The fitness environment has changed since last year, including the running atmosphere. Take a few moments to reflect on your family, work, and social life. You had to rearrange your life. At the onset COVID-19 was thought of being a pandemic overseas. It was only a matter of time before it reached U.S. soil. As the weeks passed, the freedom of movement was curtailed as health protocols were put into place, which included closing gyms.

The impact was just beginning. The running events were being canceled worldwide. Race organizers began to explore ways to revitalize the running community. The void was filled with a variety of virtual events of all distances. The virtual events erased all excuses. The participant had the control to determine the date and place to complete the distances. The variety included multiple days to complete an event by walking or running on the roads or on a treadmill. The added benefit was the elimination of travel and hotel accommodations.

But now you can get your exercise program back in line. With the variety you can make it a family and friend affair. You can sign up for a 5k (3.1 miles). The distance can be spread over three days with one mile per day. There is no limit for the walking or running.

Here are some comments from a couple of athletes from May 2020 as the pandemic was taking hold.

Major Kelly Calway

“I am honestly thankful every day that I get to go out for a run. I rely on running for more than exercise; it is my stress reliever and I feel so fortunate to be able to continue to practice the sport I love during this challenging time. Many athletes are unable to practice due to gym closures and other restrictions, so I am aware of how lucky I am, despite some small changes to the way I exercise.”

“The biggest change to my exercise routine has been a lack of variety since I am only running from home now! Luckily, I have a few different areas to explore from home, but they are all quite hilly, so I will be improving on hills whether I like it or not.”

“The next challenge I have found is increased pedestrian traffic on my running routes. I am happy to see people out enjoying the areas that I run through daily. The parks and trails where I normally see no more than one or two other people have come to feel like my own private spaces over the years. Now they are bustling with people out enjoying the flowers and kids learning to ride bikes.”

“Speaking of people, I normally don’t run with others too often because aligning schedules is too tough. Now everyone has the time, and we are not able to run together! However, one special development that had come out of this pandemic is that my preteen daughter, who is normally exhausted from hours of swim practice a week, has taken to running. We have enjoyed many runs together and I cherish the time I get to spend with her.”

“The lack of races to train for actually feels like a gift to me. I adore competing, but I often ignore my body and push through injuries to get to the starting line.  I am fortunate to have other cardio options in my house, so I can get my workout in other ways, or not! The revelation that it’s okay to take an extra day or two of rest, particularly in this stressful time, has been beneficial to me.”

 Alisa Harvey (4-time winner Army Ten-Miler)

“Before the pandemic I was working 5-days per week from 4 to 5-hours per day.  Also, I coached clients on weekend mornings.   My workouts consisted of either a 30-minute distance run, a 20-minute aqua jog session in the pool, or a 10-minute stationary bike session and a few minutes in my gym’s weight room.  On average I spent approximately one-hour working-out, six days per week.”

“Lately, my daily training is relaxed and planned.  As soon as I wake-up in the morning I grab some fluid and a sports gel or fig bar.  After I get dressed I either head to my garage where my home gym is located or a go out for a run.  In my garage I can run on the treadmill or use my stationary bike; I then complete a 40-minute strength training routine that consists of hand-weights, ankle weights, kettlebells, bands, exercise balls, and a Roman chair.  My runs vary from 30 to 50-minutes.  I either go down to the local park and do my running drills and strides after or before a run.”

Moving forward, I would like to issue a personal challenge to have each of you to sign up for one virtual event a month of any distance. Once you receive a medal or t-shirt you will want to continue. Keep the words push, focus and concentrate in mind.

Stay safe, be well, and have fun.