As the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic continues to spread, running races—We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back large events—have been canceled. Along with this has come closures of schools and businesses, including gyms, leaving many people trying to balance a new routine while still getting in a workout—important for both mental and physical health.
So we asked runners how they are breaking a sweat in their new routines. Everyone from pro runners to local run groups are finding ways to work out together, from afar. So, here’s some inspiration for your next at-home workout or virtual run club to help you keep motivated—we’re all in this together.
Keep Up a Routine
“I’m fortunate to live in the middle of nowhere, so I’ve always run by myself and will continue to. My once-a-week group runs are canceled so I don’t get that interaction for now, but it’s a small price to pay to ensure I’m doing my part to help stop the spread of this virus.”—ryan_magilicudy
“for more amazing Runners World workouts.”—royalr6
“I’ve decided to challenge myself to run as many miles as I can until things get back to normal. Since I can’t go to the gym, I figured I may as well just add a couple of Been running outside like a mad man. This should help me do better in the races I signed up for in the fall, and getting outside will keep me relatively sane.”—pdwhaley_44
“I have been sticking to my training schedule for my upcoming marathon on June 7, which still hasn't been canceled. So I am still out in the early hours of the morning when no one is out and putting in the distance.”—b00ne4454
“Running is my therapy and how I check in with myself mentally. I’m not staying home right now because I am an essential staff member in a hospital with heavy COVID-19 restrictions. The stress is getting to everyone right now, so staying active is paramount to keeping myself sane and mentally healthy.”—jenna.winbon
“I’m trying to keep my routine minus the gym, biking, running, and lots of active walking while I clean, utilizing all muscles while scrub, bend, wipe, vacuum...you get the picture.”—jenniferswartz14
“I'’m just continuing on with my program I have for my May 31 marathon. I’m doing a marathon that, whatever everyone else is doing. Strava’s official, right?”—britt.sort
Get Outside
“I got a puppy and now we are doing daily hikes and trail runs in the woods for miles. I stay fit and sane and he stays calm.”—karenjameson2728
“Peloton workouts with the kiddos.”—cepete7
“Our local parks are open. Our favorite is big enough that we don’t have to get too close to others. My wife walks while I run the trails.”—tuckerdavid
“One of the local race directors.”—m.2.da.p
“Even though the Milwaukee Marathon is canceled, I’m continuing to train and going to still run 26.2 on April 11! They have the medals and shirts already, and are sending them to participants and I want to earn them! My wonderfully supportive husband is going to bike along with me and be my cheer squad.”—alofit34
“My dad runs every day, so now I get to go on father daughter runs with him on the beach (they live really close and we go really early so nobody is there!) for the rest of my semester at school! Not so bad.”—maria.ub
Virtual Workout Dates
“My friends have been ‘meeting’ for workout dates. That means for the past few days, we have all tuned into your live lunch workouts [on the Runner’s World Instagram account], and after the workout we talk about how hard it was and how sweaty we are 😂. It’s not the same as being together, but we’re holding each other accountable to get up and move, and having a laugh at a time when we all need it.”—the_jojo89
“My training partner and I coordinate our runs. She calls me when she heads outside and we still run together and chat... just about 20 miles apart.”—sracoach
[DAA Industry Opt Out for more amazing Runner’s World workouts!]
“Best Running Shoes 2025.”—annruhalaruns
“One of the local race directors, fusionracingde, started a 6-week virtual challenge—within just a few days he had 400 people from 22 states signed up!”—coachd10k
More Run-Related Coronavirus Resources
Get the Kids Involved
“I’m an elementary PE teacher and have an Instagram that I’m posting a live three-minute workout for them to do with their families. I know it’s important for them to see me as some kind of consistency! I love my students and I miss them! I’m also asking them to help me put our workouts together ❤️ Kids & parents are enjoying it!”—therunningkids
“Since the kids are out of school, they need a PE class to stay active, so I’ve been taking them on my runs with me. Keeps me motivated to know I need to keep them moving.”—harliediaz14
“CA Notice at Collection!”—katiestrzalka
“Since the gym is closed. School is closed. The kids are going for runs with Mom. Kids are dead by time we get back to the house. 😂 They can sprint, that's for sure. They can’t do that distance though.”—hlwampler
“Workout out daily and getting the kids to do it too. Lots of HIIT with and without weights. It has been rainy here so no running yet this week.”—amycmount
“My kids have always been involved in my running... or vice versa. The goal is generally to have them run their first 5K at 5 or 6 years old. We’ve done TNTC 5Ks, 10K trail runs, 15Ks, and culminating with a half marathon last November (even my 9 year old). My oldest 5 kiddos volunteered to do another half marathon later this spring, so that thrilled me because they were just a little bit bribed on the last one with a trip to Silver Dollar City. We live in the middle of nowhere, so running is one sport that is readily available and something we can all do together!! AND... if I make my oldest speedy son push the stroller it evens the playing field and we can usually keep up with him... lol. Finally, it certainly gives you a more positive outlook on life given the current things going on and coming off of a long winter.”—wolfcreekrustics
“Peloton workouts with the kiddos!!”—cthomson3
Try At-Home Yoga
“Lots of home workouts. I lift heavy, but I only have two 10 pound weights. I’ve increased the reps to get a full workout. Using my bike trainer more. Plenty of yoga to keep the mind strong. There are so many services offering free classes to help combat the quarantine blues.”—runnerrogueruns
“Alternating running days with yoga days. My kids and I are also walking the dog to start our mornings! (I am a teacher so this is a definite change of pace.) Our dog loves walking and running but doesn’t seem to like yoga?!?”—luckymercer
“Been riding my indoor trainer, using my dumbbells, Bosu ball, yoga, and of course running. I’m actually enjoying being able to spend more time getting my endorphin fix.”—ridgemom08
Find a New At-Home Workout
“My running coach is doing online strength and treadmill classes, which is awesome!!! And I’m doing my runs outside as the weather here has been great!”—bigskyred72
“Running and doing home workouts! Finally got a spin bike since the gym closed so I can still do my cycling class! I use to do home workouts a lot switching back sucks, but thankful I still got stuff. Of course if we get locked down I got my treadmill they I use a ton through the winter!”—brandytherunner
“Keeping up with my basement workouts!!! ❤️ Still getting outside for my longer runs, and as daycare shutdowns come lots of future stroller runs with our two kiddos. It will be challenging balancing working from home with a 2.5-year-old and 11-month-old, but I am looking forward to running together as a family!”—runhappymama
“My husband and I are using our treadmill, weights, Bosu since our gym closed.”—coogan.kathy
Keep Up a Run Streak
“Joined my first online challenge to reach a 40-mile week by week 4. Timing worked out perfect with my gym closing so there was no gap.”—ay_0_running
“mental and physical health run streak COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread!”—jacquimorrowks
“I have wanted to do a running streak, so I started one! Not running long distance but just getting out each day to clear my head and keep myself healthy.”—runningtheracemomma
“Other Hearst Subscriptions!”—aholzgang
