Running And Corona
Runner's World SA|May/June 2020
As the coronavirus pandemic continues to spread, causing running races – and many other large events – to be postponed or cancelled, you might bewonderingwhat you should be doing for your own health, and how this could affect your training. By Jordan Smith
Jordan Smith
Running And Corona

To help answer our runners’ most frequently asked questions, we tapped Dr David Nieman, a health professor at Appalachian State University and director of the Human Performance Lab at the North Carolina Research Campus, Brian Labus, PhD, assistant professor in the School of Public Health at the University of Nevada Las Vegas, and Matt Ferrari, Ph.D., associate professor of biology in the Eberly College of Science and a researcher with the Centre for Infectious Disease Dynamics at Penn State University.

Is it safe to run outside once the lockdown is lifted?

Yes – as long as you’re alone, and if you follow the regulations in place then. When people congregate together and someone sneezes or coughs, Nieman explains, droplets get onto objects that people touch, and then people touch their faces.

The best plan for running once lockdown is lifted is to go out solo, and enjoy the outdoors in a non-crowded area. Try timing your trail run for when you know the trails will be less crowded.

Additionally, people might be afraid to run in colder weather for fear of illness, but there’s no truth to that; there is no data that shows you will get sick from any respiratory pathogen when running in cold weather, Nieman says.

In fact, getting in 30 to 60 minutes of moderate to brisk activity can help your immune system keep viruses at bay.

But be sure you know what’s going on in your area and whether there are any restrictions or mandatory self-quarantines. And if you’re sick, or at risk of spreading the virus, you shouldn’t go out – the bigger concern is that you may spread it to those who are at high risk, such as the elderly or immunocompromised.

This story is from the May/June 2020 edition of Runner's World SA.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the May/June 2020 edition of Runner's World SA.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM RUNNER'S WORLD SAView All
LONGOVERDUE PRAISE FOR THE RUNNING SINGLET
Runner's World SA

LONGOVERDUE PRAISE FOR THE RUNNING SINGLET

In the last decade, the running singlet once reserved for amateur competitors and professional athletes - has gone mainstream, not only on race day but also on everyday runs.

time-read
9 mins  |
May/June 2024
RISE OF THE 'ILLEGAL RUNNING SHOES
Runner's World SA

RISE OF THE 'ILLEGAL RUNNING SHOES

Banned shoes emerged at a basketball court long before they found their way onto a marathon course.

time-read
9 mins  |
May/June 2024
CRACKING THE SLEEP CODE
Runner's World SA

CRACKING THE SLEEP CODE

Are you an early bird or a night owl? Perhaps you've assigned yourself another animal after completing an internet quiz. Research is shedding light on the link between well-being and circadian predisposition, but there's no need to rewire yourself. Learn to lean into your biology with our guide.

time-read
6 mins  |
May/June 2024
THE SECRET TO SPEED IS IN YOUP BLOOD
Runner's World SA

THE SECRET TO SPEED IS IN YOUP BLOOD

Some of the world's best runners credit this unorthodox Norwegian training method for their success. Is it right for you?

time-read
9 mins  |
May/June 2024
THE MIND OF MASSYN
Runner's World SA

THE MIND OF MASSYN

IN 2024, LOUIS MASSYN WILL ATTEMPT HIS 49TH COMRADES MARATHON AND HE'S LEARNT PLENTY OF LESSONS ALONG THE WAY. HERE'S THE STORY OF HIS AMAZING JOURNEY.

time-read
10 mins  |
May/June 2024
TAKING CHARGE
Runner's World SA

TAKING CHARGE

OUTSPOKEN AND AMBITIOUS, NEW COMRADES RACE MANAGER (AND FORMER WINNER) ANN ASHWORTH IS LOOKING TO TAKE THE RACE INTO THE FUTURE.

time-read
5 mins  |
May/June 2024
A HALF CENTURY OF COMRADES
Runner's World SA

A HALF CENTURY OF COMRADES

THIS YEAR, BARRY HOLLAND WILL BE AIMING TO FINISH HIS 50TH CONSECUTIVE COMRADES MARATHON. THIS IS WHAT HAS INSPIRED HIM.

time-read
6 mins  |
May/June 2024
MY RUNNING LIFE
Runner's World SA

MY RUNNING LIFE

ORDINARY RUNNERS doing EXTRAORDINARY THINGS

time-read
3 mins  |
May/June 2024
Ageing In The Age Of Strava
Runner's World SA

Ageing In The Age Of Strava

RECENTLY MY BUDDY Sean sent a text message that said, “Been running a lot of 5:30–6:00 kays early. It feels pretty nice at that pace.”

time-read
4 mins  |
May/June 2024
How To Start A Run When You Don't Feel Like It
Runner's World SA

How To Start A Run When You Don't Feel Like It

I'VE ALWAYS FELT validation when reading a story about writers and their love of procrastination.

time-read
3 mins  |
May/June 2024