First of all: it is totally okay if you do not feel okay right now.

This has gotten to be the rule of thumb in a crisis like the one our whole society is currently facing. 

COVID-19 has altered the dynamics of every single aspect of our lives. The world as we have known is no longer there. It would not be different running-wise. 

On a side note, before we get started on the running subject, let me state this: if you feel anxious and need to talk, do not hesitate to fill in the form in the “About” page and I will get back to you as soon as possible. 

Running in times of COVID-19

The Toronto Marathon, scheduled for May 3, has been cancelled. Such gatherings would be too dangerous and the right decision was made. But that does not mean your whole training has been thrown away. 

Running is still one of the most efficient escapes from an overwhelming volume of information about this pandemic. 

Remember when I said in the debut of this blog that running has a lot to do with mental health? Keeping ourselves sane is absolutely important in this moment and going out for a jog could be extremely efficient. 

There are some general rules that need to be followed for the collective safety, though. Keep the physical distance. If you decide to go out to run, keep the 2 meters distance and try running by yourself. 

Running Magazine has published a very comprehensive guideline for those who want to keep exercising in times of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Exercising is also crucial for your immune system. You should avoid, obviously, extremely exhausting workouts, since they tend to render your body vulnerable for a while. 

Stretching, indoors core work,  jogs, you name it… It will maintain your conditioning and build your strength when it is much needed.  

The whole running community in Toronto is obviously disappointed as the marathon got cancelled. Do not miss, though, the updates on the Toronto Marathon website for the next steps. 

Personally, jogging has been superbly helpful for my mental health lately.

I have been relatively able to maintain my physical conditioning and, more importantly, keep my mind in a good place. As should all of us.