How is your running surviving Covid chaos?

51 watchers
Apr 2020
11:06pm, 9 Apr 2020
2,138 posts
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Canute
There is remaining uncertainty about some details of airborne spread.

It is well established that the corona virus can be spread via droplets in a cough or sneeze. The 2 m recommendation is based in that observation. Two metres is probably a reasonable practical limit for everyday purposes, though it does not entirely prevent risk of droplet transmission. However, as indicated by the evidence of clouds of droplets in the air behind runners and cyclists, I would avoid running or cycling within a few metres behind another runner or cyclist from a different household for a sustained period of time.

The more controversial issue is spread via aerosol particles. An aerosol is defined as a suspension of particles less than 5 micrometres in diameter. This is less than the diameter of the typical droplets produced by coughing. Particles less than 5 micrometres in diameter can remain suspended in air for prolonged periods. Dissipation depends largely on air circulation, similar to the way that perfume gets dissipated. There is evidence that viral RNA (the genetic material in the virus) can be suspended in air as an aerosol for prolonged periods. It is not yet established whether or not intact virus particles capable of producing infection can be spread by aerosols. Nonetheless, it is probably sensible to ensure good ventilation in the house of a person who is infected. However I do not think there is an appreciable risk of transmission of infection via aerosol from another runner or cyclist in the open air. I would simply observe the 2 m rule as far as is practical, but as stated above, I would avoid running or cycling within a few metres behind another runner or cyclist for a sustained period of time.
Apr 2020
8:12am, 10 Apr 2020
7,409 posts
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chunkywizard
There is some doubt over the legitimacy of the runner/cyclist simulation doing the rounds bicycling.com
Apr 2020
8:23am, 10 Apr 2020
496 posts
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roberton
For my answer to the thread title, very well thanks :-)

I had an injury late January so the lockdown has coinciding with me just having got back to a normal-lish level of fitness but also (with the very good weather ☀️) more enthusiasm.

The main beneficiaries have been Who Squares Wins and Fetchpoint. Since I have to stay near home, and I'm not commuting to work, they've been receiving some love 😍
Apr 2020
9:01am, 10 Apr 2020
2,139 posts
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Canute
CW I agree we should not accept that cycling simulation as 'proven' science. The main justification of my view about the need for caution is the evidence regarding aerosol spread. This is discussed in some detail in the latest issue of Science (official journal of The American Association for the Advancement of Science) that discusses the evidence that ‘normal breathing' can expel Corona virus. science.sciencemag.org

The evidence is controversial. This is typical of the way that science advances. At this stage we need to act according to probabilities because the scientific evidence is still controversial. On balance I am sticking with the 2 m rule in most circumstances, but nonetheless would avoid following within a few metres behind a runner or cyclist for a substantial period of time.
Apr 2020
9:13am, 10 Apr 2020
39,665 posts
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Derby Tup
I’ve run 17 days on the trot now plus done my longest run in I don’t know how long
Apr 2020
9:14am, 10 Apr 2020
69,063 posts
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Gobi
DT - I keep deliberately breaking a streak so it doesnt happen - I have turned into Mr 5 miles
Apr 2020
9:16am, 10 Apr 2020
39,666 posts
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Derby Tup
I’ve done three in the past but always find them a burden ultimately. I go through a cycle of nurture, pride, build, protect then resent. I think I’m between stages one and two now. Regular five milers is good. That’s what Stef does
um
Apr 2020
9:26am, 10 Apr 2020
2,069 posts
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um
Maybe starting a streak?

Every day in April so far, some physical activity - either running, biking or walking on 'rest days'. Encouraged by the lockdown (and open countryside all around), but also the weather. I suspect if it was peeing down, the walks & bikes may not happen.
Apr 2020
9:27am, 10 Apr 2020
21,044 posts
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BigChiefRunningBore
somewhat late in the day I've started to run on golf courses - no golfers, lots of space, excellent social distancing plus choice of levels of grass or paths and around here lots of undulation.
Apr 2020
9:38am, 10 Apr 2020
944 posts
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Paul N
5:30 start to get into my local hilly trail before the swarm descends.

5.5 miles-ish out and back from the house, with 600ft of climbing, most of which is squeezed into a one mile and a bit stretch up by a river/waterfall.

Sun was coming up so was able to get rid of the head torch pretty quickly and just enjoy the run and the dawn chorus.

Met one person on the way down, guess he was working for the National Trust as he was out picking litter.

Think I'll shift more of my running to the early morning, it's bright enough not to be a hassle, even off road, there's no one else about, and the twins have started to sleep on a bit later so it's less of a family hassle to get the miles in early. Back for breakfast as the house wakens.

About This Thread

Maintained by Canute
Covid-19 case numbers continue to rise exponentially in the UK.

It is even more crucial to do everything we can to slow the rate of onset of new cases. Nonetheless, exercise remains important for our health.

The relevant piece of the legislation in England is:

The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (England) Regulations 2020

Restrictions on movement

6.—(1) During the emergency period, no person may leave the place where they are living without reasonable excuse.

(2) For the purposes of paragraph (1), a reasonable excuse includes the need—

(a) to obtain basic necessities, including food and medical supplies for those in the same household (including any pets or animals in the household) or for vulnerable persons and supplies for the essential upkeep, maintenance and functioning of the household, or the household of a vulnerable person, or to obtain money, including from any business listed in Part 3 of Schedule 2;

(b) to take exercise either alone or with other members of their household;

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That is an abbreviated version. Here is a link to a more comprehensive specification of section 6:
legislation.gov.uk

Similar regulations apply in Scotland, where section 8, (5) (b) states:
(b) to take exercise, either alone or with other members of their household.
In Northern Ireland, section 5 (2) (b) is the same:
(b) to take exercise either alone or with other members of their household;

In Wales, the regulations state that you can leave the house no more than once a day for exercise, The relevant section [section 8] states:

(b) to take exercise, no more than once a day, either alone or with other members of the household.

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Here is a link to the guidance regarding a reasonable excuse to leave the house, issued by the National Police Chiefs Council (for England):
college.police.uk
Note added 26th May: unfortunately the clear guidelines issued in April have been taken down and replaced by a more complex collection of documents.
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The fact that the government accepts the importance of exercise places a responsibility on us to exercise in a way that reduces our risk of becoming a clinical case rather than increasing our risk.

Here is a review of the factors that influence the relationship between exercise and function of the immune system
fetcheveryone.com/blog/13360/2020/3#blog403926

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