5 Training Adjustments Due to the Coronavirus

Maintain running fitness and mental wellness during lockdowns through immune-supportive exercise, creative cross-training, and stress management

Written by

Shike Virtual Run Team

Published on

December 30, 2022
BlogArticles

The Runner’s Pandemic Survival Guide

Immune-Supportive Training Protocol

ActivityFrequencyDurationIntensity
Easy Runs4-5x/week30-60 min60-70% max HR
Strength/Mobility3x/week20-30 minBodyweight focus
High Intensity1x/week15-20 min85-90% max HR

Home Training Systems

Equipment-Free Circuits

  • Runner’s Strength: 3 rounds of:
    • Single-leg squats (10/side)
    • Push-up to plank rotation (15)
    • Lateral lunges (12/side)
  • Cardio Blast: 30s work/30s rest x 8 rounds:
    • High knees
    • Burpees
    • Mountain climbers
    • Jump squats

Family Fitness Ideas

  • Scooter Drills: 10min sessions for hip stability
  • Jump Rope: 5x1min intervals with 30s rest
  • Obstacle Courses: Create home agility challenges

Mental Wellness Framework

  • Visualization: 10min/day race scenario practice
  • Meditation: Breath-focused sessions post-run
  • Gratitude Journaling: 3 running-related entries daily
  • Virtual Clubs: Weekly group runs via video chat

Training Adjustment Strategies

If Races Are Canceled

  • Transition to base building phase
  • Focus on weakness improvement
  • Schedule monthly time trials

If Outdoor Running Is Restricted

  • Implement stair workout routine
  • Create indoor running track
  • Adopt pool running if available

Home Gym Solutions

  • Budget: Resistance bands + yoga mat ($50)
  • Mid-Range: Adjustable dumbbells + jump rope ($200)
  • Premium: Folding treadmill + suspension trainer ($1000+)

Stress Management Protocol

  • Reduce training volume by 20-30% during high stress
  • Incorporate daily breathing exercises
  • Maintain consistent sleep schedule
  • Limit news consumption to 30min/day

Sample Lockdown Week

DayAMPM
Monday30min easy runYoga flow
TuesdayBodyweight circuitFamily fitness
Wednesday45min progression runMobility work
ThursdayHIIT sessionMeditation
FridayRest dayVisualization
Saturday60min long runFoam rolling
SundayActive recoveryPlanning

Source: mcmillanrunning.com
Additional Resources: ACSM Exercise Guidelines, ISSN Nutrition Reports
#RunAtHome #StayFit #RunningCommunity

Number of Views: 1

Virtual run t-shirt size chart

Checkout the chart below to ensure you select the correct size before you confirm order