When a race that you are training for gets cancelled, normally, you just pick another race date of the same distance, and training continues.
For example, the PHCCI Half Marathon scheduled on April 19 was just recently cancelled, but the Alimyon Half Marathon scheduled for May 3 just might be a great choice as a substitute.
But that is not the case this time with the coronavirus pandemic.
All upcoming races in the Philippines and abroad are now being cancelled or postponed to later dates.
The uncertainty has put future events in limbo.
Luzon is under enhanced community quarantine, and the rest of the country is in community quarantine where everyone is asked to stay home.
Social distancing creates a new meaning to runners and triathletes who find enjoyment when training in groups.
Some runners I know are now training alone, or with their partner to avoid the spread of virus.
Even public swimming pools, sports facilities, and gyms are now closed for the time being, as we find ourselves limited to what we are accustomed to doing with our everyday activities.
Situations like this disrupt the routine of those of us who meticulously plan our training regimens.
But come to think of it, we are not totally limited to engaging outdoor activities as we can still use the empty roads and quiet trails for running and cycling, and as long as we practice social distancing. (But definitely, no more post-workout gatherings in our favorite painitan or at the carinderia.)
Some of us resort to training indoors, or limit our movements within our property, but it is understandable that not everyone can afford to own such equipment like barbells, dumb bells, a bike trainer, or a treadmill.
There are other options to stay fit even without equipment, and that’s with a use of your own weight. Some bodyweight exercises are push-ups, squats, lunges, planks, and sit-ups.
Other outdoor activities or sports such as basketball or volleyball that involves a group with close contact should be avoided at this time.
In the meantime, while praying and waiting for the end of the pandemic, and to getting back with our normal life, we could just ease back the intensity of running and cycling training.
Even as an avid physical trainor myself, I would still caution and advise that although we do need to remain active and healthy and strong during this crisis, training too hard or too long (because you might think there’s not much else to do anyway), could lower body resistance, and make us more susceptible to catching the deadly coronavirus.
If you want to stay healthy, your best option is to stay home.
Anyway, this, too, will pass. This is temporary as they say, and with concerted effort in preventing the spread of the virus, we will come out victorious in the end.
Five weeks ago we started the eight-week Beginner Running Program. This week is the sixth week. Just a reminder that when you start to jog, slowly find your rhythm with two strides breathing-in, and two strides breathing out.
Week 6
Warm up by walking for 5 minutes then do some light stretching.
Do the Workout:
Day 1. Jog 8 minutes. Walk 20 seconds. Repeat 5x
Day 2. Jog 9 minutes. Walk 20 seconds. Repeat 4x
Day 3. Jog 10 minutes. Walk 10 seconds. Repeat 4x
Cool down by walking 5 minutes. Then do some stretches, holding each muscles for about 10 to 20 seconds: hamstrings (back of thigh), quadriceps (front of thigh), and calves (back of lower leg).
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