Our lives have been turned upside down and we feel anything but normal… this is OK!

I think this has started to sink in for me – as things start to hit close to home. The fear of loneliness, loss of jobs and loss of lives begin to creep into our daily lives. How can we carry on as though we’re fine?

The past month as this has all been unfolding, my pace has taken a dip and I had been beating myself up over it. Seeing others carrying on just ‘fine’ has been tough, why am I struggling? It’s started to get so much that it had started to sap the enjoyment of my favourite thing.

I’ve also been struggling with all the extra people out on walks/runs to try and give them enough space. At times it’s made me feel a little anxious.

With this all combined, it’s just not been very healthy.

I need to remember: I can’t run like ‘normal’ because this isn’t normal. It’s OK to struggle, but comparison is the thief of joy! Others might be quicker, but they might be struggling elsewhere. It shouldn’t matter what they’re up to – running is my time.

As I’ve mentioned previously with this new routine, I’ve recently started yoga and mediation. I can’t do some of the ridiculous poses they suggest but there are things I like. One thing is that there is a focus on breath and control.

I set off on my weekly solo ‘parkrun’ this morning with this in mind. I asked myself what I wanted to achieve:

• To complete a 5k
• To be kind to myself
• To breathe and relax

The second one is the most important. We’re all doing so brilliantly right now and whilst it is frightening and frustrating, it’s important we’re kind to ourselves.

Throughout the run, if I felt my thoughts drift away from the run or my beautiful surroundings, I started to repeat the words ‘Calm’ and ‘Controlled’. With each stride, I would repeat these words to bring me back into focus.

I still wasn’t speedy, but I enjoyed it. It was fun and wonderful. I felt good after and I was smiling.

So here is my advice to you, be kind to yourself. Please.