I knew it was coming, I knew that my race was going to be cancelled. Yet I was still devastated and it has affected my running.

I envy those who can carry on their training and smash their goals. For me, I need some time to process it. I’m a highly sensitive extrovert so this is a complete shock to the system – friends, please bear with me!

I went to Parkrun on Saturday, the last one for some time and all I wanted to do was cry. I love my Saturday’s, I love the routine of it all. Even though it hadn’t been announced it was the last one, we all sort of knew didn’t we? It just made it that little bit harder. Like we were saying bye to a close friend!

On Sunday, despite news of the London Landmarks postponement, I decided to continue my training with my final long slow run of 11 miles.

My body felt great, perfect to cope but as I set off my mind took over. It didn’t help that when I started to climb those hills I was being pushed back by the wind. I’m bloody sick of the wind!!

It felt like another thing was holding me back. I tried going down some different roads to motivate my curiosity but nothing. Every step was hard work, I just wanted to stop and cry.

I got to mile 5 and did stop. Why am I putting myself through this? I’m clearly not up for it. I felt like a failure. Ten miles the week before seemed easy, now it felt impossible.

I actually posted it on Twitter and I’m still receiving lovely messages of support.

Coping Strategies

Things are going to be tough for a while and no one knows how long it will be. Here are some coping strategies I’m considering:

• New smaller goals
  • For this, I’m thinking of working on my 1 mile pace or work on my 5k time. Just because it’s not at Parkrun, doesn’t mean it isn’t a PB!
• Other workouts
  • With the gym most likely closing, I’ve planned ahead and bought some weights! Nothing heavy, but enough to get an upper body workout and trust me – I feel it in my arms the next day! Strength work is great for running too, so it’s a win win!
  • I’ve also started yoga. I’m on my second week now and it’s starting to click a little.
• Run on feeling rather than speed
  • If you’re like me and are feeling low, just getting out and running is such an achievement. Forcing speed and other factors into it might be a little too much
• Audio coaching
  • I will miss my social runs! With running clubs cancelled and social distancing encouraged, it can feel really lonely. With apps like Nike Run Club and Aaptiv, you can have a coach guiding you through your runs and give you something to focus on.

What are your coping strategies?