The coronavirus pandemic has been spreading all over the world like wildfire. So far, millions of people worldwide have been infected with the coronavirus and the death toll is rising.

The coronavirus pandemic has wreaked havoc on the economy, caused a lot of stress, and has resulted in many big running events being canceled. 

Many gyms, sports clubs, and recreation facilities are closed, which means that running is one of the few exercise options still available to you.

Even though there are no races happening, many runners are continuing to train. Interestingly enough, more people are turning to running as a way to alleviate boredom as well as keep fit and sane during the coronavirus pandemic.

According to a recent news story on CNN, more and more people are taking up running as a result of the pandemic (Kim, 2020). Given that many people have been asked to stay at home as much as possible because the virus is contagious, you may be wondering if it is safe to run during the coronavirus pandemic. 

Let’s take a closer look at whether or not running outside is safe during this pandemic as well as how to protect yourself and those around you. We will also discuss some of the physical and mental health benefits that you can get from running during these challenging times.

Is running safe during the coronavirus pandemic?

If you love running or are interested in getting started, then the good news is that it is, in fact, safe for you to run outside during the coronavirus pandemic.

Running is a fantastic way to stay fit, especially because all the gyms and recreational facilities are closed. However, if you decide to go running, you must go alone and opt for running in less crowded areas. If you are used to running in a group, then this may be a big change for you.

Solo running outside is safe because the chances of you being too close to other people are not that high and you can always choose to distance yourself from others.

On the other hand, if you were exercising indoors, then you would have a hard time staying away from others. This is part of the reason why gyms and recreation centers are closed but people are still allowed to continue running outside.

How to protect yourself during the coronavirus pandemic.

Try a solo running.

Although running outside is deemed safe, you must still take precautions to protect yourself and others during the coronavirus pandemic.

As previously mentioned, you must run alone and avoid running in crowded areas.

If you are running in crowded areas, then you are more likely to be exposed to someone who may be carrying the coronavirus.

This virus is primarily spread from person-to-person between those who are in close contact, particularly when a sick person coughs or sneezes, which is the main reason why you should avoid group running or generally being in crowded areas (How to Protect Yourself & Others, 2020).

If possible, you should avoid running during peak times to decrease your likelihood of being too close to other people.

Skip your run if you feel sick.

If you feel sick then you should skip your run and stay home to prevent yourself from infecting others. 

Also, when you are sick, it is best to rest and let your body recover, especially if you have a respiratory illness.

When you are sick, putting additional stress on the body by exercising too hard may also temporarily weaken your immune system, which will delay your recovery.

What should you do after you get back from your run during the coronavirus pandemic?

You should wash your hands and shower immediately after you get back from your run. You must also wash your running gear and not keep it on for too long after you return from your run.

Additionally, while you are out for your run, you should try to avoid using public washrooms or touching any surfaces others may have touched, such as doorknobs and pedestrian crosswalk lights.

You should also avoid touching any part of your face during or immediately after your run, particularly if you haven’t washed your hands since returning from the run.

Try to keep social distancing during coronavirus pandemic workouts. 

If you are passing walkers or slower runners along the way, you should try to stay as far away as possible from those you are passing. 

Just to be on the safe side, you should strive to be much more than six feet away from other people at all times.

This will protect them from your respiratory droplets and it will also protect you from theirs. Even if you, or others, are not showing any symptoms, it is still possible for the virus to spread if you have been infected (Cai et al., 2020). 

Should I wear a mask going for a run outdoors during coronavirus pandemic? 

Wearing a mask when going for a run outdoors is only recommended if you are going to be in a crowded area, where is it harder to stay at least six feet away from others.

If you know you are going to be alone or in an area where there are only a few people, then wearing a mask is not necessary because you will not be getting too close to others.

If a mask is going to keep you from breathing properly, then you should not wear one during your run.

Benefits of running during challenging times.

Without a doubt, we are living in a challenging environment. Many people are stressed out because they are worried about catching the coronavirus.

A large number of people are dealing with financial hardships which resulted from job losses and business closures. Others are feeling depressed because they have not been able to see their friends and family.

Not only that, but some people may also find themselves leading a more sedentary lifestyle as a result of all the restrictions that were put in place due to the coronavirus (Chen et al., 2020).

Living amidst the coronavirus pandemic is both depressing and stressful.

Moderate exercise, such as running at a relatively comfortable pace, will help you reduce stress, calm your mind, and boost your immune system (Jiménez-Pavón, Carbonell-Baeza, & Lavie, 2020).

Running is also affordable and you can do it alone whenever and wherever it’s convenient for you. It forces you to move your entire body, which means that you do not have to be sedentary during the pandemic.

Exercise also releases endorphins that help you feel better especially if you are feeling down.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, running alone during the coronavirus pandemic is safe if you take proper precautions to avoid close contact with other people and do not push yourself too hard.

Not only is running safe, but it also offers tremendous mental and physical health benefits. Without a doubt, running is one of the best ways to stay active during the coronavirus pandemic.