MADISON- The current COVID-19 pandemic across the globe, the United States and here locally, has certainly changed our lifestyles and many experts feel the changes in our society will last forever. As we all hunker-down during the “stay at home” routine to help in stoppage of the spread of the coronavirus, getting proper exercise is important for overall health and the possibility to fight the virus should you become infected.

For those who love to run or walk as their exercise, there are common sense tips that can assist in getting outdoors in the spring season during the pandemic- all with the idea of following the guidelines set forth by health agencies both locally and nationally. So in light of this, how does one maintain social distance and still run or walk?

Keep Distance and Put Others First

This is the easiest of the tips- maintain the recommended six feet distance from another human, per the Centers for Disease Control and the World Health Organization.

When on a trail or road for exercise and encountering others, communicate clearly and take extra effort to pass from a distance. Cross the street it you need to. Move to get out of the way of others. With the situation as it is, one misstep could cause an interaction that will result in illness. It may be best to run or walk in solitude.

Run City Street Routes

Some parks and greenways are closed so consider taking an alternate route. Most experts agree utilizing city streets may be the best during this time- but remind those who choose to do use streets to be mindful traffic is still among the area streets and always look out in all directions for traffic. The experts suggest “blaze your own paths.”

Play It Safe

Unless your housemate, partner or spouse runs with you, you should run or walk responsibly, which means doing so alone. The thought of exercising outdoors alone is against all of the usual characteristics of the social aspects of taking to the road or trail for a good run or walk. Those who choose this type of exercise use the time for socializing or communicating with others as many times groups come together for this type of stress relief health benefits.

Those in the know encourage those exercising outdoors to take extra steps to know where you’re going, watch your surroundings and tell others where you’re headed before going on a run or walk. Those experts encourage to absorb your surroundings and make smart decisions on your route.

In addition, make sure you utilize safety equipment like headlamps and reflectivity vests or shoes. Another tip the experts stress is to carry your cell phone just in case an emergency arises, especially while out exercising alone.

Keep Running

The act of running or walking is a great way to preserve some “normalcy” in our lives and adds a great way to handle the stress of the current situation. Medical personnel remind all of us exercise, such as running or walking, is part of a healthy lifestyle and can boost your immune system, which is extremely important during the current pandemic.

Although many races have been cancelled or postponed to a later date, Fleet Feet of Huntsville and soon to be Madison, is offering a virtual race on-line. Over 330 local runners have already joined in the fun and the experience of competing in the virtual world.

Visit the Fleet Feet website- www.fleetfeethuntsville.com or use the hashtag #TogetherWeMove and #runningisNOTcancelled to share your journey in the real world or the virtual world we are currently in.

Fleet Feet of Huntsville assisted in the information in this helpful reading.