On my run today, I thought about hypothetically what role my relationship with running would take if it didn’t involve races, group runs with my team, or treadmill classes. What would I do? What purpose would running fill? What goals would I set? What structure, accountability, and support would I need or want? That’s a pretty personal answer, and one that no doubt can and will change. The GOOD news is that running outside is literally one of the safest forms of exercise during this pandemic.
Running doesn’t take the place of therapy or medication, but boy has it kept me in an overall good headspace lately. It’s been tough for many of us to stay motivated: races slated for fall feel vulnerable. We’ve lost our routines. Today I asked myself if Boson Marathon (rescheduled for September) doesn’t happen, and races through 2021 don’t exist, what would be my motivation? Would I still be working with my coach? Here’s the thing most of us don’t consider: adaption takes TIME. Right now, we’ve got a whole lot of it. As an athlete, that’s frustrating. But as a coach, it’s magical.
Running coaches are often hired when a runner has a specific goal, for example: running their first marathon in 4 months. There’s an end date for that goal, and a very clear timeline. It may not sound like it, but 4 months is a small training cycle. Can I get a runner to greatly improve within that timeframe? Absolutely. But give me the opportunity to take that same athlete through a few training cycles, spanning years versus months, and suddenly the opportunity for epic improvement is presented. It’s an investment in time, miles, patience, and a coach. But like most things in life that are worth it, there’s always a price.
It may sound strange, but NOW is a fantastic time to hire a coach, personal trainer, or purchase at-home equipment you know you’ll routinely utilize. Virtual coaching 100% works – especially for running. Having to log miles solo can be a blessing. And there are so many tools you can use to support your goals – apps like Variis and Aaptiv, social platforms like Strava. Training with purpose, a balance between different types of runs, activities to support your runs, navigating rest and nutrition – think of the adaption opportunity at your fingertips right now! And let’s face it, just having the structure of a routine is something many of us are currently lacking and craving.
It’s okay to mourn the things you’ve lost. Those social runs with your neighbor, your routine of pre-work fitness classes, the time spent researching and signing up for races. It sucks. But when we take a breath and realize what we’ve GAINED right now, we have opportunities to evolve. Sign up for a challenge. Hire a coach. Book zoom classes with a trainer. Try a new kind of fitness. Schedule walks midday to force yourself outside. Make fitness video dates with friends. We need our minds and bodies to stay healthy now more than ever. Let this be your call to action.