Recreamos su comunidad de corredores en línea durante la pandemia de coronavirus
Just as runners once gathered at their local parks and tracks for races and group runs, many of us now seek that community on Zoom calls and in Strava clubs and Facebook groups where we can share our experiences of a virtual race or a solo run.
For Giulia Guarnieri, an NYRR Virtual Group Training runner, the online running community has helped her have that human connection and not feel socially isolated. “Without the Virtual Group Training chats and running groups, I would feel isolated without a direction,” Guarnieri said. “I think having more structure in my life and having more continuity in my routine helps in terms of social isolation and feeling connected.”
Some runners questioned whether an online running community could mirror the deep connections created through in-person training. NYRR Virtual Group Training runner Mark Jurgens was unsure whether the online running community would fit into his life in the same way the group runs did, but now finds it a hugely valuable part of his training regime. “The open and regular conversations about training plans and courses is very engaging and adds to the experience,” Jurgens said “Coupled with the wider discussions about yoga, talks with the coaches from running techniques and the general sense of fun and informally, it has really helped build a sense of a running community.” Jurgens said that the online running community has also increased social and informal connection with both coaches and fellow runners and has been very rewarding for him.
With the cancellation and postponement of so many races this year, virtual racing has also grown in popularity and provided a way for runners to connect as they take on these challenges, alone but together. Two Virtual Group Training runners, Elizabeth Marks and Louise Sarup, have done just that. Marks said she had not planned on doing any virtual races, but after hearing other runners’ experiences, she has entered several virtual of them. Sarup will run the NYRR Virtual Brooklyn Half; she also completed the NYRR NYC Half – Virtual 13.1M in March. The NYRR Volvo Virtual Racing Powered by Strava offers an inspiring running community on Strava and in the NYRR Virtual Racing Facebook group where runners can discuss their races and results.
Online workout classes and podcasts also provide community for runners who are seeking cross-training. Guarnieri enjoys Yoga with Adriene on YouTube, especially the routines for runners. While professing to being “late to the party,” Sarup likes to listen to the Running Commentary podcast, hosted by two UK comedians, and Chill Track Friday, enjoying the interviews with inspiring runners.
Community can also be found by checking in with your favorite running brands. Honey Stinger has focused on building a strong community since the company was founded in 2001. Honey Stinger’s blog, The Buzz, has been posting at-home workouts, celebrating athletes doing amazing things during social distancing and stay at home orders, plus tips to help with mental strength and goal setting. As a proud Official Partner of the TCS New York City Marathon, Honey Stinger is known for fueling runners as they race through the five boroughs.. Honey Stinger is connecting with the running community by raising the voices of their athletes and ambassadors to build community, share ideas, and help its runners navigate the new normal of training. You can become a part of this encouraging athlete community by joining The Hive, their supportive athlete ambassador program. Check out Honey Stinger, and all your favorite running brands, to see how they are connecting in their communities.
The online running community offers continuity, support, and accountability, whether you reach out in virtual training groups, by completing virtual races and challenges, or by seeking out brands you love. Sarup said that the continuity provided in her virtual training group helps her keep a regular training schedule, and that the support of the coaches and the other runners has been amazing. “This support is great under normal circumstances, but with the restrictions we all are living with now it has been even more encouraging and helpful,” she said.