Hexaware DRHM 2020, Newsletter 1, Article 3

In these trying times, where the word ‘unprecedented’ is bandied about every 2 sentences, structure in itself has become fluid. For all us running maniacs, the lockdown brought a new challenge. Yes, you can work from home but how can you run at home? How do you go from a structured training plan to mayhem? 

Some innovative souls ran in their living rooms, some on their terrace and some in their backyard and the lucky few, dusted their treadmills after excavation from under all the drying clothes. But then, how do you structure a training plan without a target race, without a goal to achieve? Some switched from running to indoor cycling, zoom yoga and virtual group fitness sessions. Anything to preserve the mojo for fitness. 

The smart ones identified weaknesses, injuries and flexibility issues and worked on them during the lockdown. Some of the more adventurous ones found lonely streets to do interval training. Those with coaches got revised training plans catered to the restrictions. While some found online virtual events to keep the fire burning. The partial relaxation of lockdown allowed us to get back on the road which was a blessing but no group runs and no after run tea and coffee. Which brings us to the question, how do you motivate yourself running alone. The key lies in changing your goalposts. Technique and strength correction, faster over shorter distances and concentrating on maintaining fitness rather than building it. Looking inwards, enjoying the runners high and being so thankful that you can run and breathe the fresh air brings positivity and mitigates some stress. It’s the time for you to start up on that crazy idea whether it’s a headstand or a push up or a pistol squat and follow it to success. Fitness gives us small achievable goals that bring a sense of fulfillment. 

We must learn to accept that the new normal is here. The way forward is going to be different and let’s face it, most of us don’t have the drive to create our own plans, balance out our own fitness goals or even have an expert ear to get our queries answered.

This popped 2 questions in our dreamrunner minds. How to provide goals to our runners in this new normal and more importantly, how to provide structure and balance to training?

Voila, a virtual event, convert the iconic chennai half marathon to a virtual event where everyone can run where they are with all precautions and still compete with themselves and set targets. The first question answered.