Modern Athlete Magazine Issue 128, March 2020 | Page 13

3. Keep Your Distance: The COVID-19 Virus is particularly virulent. It passes
from person to person very easily and quickly, so the most important way to
protect yourself is to be careful in your interactions with others. The World Health
Organisation (WHO) recommends that during this pandemic we practise social
distancing, and from a running perspective, the best advice is to run on your own.
Also, carry a small hand sanitiser with you to wash your hands if you stop to drink
water, or go through security barriers, for example.
If you aren’t able to run on your own, for reasons such as safety, then make sure
your running groups are small, and don’t run too close together, keeping at least
two metres between you and other runners. No handshaking, and if you have any
symptoms – sore throat, tight chest, cough, sneezing, head cold – avoid running,
get tested and self-quarantine if needed.
Stay Safe, Stay Fit
Times like these are also a great opportunity to work on our weaknesses. For
example, strength training is an area we can all improve
on. During this outbreak I wouldn’t recommend
going to the gym to do your strength and
conditioning work, but following a
strength training plan is a great way
to work on building strength –
see our offer below.
As disappointed as you
may be right now, the
races we love running
will still be there in
the future. We need
to make sure to take
care of each other
at times like these.
Stay strong on the
road and trails (or
treadmill), and remember that things will be OK in the end. And if things aren’t OK,
it’s not the end.
Head to www.coachparry.com to check out our
programmes and coaching advice.
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