Fun Ways Runners Have Adapted to COVID-19
Since the mandate of shelter-in-place across different parts of the world, many of us have turned to the internet for ways to stay active while quarantining. From virtual runs to at-home workouts, to hosting Q&A sessions with fans via Instagram Live, these are how some awesome runners have found creative ways to motivate their audiences to stay active.
The Virtual High Five
Robert Raymond (AKA @running_fatass on Instagram), started a “Virtual High 5” trend on Instagram where he asked other runners to go out for a run and take/post a virtual high-five photo next to his. See the trend for yourself by searching #virtualhigh5 on Instagram.
There are now hundreds of runners that have participated, and while we can’t run together physically, this trend has undoubtedly made us a healthier community. Way to go Robert!
Instagram Live Sessions with Running Favorites
Amanda Brooks (AKA @runtothefinish on Instagram), running coach, blogger of RunToTheFinish and most recently, the author of her first book, Run To The Finish hosted an IG LIVE with Whitney Heins, Founder of The Mother Runners (@themotherrunners on Instagram). Amanda shared tips on running and also discussed her new book. Here are some of the key topics that they talked about:
Running Tips — how to stop heel striking, posture, perfect strides
How often you should stretch when you have injuries (every day)
How to tape/taping methods have helped her recover from injuries.
Many other runners with large followings host weekly IG Live sessions which give you a chance to ask questions and overall are just fun to watch and learn.
Workout Tidbits and Survival Guides
Christina Wood (AKA @strength2runcoach on Instagram), is a certified strength coach and RRCA Coach from Orlando, Floria. She started posting a sequence of self-isolation workouts via Instagram, one of them known as “Mobility Monday” where she showcases a new mobility exercise every week. Runners can partake in all sorts of her exercises and workouts that she shares. Christina also created a FREE Home Training Survival Guide to help keep runners motivated during our time at home.
Consistency AND Community is Key
Kathyrn Proctor (AKA @ecoathleteforlife on Instagram), is a sports and fitness instructor who started running a little over 15 years ago. With everything going on, she took upon herself to encourage her audience to stay consistent in their running. She’s doing so by hosting an Eco Athlete For Life, a 5k or 10k Run/Walk challenge beginning on May 11 — June 21st. During the next month, you will be training as a group to complete your goal distance ending on Sunday, June 24th. What a great way to keep each other accountable while cultivating a strong community!
Finding Inspiration During Challenging Times
Sophia Macre (AKA @runners.like.me) has spent her time getting back into running after a year-long hiatus. “I lost my drive, but this pandemic has given me the time to rest and reflect and remember that running really made me happy.” With her first run back, she participated in an initiative @run.for.heroes started. The challenge is to run a 5k (3.1 miles) and nominate 5 friends to do the same! Run for Heroes encourages you to take part in their run 5, donate 5, and nominate 5 challenge! What better way to get back into running and spread positivity than to get your friends involved as Sophia did!
These are just some few of MANY ways runners have risen up during these trying times to support the rest of the community. I hope some of these runners helped spark inspiration for you as they did for me. Let’s continue to stay positive and achieve our goals (both fitness and personal) during COVID-19. Make sure to follow us on Instagram (@vesselathletics) and let us know what you’re doing to stay active!
