FitFun Run In A COVID-19 World

As it has been for many years, January would typically see us hit the ground running with our Community Project. This ten-week Couch To 5K course is a FREE project which we deliver voluntarily.  It is our way of reaching out to the community and helping people to become more active and social in a safe and friendly environment. Unfortunately, these are precisely the factors which have been compromised by COVID-19.

Agonisingly Close To The Finish Line

At the start of the Pandemic in March 2020, we were in week 8 of our 10-week running course. Along with all fitness clubs, FitFun sadly had to cease face to face activities. Almost one year on and although restrictions have eased a bit; we still cannot restart normal club activities as the government rules currently don’t allow it.

The Tough Decision

We have looked into the possibility of organising small running groups of 6 people. However, for insurance reasons, this would prove not easy.  Specifically, we would need to set up a Covid-19 coordinator, carryout COVID-19 risk assessments, and bring in more coaches. Insomuch as this is voluntary we have found it challenging to get the help we need. Add to all of this, dividing up into small groups goes against our aim of bring more people together. As a result, we have made the tough decision not to schedule any official FitFunRun courses for the time being.

Run With Friends

Running is probably the most accessible form of exercise. However, for many of us, it is also a very daunting one, especially if we feel out of shape or unfit. We believe our FitFunRun training works because it starts with a mix of running and walking,  gradually building up fitness and stamina. This allows the body to adjust to the impact of running slowly. Week one for new runners will involve running for just a minute at a time, creating realistic expectations and making the challenge feel achievable right from the start. Running in a group has proven benefits, it increases your commitment, you gain a sense of camaraderie, it boosts your mood, and it is generally more fun! We fully appreciate the mental benefits of running with friends, and so we wanted to provide you with our top tips for running under the current restrictions.

• Maintain at least a 2m distance from the other runners at all times.
• Running in groups through towns and built-up areas is not advisable due to the number of people you may encounter.
• Many people are understandably anxious regarding social distancing and to have runners coming towards them can cause distress. Therefore, announce your presence, slow down and keep at least a 2m distance whilst passing members of the public.
• Keep to the quieter paths where possible to keep interaction with others to a minimum. Stick to wider paths/roads that it is easier to pass people at the required 2m distance. Where this is not possible, be prepared to stop and retrace your steps to a suitable passing place.
• 2m is the minimum distance but the longer the distance, the safer it is.

Optimism For Future FitFun Running Courses

*Feel free to arrange group runs of 6 via the WhatsApp group on the understanding that this is in your capacity and is not a FitFun activity. Please do not make open invites that could cause more than six people to meet up. We encourage you to keep active as safely as possible. We hope to be delivering community running courses again very soon and look forward to seeing many of you once again!

Thank you for your understanding