Today this is how Tom and I were feeling this morning:
There followed a sing along while looking wistfully out the window. Hector was very confused. Quarantine does strange things to you.
After being accused of having no hobbies I have purchased the following with the magic of the aforementioned Taobao:
- A train set for Hector
- A new jigsaw
- A zumba game for the Swith
- A yoga mat so I can actually do some strengthening exercises, something I always neglect in favour of more running
This morning I woke up and all I wanted to do was go for a run. I have in fact booked two races, one in Taizhou and one on the Great Wall, both of which will inevitably be cancelled. So it seems right to share my thoughts on all the races that have been cancelled in the UK.
I cannot imagine how I would have felt if Manchester had been cancelled when I was training for my first (and only) marathon. To put in such an incredible amount of work, often resulting in becoming physically ill, to not be able to complete it would be heart breaking. So I really feel for all the runners who are in this position, particularly if it is their first half or marathon. Many runners enter the ballot at least 5 times before getting into London. Nevertheless, I think this was the only possible decision. To continue would have meant putting people at risk.
Recently I have seen many posts on my running groups about what to do if not allowed to go outside to run. These can get quite aggressive unfortunately with the person asking sometimes being made to feel selfish. It shouldn’t be underestimated how much runners value running for their mental health. I am feeling this myself. So when runners stress about not being able to go outside it’s not a trivial thing to them. Many also refer to a treadmill as a ‘dreadmill’ due to the monotony. I was amazed and impressed by the dedication of runners in China.
So all you runners out there, even if running outside is banned, there are ways! I can’t say I’ll be putting on my trainers until our quarantine is over. I’ll be using it as an opportunity to try and do some of the kinds of exercises I never get round to doing.
On a serious note some fitness experts also suggest running at full capacity may not be the right idea anyway right now due to the stresses it can put on your immune system. Or possibly the increase of oxygen to your bloodstream. Not sure if the latter one has been verified.
If you’re interested it is worth searching on Youtube for other videos of how Chinese people got through quarantine. It may give you some hope!
The Hopkins of Hangzhou 