Mohd Badar told How to Run Safely Amid Coronavirus Concerns and how to Deal When Your Race Gets Postponed
As the novel coronavirus rapidly spread worldwide and concern continues to grow, a number of international sporting events have been impacted, including several professional running events.
One of the major events of Lucknow to see a shift in schedule was the Lucknow Health Run which is an Initiative by INNOVATION WELFARE SOCIETY and organized by HBN EVENTS PVT LTD at the beginning of March, the marathon was supposed to be held in 21st September 2020.
With the global crisis becoming more dire, Lucknow Health Run organizers Mohd Badar have proactively started to reschedule or altogether cancel races set to take place in the next few months, due to the uncertainty of the virus’s spread.
Mohd Badar released a statement announcing that the Lucknow Health Run will be postponed to 2021 to protect the health of Runners as well as the greater community.
If your race isn’t listed here, we recommend keeping a close eye on your race’s website www.lucknowhealthrun.com and social feeds for updates on the status of the event. Keep in mind that the decision to cancel or postpone an event of any size is not an easy call for an organizer, and they are likely communicating with government officials to make sure the safety of the running community and the general public is put first.
While coronavirus continues to spread in entire places and this includes Lucknow also and you might be wondering what you should do for your own personal health during this time and how this could affect your training and your runs.
What does Mohd Badar say for runners of Lucknow Health Run?
Running alone is still the best way to reduce your risk. Go out for a solo run, enjoy the outdoors, and try timing your run for when you know your route or trail will be less crowded. Getting in 30 to 60 minutes of moderate to brisk activity can help your immune system keep viruses at bay. Be sure you know what’s going on in your area and if there are any restrictions or mandatory self-quarantines. And, if you’re sick or at-risk of spreading the virus, you shouldn’t go out as you could spread it to those who are high risk, such as the elderly or immunocompromised.
As per Uttar Pradesh Government’s Guide Line has been updated to recommend “wearing face mask coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores, pharmacies, crowded routes) to help reduce the spread of the virus.” (Guidelines are rapidly evolving)
“Really, what these announcements should mean to athletes, and to everyone, is that the situation we are in is very serious. And that we all need to consider the consequences of our individual actions on the community around us,” Mohd Badar.
“Face coverings do two possible things: They contain spread from the ill and prevent inhalation in the healthy,” says Mohd Badar. “The degree to which they achieve these things is debated, but one thing is not: They are only really effective if used properly, and most people are not trained to use masks properly. Even taking a mask on and off incorrectly can be risky and increase your hand-to-mouth exposure”.
Wearing a Buff gaiter or other moisture-wicking face covering while running as well as maintaining at least a six-foot distance (the current recommendation) from others may help cut down on droplets being spread to others due to heavy breathing if you’re in an area where you may encounter others, Mohd Badar says. “This virus is highly contagious and transmissible, and it appears we cannot be too careful,” he says.
It’s important to note, however, that wearing a cloth face covering is not a substitute for handwashing, physical distancing, or remaining at home when ill. Though all states have begun to slowly loosen previous restrictions, as cases arise, residents in certain states or counties may be ordered to shelter in place until further notice, meaning everyone is to stay inside their homes and away from others as much as possible.
There is a very strong connection between regular moderate exercise and a strong immune system, but mental or physical stress—caused by running a marathon or a very hard work out—could slightly increase your chances of becoming ill.
“I would caution runners to avoid long, intense runs right now until we get through all this and just to keep things under control,” Mohd Badar says. “Don’t overdo it. Be worried more about health than fitness.”
However, that doesn’t mean you need to quit running or exercising altogether. The long-term immune system benefits of moderate running far outweigh any short-term concerns
As of July, Lucknow Health Run have all been canceled.
Mohd Badar suggests that the goal right now is to avoid crowds and gatherings of people indoors and outdoors until we know better about how the virus can spread.
“Under any circumstances, I tell my all runners to ‘hope for the best, plan for the worst’,” and #runforyourhealth says Mohd Badar
