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Very often I talk about the importance of enjoying the day-to-day preparation for a race, separate and in addition to the actual race. But what about now, when there is no race? Is the training still worth it? Yes. When we’re low on optimism and all motivation is gone, it’s in those moments when a run may actually do the most good. The simple habit of heading out to run, especially in nature, is a powerful way to find hope in the midst of our circumstances. Running can improve our mood and self-esteem, and believe it or not - there are extra bonus effects if we can get near water!¹ Outdoor exercise legitimately helps with hopelessness, depression and anxiety.² In this pandemic we’ve lost not only race opportunities, but also structure, community, plans to look forward to, and perhaps much more. Right now we can embrace running just for the sake of running, and for a regular dose of hope. Let’s keep running, Nicole
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