Many people believe that running is an isolated sport, but runners from around the Lithgow region are in mutual agreement that COVID-19 has had a major impact on their sport and fitness routine.
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Paul Vanstone said that COVID-19 has impacted his way of staying healthy as he can no longer run in a group or participate in major weekly timed runs and walks at Parkrun.
"With the closure of a lot of gyms, parks and trails it is harder to find somewhere to exercise and the restriction on driving to a certain location to exercise, is a real issue for me and a lot of others because we live in fear of getting fines to do what we once did without question," he said.
While running and walking can be a solo sport, Paul said that people do want to connect with other people.
"This is evident by the success of Parkrun and seeing so many people exercising with other people in the past," he said.
"Exercising on your own is enjoyable to an extent but social contact with other people definitely encourages me to get out of the house and exercise, I guess some of us just like to have a chat."
Paul said that staying healthy while in isolation can be a lot more difficult than normal.
"Less exercise due to a lack of motivation due to less contact with others has effected my routine and regular exercise program," he said.
"I have been eating healthier because access to food is available but limited and I feel I should not be at the supermarkets too often."
One reason that staying healthy has been difficult is because of the change in routine, according to Paul.
"I am working more at work and around the house but I still found it very easy to put on some weight unfortunately due to poor solo motivation and isolation," he said.
With the cancellation of annual running events, Paul said he has been left with no motivation to get out and train now that he doesn't have an event to look forward to.
But with that being said, he does believe that people should get out and see what they can do on their own.
"Social distancing does not mean you have to stay home, although I feel this way, I would feel better if I could motivate myself to get outside more often, getting through a few kilometres," he said.
I feel I have the fridge open so often the fridge light is giving me a tan.
- Paul Vanstone
Paul's piece of advice for those struggling was to "ask yourself what is best for you today and try and follow that thought or go for that run or walk".
"Don't put it off, if you feel you can't get outside due to fear of contact right now, do a small amount of exercise each day and use social media where you can stay in contact," he said.
"Please reach out to others if you feel isolation is affecting you in ways you did not expect."
Trail runner Florentina Dulceanu said the restrictions have impacted her running because she now can't go for social runs in pairs.
"I now run on my own and share my training via social media with friends but it's not the same, track sessions are cancelled and trail runs in groups are cancelled," she said.
With Parkrun cancelled around the world, including Lithgow who get together every Saturday morning to enjoy a walk with their families, friends and even pet dogs, Tina has felt the loss hard.
"Personally, Parkrun was the best thing about my Saturday, it was my opportunity to catch up with friends, people in the community, I could bring my own kids and also volunteer," she said.
As an active person who loves running, Tina said she was grateful that places in Lithgow such as Hassans Walls has remained open for people who enjoy being in nature.
"It's close to home, I can go up there anytime to do my training, to walk with my children or for bike rides and I see many friendly people enjoying the same thing," she said.
While it took her a while to create a new routine, she says her family are all getting use to the change.
"We wake up when we are ready, have breakfast together, I do my training, then we all go for walks, we spend a lot more time together doing a lot of things at home," she said.
Tina is another runner who has had all of her races cancelled for the year, including the 100 kilometre ultramarathon in May she was set to compete in.
"I felt a bit sad at first but then I think about how many people have died all over the world and how this impacts the vulnerable," she said.
The important thing is that we all come together to minimise the impact this has. I can't imagine losing a loved one.
- Tina Dulceanu
"Running outdoors is still allowed and I'm very grateful for this."
Tina suggested that for those that can't head outdoors, but want to stay healthy and have access to the internet, people could find many free yoga videos on YouTube as well as workouts that require no equipment.
"Many gyms offers great support where you're able to do a class with everyone from the gym right in your living room using video calls or Zoom so give them a ring and see what they offer," she said.
"You now also have more time to cook at home but don't overthink it. Be kind to yourself and do the best you can, smile and appreciate what you already have.
"Stay home, stay safe!"
Kenny Schack-Evans said the only way COVID-19 has affected his fitness routine was having some of the locations he runs at being closed as they were deemed places of mass gatherings, which meant he has had to change locations to avoid those areas.
"I also run regularly with my coaching community and on social runs and Parkrun, but due to social distancing requirements these have all had to be cancelled until further notice," he said.
"So while running can be an individual activity it is also very much a social activity, at least for me anyway and this has a negative impact."
To keep social, Kenny has been maintaining his connections with the running community online and is participating in virtual running and training challenges wherever possible.
"I've not struggled with trying to find a new routine, because I've made adjustments to my old routine. What this has meant however is that I can't physically come together with my running community to train and participate in social activities together, so I miss that aspect of my old routine," he said.
Kenny said that one of his motivators in training is to always have the next race entered and paid for, but with all races cancelled or postponed he can't do this.
"I'm lucky to be involved in a running community and have a coach who has taken the time to develop a large number of online virtual races, where members can go and complete a designated run and post their results to the community's social page and be ranked and receive prizes," he said.
"This has come about through our community's commitment to each other and our ongoing welfare and training, and then support from local shops and suppliers who have donated prizes.
"So thanks to my coach and my running community, my motivation is still high."
Kenny said it was important residents isolate but don't become isolated.
"Use various means such as social media groups to stay connected to 'your people'. Have a plan to get out once a day to go for a walk or go for a run, or ride a bike - anything, but make sure you commit to it," he said.
"Look for online virtual challenges and connect with one - the motivation and support you receive from other participants is really important.
"Take the time to walk or run somewhere different - see 'what's around the next corner', and take a pic to share with others."
Julie Livingstone said one thing she has missed about getting outdoors was running in the National Parks.
"I basically always ran by myself anyway and have thought about having my own home gym at home," she said.
"Plus the exercise class I attend has been modified so I can do it at home."
Julie said that she has tried to incorporate treadmill running and weight workouts at home into her new routine.
"I have even included the dogs and kids," she said.
This new routine, isn't really that different to her old one though.
"Everything is still the same I just have more time to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine...when there is some," she said.
Something Julie is able to look forward to though is a 50 kilometre race she has on later this year, which, at this stage hasn't been cancelled.
"I still have a 50 kilometre race later this year and another a few months after that. I would like to come out of COVID-19 fitter than when it started," she said.
Other then that she is telling residents to find a routine and stick to it.
"Anything is better than nothing, just try to relax and enjoy it," she said.
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