Friday Finds – 12th June

Friday Finds is a regular feature in which I collate and share interesting articles and posts on running/health/fitness which I’ve read recently. Some might be inspiring, some might be scientific, some might provoke debate. All are things I’ve found in some way thought-provoking.

Hello! This is me still struggling with the desire to sit in front of my computer screen any longer than I have to – thanks working from home! – but knowing I want to post on the blog. I don’t know about you, but I feel a bit cross-eyed by the end of the work day since generally being in front of a screen for long periods is not what my job involves. I’m going to be so pleased when I can return to a more “normal” working model!

So with that in mind, I’m going to write quite a quick post to update you on this week’s finds…

First, a fairly unsurprising study result. I know my running is definitely more about mental health than physical health right now, and with no imminent races to train for I know that will be the case for many many others. Here’s the confirmation

• Study suggests we’re running for our mental health more than ever before

Next, a quite remarkable feat of lockdown running – topping the Strava distance table despite ONLY running in your own living room. I’ve been running outside on a daily basis, and yet this guy still ran waaaaay more than me INSIDE!! I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: I just don’t think I could cope with the monotony!

• Living room runner Asif Amirat tops Strava distance challenge

Also with a strange, albeit very different, achievement is this guy who set a new mile world record…IN JEANS!!! An incredible time and clearly some heartfelt reasons behind it, but surely that has to chafe?

• Johnny Gregorek Sets the Record for a Mile—Run in Blue Jeans

Moving on, here’s Alex Hutchinson looking at why solo efforts can feel so much tougher. With so many people running alone rather than with friends/a group right now, it’s a worthwhile reminder of how our perception can fool us.

• Why Hard Exercise Feels Worse When You’re Alone

And finally, Strava art may not be a new idea, but it’s one of the many ways that a parkrun team has been keeping runners engaged throughout lockdown. Has your parkrun being doing anything a bit different to keep your community together?

• Coronavirus: ‘Strava art’ keeps parkrunners motivated

Stay safe. Be kind. Wash your hands.
The Running Princess