By Lisa Landrum, runCLTrun
What a difference a month makes! Since our last post about cross-training, our world has dramatically changed. One thing that has remained the same, though, is that exercise and moving your body is an important part of staying healthy both mentally and physically. In times like these, it’s great to have something that will help reduce anxiety and relieve some stress, not to mention burn a few of those calories from the extra snacks that you may be eating.
A lot of us are used to meeting up with friends and classes to exercise. We love our group runs! Working out with other people helps with accountability and motivation, that’s for sure. Right now it’s vital that we all run solo to help flatten the curve. How are we supposed to get up early to run if we aren’t meeting someone to do it?
The great thing about the active community of Charlotte is that there are many places to find motivation. We’ve got wonderful personal trainers and groups who have some major fitness challenges going on right now. They don’t all have to do with running, and a lot of them have prizes involved like gift cards to local breweries– how’s that for some motivation?
A lot of local races have shifted to a virtual option. This has some benefits, especially for those who have just started to run and may be intimidated to line up at a starting line. Most offer a t-shirt, medal, and other swag and all you have to do is complete the distance on your own time. You can check out the runCLTrun website for race information and trainers that will include links to virtual options.
Social media is a great way to stay connected. runCLTrun has a fabulous family of runners who are great motivators! Simply by following the account on Instagram and Facebook and using the hashtag #runCLTrun, you will find an instant circle of support. This is one of the very best things about our running community– they’ll encourage and motivate you without ever having met you!
Strava is a way to measure your runs, and there are lots of running challenges going on! Locally, the CLT Runners United group is working to collectively run (or walk) 70,400 miles in these 8 weeks that the CDC has recommended no group gatherings. Other groups are doing similar challenges that help you feel like a part of something. Other members of the challenge can see your accomplishments and cheer you on.
Both Girls on the Run and Let Me Run are offering some options for kids. Let Me Run has compiled a list of running workouts to keep your kids in shape, and Girls On The Run has some fun activities to keep their minds active.
If you or your kids are new to running and need some official shoes, don’t forget that our local running stores can help pick the right shoe for you, which is very important to avoid injury. Charlotte Running Company, Omega Sports, Run For Your Life and Ultra Running Company all have knowledgeable staff that will talk with you and help you figure out which may be the best fit for you. They all have delivery service during this time, as well.
Get out and move. Connect with others. Encourage your significant other and kids to do the same. This won’t last forever. We’re all in this together, even though we’re apart. We’ll come out stronger on the other side!
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