Note: this article has also been published in the May 2020 edition of Lincs Scene, which you can read here: https://bit.ly/3p7jwdi
Novice joggers all over Lincolnshire are reaching for their trainers in a bid to banish those cabin fever blues. For those more experienced runners, this isolation period is either proving useful, or frustratingly difficult.
More and more people are choosing to spend their daily, Boris-approved exercise slot going for a run, even if they never have before. When Strava asked 25 thousand runners earlier this year why they began running, over 80% of people listed physical motivations like being healthier, or having more energy.
Not to mention the favours regular exercise does for our mental health, which is more relevant than ever in these times that are causing anxieties to skyrocket.
Ady Tutty from Lincolnshire began running this year, after years of no exercise at all. He said: “I feel very self conscious and go out at 6am or 8pm when there are not many people about.”
Despite this, Ady said: “I have never felt better and my distance covered has increased surprisingly quickly. I hope I can keep it up once lockdown is lifted and I go back to working in the office.”
But what about those of us who already run? The isolation period hasn’t been so positive for lots of existing athletes.
Not everyone has open spaces surrounding our homes, or even a garden at all. While some are arguing that public places like parks should be closed, it’s important to remember those who rely on them for their daily dose of fresh air. Lee Scigala from Lincolnshire, said: “I haven’t been able to run at all, as my daily allocated exercise trip has been used up with dog and child walking.”
Certain spaces are becoming so busy, fears are building that the virus will be spread more easily. Claire Mackay said: “I’m not running at all. I’m much too anxious to even venture out there.”
But it’s not all doom and gloom! For many, running has remained the constant that keeps us sane and focused in these unsettling times.
Steve Langford is one of the many key workers our country is relying on, and said: “If I didn’t run I’d be unable to work within a week or two as it helps me manage my anxiety, depression and seasonal affective disorder.”
Heather Black explained how she’s balancing training and family life. She said that she’s “trying to motivate [her] teens to get out for their mental wellbeing.” But Sunday mornings are reserved for Heather and her husband, smashing 8-10 milers once a week. So despite all the negative impacts of this pandemic, many of us could come out of it fitter than before, with a new healthy hobby that will hopefully outlive this isolation period.