runABC news writer and club coach Alan Newman (pictured) brings you up to date with the latest situation and offers advice to help us all lockdown well this month...

Following the announcement of Lockdown 2.0 in England that started on Thursday (5 November) England Athletics Chief Executive Chris Jones joined forces with British Cycling and British Triathlon in an impassioned appeal to Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden to allow outdoor sports training to continue.

That appeal was unsuccessful, so all organised running and athletics activities are shut down until midnight on Wednesday 2 December throughout England (different arrangements apply in Scotland and Wales). No races, time trials or competitions of any sort may be held and all club training and running group activity is placed in suspended animation for 28 days. 

England Athletics has issued updated guidance for athletics and running. The main points are that running training can only take place with members of your household or with one other person in a public outdoor space. One to one coaching can take place in a public outdoor space following social distancing measures. Running tracks and sports centres will be closed.  

So the 'Rule of 6' no longer applies and most training will have to be solo or with just one running buddy; two's company, three may well be a crowd. This is a time to pause and reflect, reset goals and address any weaknesses or minor injuries with a home exercise programme. There are a number of differences with the previous strict lockdown, including the availability of physiotherapy treatment, so this is the perfect time to rest and rehabilitate any niggles. 

We may be suffering from a few negative thoughts and feelings as we enter the ninth month of this pandemic. However, there are many positive signs on the horizon. Here are just a few:

• Lockdown 2.0 is time-limited by law and must end on 2 December 2020.
• Any extension can only be applied if passed by a vote in Parliament
• A vaccine is imminent and treatments have vastly improved
• Mass testing programmes have started in some areas
• Some areas will benefit greatly from the restrictions
• There are more important things than running!

England Athletics has confirmed that online coach education will continue and its scope has been broadened. Virtual training sessions with qualified coaches can continue, along with all forms of virtual competitions and virtual road races, including its own Weekly 30 Challenge.  

Rest assured, runABC will keep you informed during Lockdown 2.0 and beyond.

Image courtesy Bryan Dale Race Photos