How runners can stay positive during difficult times

At some point, every runner is going to have a negative experience with their training.  You might be struggling right now with the global health crisis and your quarantine, maybe you’re sidelined by an injury or perhaps there’s something else bringing you down. Whatever the source of negativity may be, here are a few ways you can try and turn things around.

Do what you can

If you’re injured or stuck in quarantine, a good way to increase your positivity is to get active and exercise however you can. If you can only run one kilometre, go do it. If you can go farther, give it a go. If you can’t run, see how many pushups you can do or how long you can hold a plank.

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If you’re injured, don’t push yourself to your limits—that’s just likely to hurt you more than you already are—but don’t be afraid to get some exercise in. Doing anything will make you feel better than sitting at home and wishing you could get back to your regular training schedule. 

Follow athletes in similar situations

If you’re on social media, follow athletes who are going through the same thing you are. This is easy to do now, because everyone is under quarantine, so you can see how your favourite pros are dealing with self-isolation. When you’re injured, you can follow other athletes who are rehabbing, or find someone who has recovered from injury so you can see their progress. Seeing other people navigating situations similar to yours will show you that you can make it through these tough times, too.

RELATED: A survival guide for dealing with a running injury

Enjoy some downtime

Take some time to relax. Get exercise in when you can, but embrace the fact that you can’t train at 100 per cent intensity right now. Watch a fun TV show, read a book or try a new hobby.

Order gear for your return to training

Just because you can’t train as much as you want to doesn’t mean this situation is permanent. Go online and look at the latest shoes, apparel and other gear from your favourite brands. New shoes won’t fix everything, but if you can afford it, they’ll give you another thing to look forward to for when you eventually get back to a full training load.

RELATED: How to support your local independent run shop during the COVID-19 pandemic

Plan ahead

It’s already been said, but you might need to hear this again: this is not permanent. Whether it’s an injury or self-isolation that you’re dealing with (or anything else, for that matter), things will get back to normal eventually. It will undoubtedly take time—maybe a lot of time—but when life gets back on track, you’ll be back to running just like you used to. You can’t race now, but that doesn’t mean you can’t map out your future racing schedule. Pick your A-race for next year and decide on a few tune-up races. This way, when you can get back to training, you’ll have a clear goal set in your sights.