How the Pandemic caused the Resurgence of Outdoor Running
Tags: Trends, Pandemic, Fitness, Running, Outdoors

The resurgence of outdoor running

THE PANDEMIC

For anyone that has been to their local park recently, you must have noticed a significantly large increase in the number of runners during the COVID-19 pandemic. For many people, the pandemic has been a time to try new things, start a hobby, and become a better version of themselves. With gyms and fitness centers closed in many regions, more people are going for a run to get in some exercise during the lockdown. As people look for an outlet to exercise and escape the confines of self-isolation at home, running has seen a boom.

However, even running is not immune to the changes that this pandemic has brought on. Running groups are no longer meeting, purposeful training is put on hold and races all over the world have been canceled. Running is becoming one of the few physical activities you can safely practice while getting some fresh air outside. All you need is a pair of shoes and you can easily get your sweat on.

NO GYMS

With fitness centers closed during the lockdowns, outdoor running has seen a serious spike. And to be quite honest, this makes a lot of sense. Not everyone has a home gym where they can perform the same exercises as they could in a fitness center. Recent events have forced a lot of people to take stock of what we have, what we’re grateful for, and how we find joy. For many people in the fitness world, that joy comes from getting outside and moving, and a lot of people are finding that a regular routine of getting outside, breathing fresh air, and moving — whether that’s running, walking, or hiking- provides a crucial outlet during a stressful time.

This has even been true for those who were regular exercisers to begin with. For beginners and those coming off a long fitness hiatus, walking and running has become one of the best activities that you can do. In fact, for people who worked out a couple of times a week, the exercise rates have increased by almost 90% during the pandemic. The reason for this is because of the increase in the rate of running. People who run once or twice a week have increased that frequency by over 100%, and moderate runners who run up to three times a week have boosted that by over 50%. With gyms being closed, this has given people the chance to explore the wonderful world of outdoor running.

FEELING NORMAL

There’s nothing better than getting some fresh air after a long day of being stuck inside staring at a laptop for 8 hours straight. For an hour each day, runners can enjoy the beauty of the outdoors and forget about what’s happening in the world. It’s a great sense of normality and a renewed appreciation for the sport of running. The world is fighting a pandemic, and people are learning to adjust their lives in a variety of ways while introducing a few more precautions than usual. As much as it is a unique time in everyone’s lives, running can be an activity that provides stress relief and normalization. Running has a variety of well-researched mental health benefits as well. The practice of running may help manage symptoms of depression and even protect brain function. This would be another reason as to why so many people have transitioned into runners throughout the pandemic! With all of the stress that everyone is attaining; running helps to reframe the mind and put it in a better place.

THE BASICS

It’s the perfect sport. All you need is a pair of shoes and a six-foot buffer from the next person. While most other activities, like going to the gym, swimming and team sports are inherently opposed to the rules of social distancing. The superior health benefits runners reap, makes it the most appropriate choice to get your heart pumping and those endorphins rushing through your body!