My running rituals have changed in the era of COVID-19, but the miles still matter

One runner experienced her running ritual shit during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Here’s how she found her way back to her sport over time.

Im an Exercise PhysiologistHeres Why You Shouldnt Worry About Cortisol Spikes When You Do HIIT Workouts.

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But this year has been different.

woman sweating in the gym

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The act of running was providing a balance in endorphins, positive mood boosts, and decrease in anxiety.

This was admittedly the hardest part for me to rectify.

Fitness has always been a way that I keep my mental health in check.

Woman walking on a treadmill at the gym.

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Full body female athlete in sportswear using rowing machine during fitness workout in gym.

I spent pretty much the entirety of March avoiding exercise of any kind.

At the end of each day, Id collapse it and store under my couch in my tiny apartment.

I took meetings on this treadmill.

Happy woman dancing and listening to music near a green empty wall outdoor in the city.

I knocked out four miles here.

Often frustrated and in need of a distraction, Id find small tasks to complete in between miles.

Including but not limited to: Moving the fan closer to me.

Healthy female training in the gym, performing a hip thrust.

Turning up the volume on the TV.

Retying my shoe laces nine times for no reason whatsoever.

One day, after doing the latter, I hopped back on my tread to finish up a workout.

A young black woman doing post-run stretches in the park on the road amidst green grass and trees.

Less familiar, less certain, but still totally recognizable.

I moved into the deserted street and began to pick up my pace on an uphill climb.

For the first time in a long time, there was light.

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