Running and training during lockdown

By Jodi Fisk

​I know most people struggle with how to focus and balance their training during lockdown, because of the uncertainty of future races but it’s important to embrace this uncertainty at the moment and see it as a chance to give your body a break from the hard training, mix things up and enjoy exercising….right now it’s all we can do! I think it’s safe to say that there are no races on the horizon anytime soon, the last time I raced was 1st March 2020, I was in the best shape I’ve ever been, ran a half marathon PB and was looking forward to London Marathon in Spring 2020. A few weeks later, life changed for us all…
Since then, my mileage has halved and home workouts keep me going. I exercise because I want to, not because my training plan says I should (I’ve never been one to follow a plan anyway)! This may not be the right approach for everyone, some need a plan and structure. Now is the time to get strong, try something new, personally I have really got into HIIT workouts, you can do these anywhere and its surprising how many calories you can burn in 20 minutes. 

it’s important to embrace this uncertainty at the moment and see it as a chance to give your body a break from the hard training, mix things up and enjoy exercising"

Strength training isn’t easy at the moment if you don’t have the equipment at home but improvisation is great, use something around the house, try some squats carrying your child! For conditioning and mobility, I now do an Ultra Mat Pilates session twice a week with Zero Gravity Pilates. It’s not the same as Pilates you see elsewhere. It’s much more performance focused and great for runners it’s so addictive and very affordable. You could also try PE with Joe, now is the time to take the pressure off of yourself, look after your physical and mental wellbeing and do things for enjoyment. I think you’ll be surprised at how fit and strong you are when training recommences.