The world as is known now is divided into two phases – Before Covid and After Covid. We are currently in the transitional Covid phase, where the emphasis is on protecting oneself from the deadly virus, which shows no discrimination and has no cure currently. Prevention is the only option and lock down one of the ways to ensure safety in absence of a cure.
Can anything be more disheartening to a runner, if he is not to venture out from his home for his runs? It is exceedingly difficult to restrict runners and their runs specially if they are used to working out in open spaces and in groups.
The determined ones continue their runs on their terraces or inside their homes. Virtual runs and running challenges have kept many runners motivated. Technology has played a supporting role by connecting all the runners online and keeping their morale high.
These virtual runs have broken the existing shackles and thoughts about running and made everyone realize that all you need for running is the ‘will to run’. No roads, no open spaces – just a run in a makeshift track amidst all chaos and existence of your home is all that is needed!
No one knows if in the Post Covid world all the movement restrictions will be completely removed. But what a joy it would be to hit the roads again, running with our groups while maintaining social distancing, feeling the wind on our faces and the sun on our back, and getting that runner’s high again. The way running events are organized will also change. It would be a while before crowds would be allowed to gather at one place. Shaking hands and hugging each other after a run would be a thing in the past.
The current scenario has taught us many lessons – to respect nature and not take it for granted. Nature has asserted itself in its full pomp and glory now. One sees many new birds, animals, trees and plants. Covid has also positively impacted people’s behavior. People have learnt to live within their resources and avoid wastage and most importantly, they have learnt to value and treasure human relationship. Post Covid, we will not only be blessed with a pollution free environment to run but we will also develop greater value for the camaraderie runners share with each other.
Running would be an even greater pleasure then!