My garden route during lockdown
Covid-19 has changed what running is and how people run. Lockdown makes it difficult to enjoy the social elements, but runners always find a way to get their fitness fix.
The Garden Route conjures up images of beautiful stretches of coastline and evergreen forests. Those who love jogging probably imagine perfectly maintained routes with breath-taking scenery.
Initially, during hard lockdown, the garden route started at the joggers’ door and ended at their gate, and became their only option for staying fit and avoid developing pandemic gut. Francois Buys from Noordheuwel got to know his garden better than expected last year after he and his fellow Run Zone West Rand club members were informed by the president that there’ll be no running and other outside physical activity for a few months.
“It was not ideal,” Francois started, “but at least it kept the mind busy. Once we were able to go outside, I appreciated running freely so much more.” Things have definitely changed for the fitness industry throughout the different levels of lockdown.
I’ve improved my overall running over the past year. I am more committed to going out and bettering myself on each run; whether it’s speed or hill training, or just getting time on the legs. I can say with confidence my times and general fitness have improved.”
Francois has been running since his primary school days, and especially enjoyed cross-country.
“Being part of a cross-country team made it more enjoyable as we always pushed each other harder. My love for running has always stuck with me, even though I experimented with many other disciplines. Running gave me the foundation to try and test anything. I’m enjoying my running more than ever.” He tries to run at least four times during the week, alternating between 8km and 12km runs, and does long-slow distance runs over the weekend, attempting to run between 40km and 50km.
“All this also depends on what I’m training for. For races, the intensity and distances increase.”
Francois said when he and his wife tested positive for the first strain of Covid-19, “We were in Nelspruit doing the Kaapsehoop Marathon. I managed to finish the 42km in sweltering heat, and even with the effect of Covid-19 we managed to come out as winners.”
In general, he said, the pandemic and lockdowns have brought him and his family closer. They now make better use of their time together, going for runs or just having coffee together. Even though club members are not allowed to run together in terms of the current level 4 regulations, his family always makes time to run.
Running keeps me motivated to be better than yesterday; not only physically, but emotionally and mentally. When I go on a long run I get time to sort out many things, and get a new perspective. I’ve made so many new running friends and met people who share the same passion – from the very experienced 20-plus Comrades runners to the young guns starting out.”
Running has definitely changed over the past year and a half, but it’s more important than ever for people to stay healthy and get fit.
