Running free…

In early March, I wrote a post pointing out the freedom that running allows us, even within social distancing guidelines. Much has changed since then, even for running, and yet we can still run free.

All of the social distancing guidelines allow for exercise, including going for a run. Where we live, the trails remain heavily used and we’ve been encouraged to seek out less crowded areas. The second time I ran on the trail, because of the amount of time I spent focusing on maintaining social distance, I did an all-out half-mile around our block, going down the middle of the street, well away from pedestrians. It felt wonderful to just run. As I walked back inside, I considered ways to keep up with a run-focused run and went to plan B: treadmill.

Our treadmill has provided many benefits, such as a dry surface to run on and 65 degree temperature when it’s frigid, dark, and icy outside. It’s also a way to run a very measured pace in specific increments. I’ve noticed more precision in my turnover when I run outside after doing several treadmill workouts. In our current times, it’s a way to run while social distancing. All I have to think about is the run.

And yet, while I’m generally happy with a pair of running shoes on my feet and a firm surface underneath, running inside all the time is not what I would normally choose so I went to a plan C. I’m still on the treadmill some of the time but it seemed reasonable that nearby residential streets and sidewalks might have fewer people and so far, they have. With the new face-covering requirements, it’s not quite the same as an unhindered run in fresh air, yet it still is a taste of freedom. Wearing a face covering does allow less air flow. This is not fun, but I figure there’s some training benefit that is similar to running at a higher elevation. I’m not sure whether that’s an additional 500 feet or 5000 feet, but it’s something.

It’s a way to observe first-hand our community around us. Though there is less traffic than on a standard weekday morning, there are still a decent number of cars. Most people observe social distancing in a responsible way. When I passed a house where someone I had never seen before was putting out their garbage, I was probably fifty feet away yet they called out with a hearty hello. Five weeks ago, they may not have even glanced up and I suspect our inability to socialize in person compels us to more friendly gestures when we do see another human.

I look forward to the day when I can run outside again without social distancing, to actually enjoy the freedom of a run. In the meantime it remains a bit of freedom I can still embrace, even with a few minor adjustments.