Run 90. Coronavirus Ghost town. Part 1. 31/3/2020.
I remember running the New York marathon years ago and running through Manhattan was easy due to no traffic or people in the way. That’s what I got as I ran through Melbourne under Coronavirus restrictions. And yes I am allowed outside to exercise.
I initially ran well clear of the beach to avoid any groups that might still be risking the social distancing rules, but apart from a few fellow exercisers, hardly anyone was about. Seems like the message is finally getting through. The climbing death toll is probably helping.
Into the Southbank area and again it is quiet, hardly a person about. Social distancing is easy at the moment but my decision to press the pedestrian button at the traffic lights with my foot risks a pulled hamstring. Must remember to use my elbow as less chance of an injury.
The distraction of the Coronavirus and my fascination of the empty streets resulted in losing track of my location and by the time I headed for home I had realised that I had strayed too far north. Made my way back down Canterbury Rd for a bit of variation and by the time I got back to St Kilda I had clocked up the half marathon distance. Another cool down run that I don’t really need. Ran a time of 1:45:52 but virtually no one saw it unlike the New York marathon where millions lined the streets. What a contrast.
My Three Learnings
Running city courses without people are easier.
Concentrating on not touching things is distracting.
Not concentrating means judging distance to the end goes missing.