FEATURE
Running in the new normal 2019, we miss you. After the unbelievable turn of events of the past 18 months or so, we are now finding ourselves trying to live with the dreaded Coronavirus whilst still trying to curb and eventually eliminate it. Lockdowns, quarantines, social distancing and practicing proper hygiene have come far in helping us stay safe but with many compromises in our everyday lives. Joggers and runners in particular have felt this paradigm shift unlike many others, with the constant lament of wearing a mask, making sure to avoid crowded routes and regularly monitoring their health. As it is probably still a far way off to complete normalcy, here’s a simple guide for running during the new normal.
Masked up, Gassed up The most important part of the cardio equation begins with a little thing called oxygen. The intensity propagated by the act of running requires more oxygen than usual. Put a layer of fabric over your mouths and noses and you’re left with a slightly alarming problem. Remove the mask when necessary and plan your route to ensure as few joggers/ runners as possible encounter you and vice versa. You will have to abide by the rules though as masks must be worn at all other times so remove it right before you take off and put it back on immediately when you’re done. Pro-tip: Use disposable masks during your runs so you wouldn’t have to constantly deal with sweat soaked masks on your laundry list.
Beat the Crowd A compact island like Singapore with a high volume of people living in close proximity mixed with the popularity of jogging or running within the community all but guarantees that you will bump into a few others during your run. While some have chosen to stay in with a treadmill, if you’re not ready to invest in one or generally prefer the outdoors, measures should be taken to avoid getting close to one another. COVID-19 has been found to be air-borne and the average runner’s breathing is intensified during the activity, which in turn ensures a higher chance of spread or infection. Thus, try re-routing and/or planning a different time for your run and you’ll be able to continue reaping those cardiovascular benefits without compromising your safety.
Check yourself before…You know. At the heart of the matter, Covid-19 is a respiratory illness. And if you didn’t already know, running relies heavily on regulated breathing. While this may seem to be the perfect recipe for disaster for the runner, one of the best ways to protect yourself is to ensure you listen to your body and immediately act if you feel something is off. One of the most terrifying elements of COVID-19 is its delayed displays of symptoms. Constant temperature checks should be performed at home regardless if you’re feeling slightly under the weather or even perfectly fine. Subsequent swab tests should be administered for people who have been in contact with others who are infected and quarantine should be enforced if the situation calls for it. While it doesn’t have to be all gloom and doom, some change is necessary for the outdoor running enthusiasts. And by doing our part in the battle against this unseen enemy, we will still be able to enjoy some semblance of normalcy until we are able to slip on our running shoes and dismiss those uncomfortable masks once and for all. JUL / AUG 2021 THE PADANG
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29/6/2021 4:16:39 PM
