I’m the sort of person who constantly needs to aim for something. I love writing to-do lists and feeling a sense of achievement when I tick off the tasks.
Since lockdown halted my 2020 goals, I needed something to keep me going. As I was adjusting to working from home full-time, I didn’t want to take too much else on. But at the same time, I was desperate to have a focus other than my job.
So as the gym and yoga studio were closed, I thought I’d make the most of running. I’ve been running on/off for years and it’s my go-to exercise when I’ve been over-eating or become sluggish. It gives me energy, makes me feel ‘alive’ and kicks my anxiety to the curb.
Keeping active in lockdown
I started on 23rd March 2020 and carried on from there. Today (1st July) marks my 100th run in 100 days. I have been running between 5k-15k a day. Nothing too crazy otherwise I wouldn’t be able to recover for the next day.
It all depends on how I feel. Some days, I’ve just wanted to chill out and 5k is enough. Other days, I’ve comfortably done 15k without thinking about it. But one thing is for sure, I made sure that I ran no matter what. Even on days when I really haven’t been in the mood.
My key tip to recovery is plenty of stretching. One day, I forgot to stretch after a run around the park and I could barely get down the stairs the morning after! Thankfully, it’s the only time I forgot. Yoga has helped too.
I’m happy to carry on running until my gym (miss you LC Swansea!) opens but I’m looking forward to mixing up my routine with weight machines and classes when it’s safe to do so.