Running Accounts to Follow for a Boost of Positivity During the Coronavirus Outbreak – runnersworld.com

As cases of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) spread in the United States, high-risk groups—including older adults—are growing more concerned. One elderly couple was even afraid to step into their local grocery store, per a viral Twitter thread from pro runner Rebecca Mehra. Since her tweet on March 11, Mehra’s comments have been liked more than half a million times and shared more than 100,000 times. Plus, she’s been featured on outlets like CNN and been given kudos by none other than Ellen DeGeneres.

For help feeling calm and collected during this stressful time, turn to Olympic steeplechaser Colleen Quigley. Every morning, the Bowerman Track Club runner takes 10 minutes to meditate. “Meditation is my secret weapon—I’ve found that it helps me race without extra stress or anxiety but with clarity and purpose,” she told Runner’s World in 2018. Right now, runners can tune into a mindful audio run led by Quigley via the Nike+ Run Club app.

Particularly strong on Twitter right now (@scottfaubs), the NAZ Elite distance runner is filling his downtime with many things besides running. Maybe he’s recording a podcast about Top Gun, stretching while listening to The National, or coming up with interesting television scenarios. One great example: How would the characters on The Office have reacted to the COVID-19 pandemic?

We could all use a little yoga and gratitude right now. Luckily, Runners Love Yoga founder Ann Mazur, who competed in the 2020 Olympic Marathon Trials last month, is offering online yoga classes to help runners unwind and tone up at home. Plus, her Instagram reminds us all to think about the little things we are grateful for in our lives, even if our days are currently turned upside down.

Elite runner Kaitlin Goodman, who holds a masters of public health degree from Brown University, is offering sound advice on how to be responsible as a runner during the coronavirus outbreak. Check out her IG story for public health tips based on her own knowledge as well as recommendations from epidemiologists, clinicians, and public health professionals.

“Go hard or suffer the rest of your life.” It’s a good motto from Paul Chelimo, the 2016 Olympic silver medalist in the 5,000 meters for the U.S. His Instagram account certainly displays his personality and passion for hard training—like his recent back and forth with Lopez Lomong—and he’s also a fun follow on Twitter. Though we can’t say for sure his recent indoor workout will get the job done for everybody.

Founder of the popular blog Running On Veggies, Lottie Bildirici is sharing simple, healthy recipes that runners can prepare themselves while stuck at home. One of our favorites is this easy weeknight quinoa stir-fry, which packs in protein and veggies with just a few ingredients.

The 2020 winner of the Olympic Marathon Trials frequently shares her thoughts on training via her IG account. (Plus, you get a sneak peek at her latest beanie designs.) She recently returned to training after a two week break, and plans to move forward in her prep for Tokyo despite the uncertainty. “It’s scary not knowing what the future holds, but at least I can still run outside and appreciate nature. I truly believe that now is the time for anyone that has ever thought about running to get started, post run feeling is the best, and it can keep most of us out of trouble,” she wrote.

Coburn was one of the first pros to announce that her Boulder-based training group—made up of elites including Cory McGee and Aisha Praught-Leer—is working out separately to help slow the spread of the virus. On her Instagram, she shares how she is #socialdistancing: “Ran 12 miles, watched three episodes of Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, finished my taxes, and listened to a podcast,” she wrote.

Though Emily Sisson typically trains with Molly Huddle, she’s currently working out solo to practice social distancing, according to her Instagram. In her IG stories, she shares other ways that she is adapting to the temporary lifestyle change, such as playing with her dogs, cooking, and stocking up on books to read at home.

For when you need a laugh, this Instagram account is chock-full of hilarious running-related memes. While the coronavirus outbreak should not be taken lightly, a little comic relief is necessary for us all. (After all, if there’s no toilet paper left on the shelves at the supermarket, at least runners can take solace in the fact that we’re aces at going to the bathroom in the woods.)

Olympian Alexi Pappas, who ran a PR of 2:34:26 at the Houston Marathon in January, is currently sending good vibes from Greece, where she’s training for the season. Her social media posts offer positive words for other runners training during this time, along with some useful advice, such as trying to pick more remote places to run and logging miles at times when others aren’t out.

Miss watching races? Fill the void with the archive of Nick Symmonds’s unique race challenges on YouTube. The two-time Olympian was a middle distance star, but he’s taking on races like a 400 in Crocs, a Big Mac mile, and a time trial around a BMX track.