Almost all runners have been effected by race cancellations in recent days. Unless you’re one of those runners that just likes to run (there are many!), you’re left wondering: I’m all trained up, now what? Or should I keep training for a race that’s coming up in a few months?
Race virtually
I know that’s what some of my friends have done. A lot of my friends, actually. If it helps you calm down and feel better, go for it.
I’m not sure I would do that, and here’s why: running is hard on the body. Even if it makes you feel better, your immune system is probably taking a hit — and is that what you really want to be doing right now?
Keep in mind I wasn’t really training, only sort of, maybe training. I was getting excited about going to DE, but I’m a firm believer that things have a way of turning out for the best, and that maybe there’s something better out there for me.
I am not a virtual race kinda gal. I enjoy the atmosphere of a race, conquering new territory. But I don’t what I would have done if I’d put in a lot of hard training.
Keep on training
My “goal” race isn’t until June. Hopefully with the warmer weather by that point the virus will have died down, although no one really knows. Since it’s still a few months out, though, I’m going to train as if I’m going to be racing it.
If your race is closer, it’s a toss up whether or not you should keep training (again, because while running can boost your immune system, hard training — or every just long distance running — can also give your immune system a challenge). We’re challenged enough right now.
So a race 1 month away: I’d maintain my base and do speed work once a week.
A race a few months out: I’d train normally.
Keep on running
Even if you live to race and you can’t, you don’t want to let your base go. We will be racing again some day. No need to start over from scratch. Running will help you stay calmer, too. It will get you outdoors, which will help you feel better, especially now as the weather begins to get nicer.
Get strong
Are you always saying you want to get strong but you’re always training for a race? Now is your opportunity! It’s a crap shoot on whether or not gyms are going to stay open, but there are so many wonderful ways to strength train online. For free!
Becoming a stronger person will make you a stronger runner.
Keep an eye on the eating and drinking
It’s so easy to turn to food and alcohol after a stressful day. There’s nothing wrong with that — in moderation. It’s also very easy to overdo either — or both! — when times are stressful.
Both eating comfort food and drinking feel really good in the moment. They don’t make us feel good in the long run. They can pack on the pounds if we overindulge too much, which becomes a vicious cycle: you’re heavier, it’s harder to move, you continue to eat crap and get heavier, you don’t want to move, and so on and so forth.
Comfort food tends to be the opposite of healthy food, and when we’re going through a stressful time, eating healthy can actually help us stay well (or lessen an illness if we do get one) — and can help you feel better physically (maybe even mentally).
Last but definitely not least . . .
Now is the time to do the things you normally don’t do because you don’t have time. Maybe you’re working from home. Maybe the kids and/your husband are home and they’re driving you nuts.
It’s the perfect time to try out that Yoga you know you should do, or begin to meditate, or foam roll more often. Of course you knew I’d go there, but so many teachers are offering incredible deals — or free workouts! — right now. Take advantage of it (and check out my YouTube channel here, of course — I’ll be adding a meditation to help you reduce anxiety this week!).
Final thoughts
As crazy as life might seem right now, maybe there’s a golden opportunity for us all. Haven’t we all said that we just don’t have the time for certain things — things that we know will actually make us better runners and better people?
You can complain about what you can’t do or you can try something new. The choice is up to you.
Will you run your race virtually if it’s cancelled?
Are the kids home and/or are you working from home?
Do you have another suggestion?
Linking up with Zenaida Arroyo and Kim @ Kookyrunner
This week I am also joining up with the new Runners’ Roundup linkup.
Chocolaterunsjudy 
Thanks for this positive post, Judy! My plan is to keep on running!
I have noticed that the more anxious I feel, the longer my runs turn out to be. I am so grateful for the running therapy.
And you are right: let’s use this opportunity to catch up on things that we have neglected.
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Will you run your race virtually if it’s cancelled? Yes. I have a beautiful trail I can run locally.
Are the kids home and/or are you working from home? Still going to the office.
Do you have another suggestion? Remember that we will get through this. Keep the faith.
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You’re lucky to have a beautiful trail! Although actually tomorrow I hope to get out on one of the trails I really like. It’s very short, but it’s peaceful there. Gotta get out while we can!
I totally agree that we’ll get through this.
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I may go crazy because I’m not a stay at home kinda gal. No restaurants movies shows mah jongg tennis races. Oh no!
Now I have more time for running. I am healthy so I will continue and run my big races virtually. Not the same. But when you’re with your friends, it’s still fun.
I’m also a not watch a screen and work out or do yoga kinda gal. Sigh.
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Yup, people like you will definitely struggle more. People can change though — and now is a good opportunity!
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I am happy the way I am….
This will eventually end. And there’s wine lol
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I’m happy to be a solo runner. So that won’t change for me. But everything else has, so running will be that one constant for me.
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In some ways not a lot has changed for me, although in other ways it has. I’ve been a solo runner for one reason or another for quite some time now, and I don’t see that changing anytime soon.
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With all the crazy changes and things just being turned upside down, I am so thankful for running right now. That will definitely continue – and let me investigate some virtual races! That may actually help get me to my 20 given the recent cancellations…
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Yep, that’s my plan on maintaining my base and adding in more yoga and strength training. Good point about the food and alcohol. I’ve been eating well so far (it helps that we don’t have a lot of sweets around the house) but I’ve been having more wine in the evening that I otherwise would.
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same about having ZERO sweets in the house but yes, more wine!!
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Nice post, Judy. It’s tough times we’re going through. I’d much rather focus on the positive like you did here!
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Although I know it’s not the same, I have really enjoyed so many runners going out and virtually running their races, either solo or with a friend.
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I have a very similar post I’m writing like this for Friday…I think we’re all in the same Survival Mode LOL I had two races get cancelled yesterday (and I wasn’t surprised), and just this morning our governor ordered all restaurants/bars, etc, to close (other than for pick-up/delivery. The grocery stores are limiting quantities of items bought, and giving at-risk people (seniors, etc.) special hours. It’s not all bad what’s happening, so we need to stay focused on the big picture…
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I feel like I might actually work out more during all of this bc I have nothing else to do! Virtual races are a great idea. Keeping up with training can give you a sense of normalcy. Thanks in advance for linking up today
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I am not a fan of virtual races. My race in ND was postponed to August and there is a virtual race being offered. I don’t know if I can make it in August. Since I am not training for a race, right now I am just running for fun. I don’t care about pace but just want to get out there.
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