10 Tips to Run Safely During Coronavirus
Photos by Marques Jackson Photography.
By Marnie Kunz
The coronavirus pandemic has brought the world to a screeching halt, and many of us are living in lockdown, or quarantine, and can’t travel. With cities from New York to LA paralyzed by the virus, it’s a tense time, to say the least. But the good news is we can still run! In fact, there is a resurgence in running, according to the New York Times, as people can run solo and keep a distance from others so it is the perfect sport for coronavirus times. As the world is shutting down, running is keeping us healthy, sane, and motivated. As a NYC running coach located in a coronavirus epicenter of NYC, I wanted to offer my tips for running safely in the time of coronavirus:
Run solo. We’ve all heard it but let’s reiterate, no group runs! The only people you can safely run with are the ones you live with who are healthy. Most of us are striking out on our own for runs, and learning to enjoy the solitude. You can always connect with runners virtually but do not plan any partner or group runs now.
Keep 6 feet between yourself and others. This is recommended by health professionals who say it will minimize the risk of getting infected by others. It is also a local mandate in many places, such as New York.
Run in open spaces as much as possible so you can change your route if you need to dodge approaching people. Parks are great for this as well as wide, empty streets. I like to run around the outer edge of some of the parks in Brooklyn as opposed to the track, where people tend to be closer together.
Avoid narrow, closed-in paths. Going back to the above point, avoid closed in paths with narrow lanes or that are surrounded by bushes or trees or fences. You won’t be able to jump out of the way if someone approaches.
Create new routes. Revise your regular running routes and create new ones for coronavirus times. You should take crowded areas and closed in spaces off your running routes and opt for quiet side streets and wide paths.
Establish a routine. Living through these times of coronavirus lockdown is something that is new to all of us and very disorienting. Keeping a routine for your running as much as possible will help you stay on track with your workouts. This also allows you to plan ahead to avoid high traffic times such as parks on weekend afternoons. Usually running early, around sunrise, is a good bet for having less people.
Keep in touch for safety. Carry your phone or a tracking device on your run so loved ones can get in touch with you and you can get help in an emergency. Make sure someone knows where and when you are running in case anything happens. Since emergency personnel are tied up with coronavirus, it is more important than ever to be safe on our runs and have people who can help us if an emergency arises.
Avoid running after dark. Continuing with the above point, avoid night runs as there is more potential for accidents and crime. Since many cities are shut down, it will be more desolate running at night and less resources to help if you need it.
Avoid crowded areas. Hopefully people are observing social distancing in your city but there will almost always be some who don’t listen or care. Although they may choose to put their health and that of others in danger, don’t be like them and avoid going to high-traffic areas. Many parks in NYC have still been crowded on nice days, for instance, with people having group picnics and friends meeting up. I learned to avoid the parks in the afternoons and on weekends on order to keep a distance from these people.
Don’t push too hard. Now is not the time to get injured so don’t overtrain or run through injuries. No one wants to go to the hospital right now for a stress fracture. Keep your training within reason.
How have you changed your running during these coronavirus times? Add your tips below.
And happy running, and stay safe, Runstreet!
Marnie Kunz is a RRCA-certified running coach and the creator of Runstreet Art Runs, which bring together communities through running and street art. She is a Brooklyn resident, running coach and writer. She enjoys traveling, art, and eating messily. You can follow her running and events at @Runstreet Instagram and Runstreet Facebook.
Disclaimer: Runstreet may earn commission from affiliate links placed in this post.
Resources: Running From Coronavirus: A Back-to-Basics Exercise Boom, CDC Coronavirus Guidelines, WHO: Coronavirus
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