is Perfect

Ultimately, you need to do what you need to do for you!

If that means that you’re not running as much during the pandemic, for any reason, that’s totally fine.

This summer, just do your best. Run when you can and when you want to. No more, and no less.

As long as you’re enjoying the miles you run during the pandemic, and staying safe while you’re at it, you’re doing it perfectly!

By Denny Krahe

Denny Krahe is a Certified Athletic Trainer and Running Coach specializing in helping runners prevent common running injuries and being able to run pain free. He is also the host of the "Diz Runs With..." podcast.