Sports / Events

This category has articles on events, sportspersons and issues in sport of interest to this blog.

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BOSTON MARATHON / NO ACTUAL RACE IN 2020, ONLY VIRTUAL FORMAT

This photo was downloaded from the Facebook page of Boston Marathon and is being used here for representation purposes only. No copyright infringement intended.

Given the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, there will be no 2020 Boston Marathon in the physical sense.

The 124th edition of the iconic race scheduled to be held on September 14, 2020 will now be a virtual event, the organizers – Boston Athletic Association (BAA) – informed in a statement dated May 28, 2020, available on their website.

“ Information on how to enter the virtual Boston Marathon will be communicated to all Boston Marathon entrants in the coming weeks. All participants who were originally entered in the Boston Marathon for April 20, 2020 are eligible to participate in the virtual Boston Marathon. This includes entrants who had previously opted for a race refund prior to the May 28 announcement,’’ the FAQ section of the statement explained. However according to it, virtual race times that are submitted to confirm participation in the 124th virtual Boston Marathon in 2020 will not count towards qualification for the 2021 Boston Marathon.

Virtual offerings for participants during the marathon week – September 7-14 – will include exclusive panel discussions, champions’ interviews, and a downloadable Boston Marathon toolkit that includes signature race elements such as a printable finish line, winner’s breaktape, and more. Participants in the virtual 2020 Boston Marathon will be required to complete the 26.2 mile distance within a six hour time period and provide proof of timing to the BAA. All athletes who complete the virtual race will receive an official Boston Marathon program, participant t-shirt, medal, and runner’s bib. Rules and guidelines surrounding the virtual Boston Marathon will be communicated by email and via www.baa.org in the near future. Similarly, registration details, including fees for participation and /or shipping costs, will be communicated to all Boston Marathon entrants in the near future.

Away from the virtual event, the organizers have said that the BAA is reviewing all specifics involved in the registration procedure for the 2021 Boston Marathon, and additional details related to both the qualifying window and registration dates for the 2021 Boston Marathon will be announced and posted in the coming weeks. Registration for the 2021 Boston Marathon will open towards the end of September 2020. The beginning of the qualifying window to be used for application and entry into the 2021 Boston Marathon has been established to be September 15, 2018. This “ means that we will accept qualifying performances posted for the 2020 event into the 2021 race, as well,’’ the statement said

All participants who were originally registered for the April 20, 2020 event will be offered a full refund of their entry fee associated with the race and will have the opportunity to participate in the virtual alternative to the 124th Boston Marathon, which can be run any time between September 7 to 14. “ Virtual race times that are submitted to confirm participation in the 124th virtual Boston Marathon in 2020 will not count towards qualification for the 2021 Boston Marathon,’’ the statement said.

On the question of deferring participation, the statement said, “ we are unable to offer the option to defer entry to the 31,500 athletes who were expected to participate in the 124th Boston Marathon. The field size for the April 2021 race has not yet been set, and it will need to take into account guidelines and regulations for large scale events that have yet to be established.”

In recognition of this unique circumstance, all participants who were originally registered for the April 20, 2020 event will be offered a full refund of their entry fee associated with the race and will also have the opportunity to participate in the virtual alternative to the 124th Boston Marathon held in September. Entrants who were accepted into the 2020 Boston Marathon by way of a qualifying time may use their 2020 Boston Marathon qualifying time to apply for entry into the 2021 event, the statement said.

(The author, Shyam G Menon, is a freelance journalist based in Mumbai.)

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COPING WITH THE MASK

Illustration: Shyam G Menon

With COVID-19, the face mask has become part and parcel of our lives. The general feedback from runners who ran wearing a mask is that it is an uncomfortable experience, which you may however get used to. In mid-May 2020, a report appeared in the media (it was circulated on social media as well) of a man in Wuhan, China, who ran wearing a mask and later suffered a collapsed lung. Although health officials believed the culprit was the mask, at least one newspaper reported that a senior doctor at the hospital where the patient was treated had said, the runner was already susceptible to “ spontaneous pneumothorax because of his tall, lanky frame.’’ Aside from speculating, it wasn’t possible to conclude anything from the report. To compound matters, there seems to be no conclusive study available yet on the subject of wearing a mask and running. We spoke to four doctors with strong ties to running, for their take on the subject.

“ There is no real research or study available on the subject yet. It is a new topic,’’ Dr Aashish Contractor, Director, Department of Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine, Sir H. N. Reliance Foundation Hospital, said of the emergent debate around mask and running.

The normal act of running outdoors has to be seen in its full context. It is usually done at an hour before the regular flow of people manifests on roads. There are not many people around and the number of runners among those choosing to be out at that hour is not high. It must also be remembered that runner is neither static nor moving at walking pace. The chances of catching the virus depends on various factors including how crowded an area is, proximity to others, the duration of exposure and the viral load one is exposed to. Against the above outlined outdoor scenario with mask and physical distancing additionally in place, it would appear that the chances of contracting the virus may be further minimized. However it must be borne in mind that exercise – like running – causes heavy breathing. “ I would think you should stay about 20 feet away from another person while running,’’ Dr Contractor – he was Medical Director of the Mumbai Marathon from 2004-2014 – said.

Wearing a mask and running is bound to be difficult. “ Depending on the level of exertion, it will be hard to breathe,’’ he said. One way of overcoming this is to be conscious of how much you are pushing yourself. Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE) is a good rule of thumb to stay on the safe side. “ If you feel your breathing is becoming hard, slow down. Do that because this is not anyway a time to be proving anything,’’ he said. A simple three ply surgical mask should be adequate for the morning run. Wear it when running and if you are feeling uncomfortable, use your judgement and pull it down a bit for easier breathing. Relief gained; pull it back on. As for the news report about the Wuhan runner who suffered a collapsed lung, Dr Contractor felt available details are inadequate to establish direct link between the condition and use of mask.

Given the number of races held under its banner, the 2019 edition of La Ultra The High was spread over five days in Ladakh. At that elevation oxygen content in the atmosphere is lower than at sea level; it is lower still atop the high mountain passes the ultramarathon’s route touches. “ We encourage runners, support crew and officials to use their bandanas; cover their face to protect themselves from the fumes of passing vehicles. In the case of someone who walked-ran all those five days, at least as many hours as in a half-day would have been spent protected by the bandana and breathing through it,’’ Dr Rajat Chauhan, Race & Medical Director of the event, said. Dr Chauhan specializes in sports & exercise medicine and musculo-skeletal medicine. “ It should be fine,’’ he said when asked about the issue of wearing a mask and running.

However, there were caveats to the observation. A pre-existing medical condition can alter the tolerance someone has for prolonged breathing through protective barrier. Further, you have to get used to breathing so. “ In the last two months of lockdown, I would have gone out of my house just twice. On both those occasions I wore a mask and it wasn’t easy doing the things I had to do while breathing through the mask. My suggestion to those who are in zones where they are allowed to venture out for running is that they first wear the mask indoors for about the same duration as they plan to be out. Get used to it,’’ he said, pointing to the heat of summer as another factor to be aware of.

Illustration: Shyam G Menon

Getting used to the mask gradually also makes sense because in Dr Chauhan’s assessment most amateur runners haven’t learnt to use their lungs efficiently. “ The typical amateur runner in India still has shallow, rapid breathing,’’ he said. Next, your intensity of exercise matters. Intense exercise puts commensurate demand on the respiratory system. “ Do workouts at low intensity. Very long and or high intensity workouts are best avoided,’’ he said. Aside from the fact that high intensity training is a period when risk of cardiac problems is higher (before things improve as product of having exercised), immunity also lowers temporarily in this phase. The present characterized by COVID-19 is not times when immunity should be fiddled with. The N95 mask, which is more effective in keeping the virus at bay, is tough to breathe through. The normal surgical mask is easier to breathe through but not as effective a virus-barrier. “ At the end of the day you are in the realm of informed decision-making,’’ Dr Chauhan said of the challenge in framing best practices for a problem yet to merit in-depth study and research.

“ Right now the ideal approach would be to consider everyone a potential carrier of disease and have everyone stick to safety protocols like using a mask or face cover. This is not a phase to be viewed only through the prism of sport. It is a question of humanity,’’ he said of world battered by COVID-19. His advice to runners was – focus on strength training.   “ I have this saying: if you can’t do something sitting down or standing up, how can you hope to do the same while moving? All those boxes have to be ticked before you get down to running or running with a mask on,’’ Dr Chauhan said.

When it comes to air quality, Delhi is among the world’s most polluted cities. Colonel Muthukrishnan Jayaraman is a doctor with the Indian Army. He is a regular runner. He first used a mask while running, in 2018, after he was posted to Delhi. “ It was extremely difficult. If you exert yourself, you need more oxygen and getting that in was a challenge,’’ he recalled. The mask was also prone to becoming wet with the moisture of one’s breath. Eventually he stopped using it. Roughly two years later, the mask has become a regular fixture in life due to COVID-19. “ We wear it at work. For that purpose, it is not a problem. But wearing a mask and running is a challenge,’’ the army doctor said. First, it defeats the very idea of a morning run, which is to do something enjoyable. Second, with the more effective masks meant to keep viruses at bay bound to make breathing hard, you end up using simpler models that are not totally competent as virus barrier; it is a compromise. You wear it only because any protection is better than no protection. Consequently, Col Jayaraman is of the view that choosing less crowded stretches of road to run on and maintaining adequate physical distancing is the best option. However, one aspect needs to be borne in mind, he said. During exercise and for a little while afterwards, there is typically a dip in immunity levels. Given this, other precautionary measures to prevent infection, shouldn’t be trivialized, he said.

“ In healthcare, masks have been used for over 100 years now. They are used mainly during an operative intervention, to prevent transmission of infection to the patient,’’ Dr Pravin Gaikwad, pediatrician based in Navi Mumbai, said. A runner and triathlete, he illustrated the equations at work while using precautionary measures like the mask.

For instance, the operation theater scenario of doctor wearing a surgical mask is a case of – I protect you. In the present situation of COVID-19, if 60 per cent of the population wears masks which are even 60 per cent effective in blocking the transmission of virus, the epidemic may be stopped. That would be a case of – I protect you, you protect me. In a highly infectious disease scenario like COVID-19, special N95 respirator is used to protect the healthcare professional and others from him. The equation here is – I protect myself and I protect you. In industry like asbestos, N95 with valve (which is more comfortable) is used to protect the worker but not others. This is a case of – I protect myself but I expose you. “ That would be sinister if used in the present situation,’’ he said.

Masks can cause discomfort. “ The N95 which fits snugly certainly causes a bit of discomfort upon prolonged use. Talking and being heard, is also an issue. Surgical masks are relatively more comfortable. Surgeons use them for a long time – even 9-10 hours – in long supra major surgical procedures,’’ Dr Gaikwad said, adding, “ compared to the surgical mask, homemade cloth masks or bandana, I presume, would be less breathable and therefore less comfortable.’’

Illustration: Shyam G Menon

According to him, running in a face mask would be uncomfortable in any weather. If one really wants to use it, one has to gradually introduce it in one’s regime. It would take a few weeks to months getting used to it. “ As the amount of air inhaled becomes limited, breathing becomes more laborious. Pace would obviously reduce and fatigue would set in faster. Mask becoming damp partly due to water vapor in exhaled air and partly from sweat is another issue making it not only uncomfortable but also less effective,’’ he said. He felt that for running, surgical masks would be more comfortable to use. “ Basically, the mask has to be breathable and effective….a homemade mask which has to be removed time and again will defeat the purpose,’’ Dr Gaikwad said.

Breathable masks don’t pose the risk of inhaling one’s own exhalation to a significant extent so as to cause disturbance in oxygenation. The droplet size of the present Corona virus is 125 microns and that of the CO2 molecule is 0.00023 microns, 1000 times smaller. Still, to check discomfort, the best option would be to keep runs shorter and gentler, striking a balance between getting exercise done and not exerting to levels inviting strain while using a mask. Choose to run after checking what zone (red, orange or green) your area is in and how authorities have relaxed lockdown rules therein. Even if you are using a mask, maintaining physical distancing of at least six feet is a must.  “ There shouldn’t be sudden increase in mileage in even indoor runs or those done on local campuses as this would make a runner prone to injury besides reducing his or her immunity temporarily. We can ill afford both these angles at present. Always listen to your body,’’ Dr Gaikwad said.

Author’s note: On May 18, 2020, the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) – it is the apex body for athletics in the country – issued Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for its national camps in Patiala and Bengaluru (please click on this link for that report: https://shyamgopan.com/2020/05/20/afi-issues-standard-operating-procedure-for-its-athletes-coaches-and-support-staff/). The on-field protocols followed by elite athletes at these camps have not been gone into in detail in this article because the training ambiance of amateurs and elites is totally different. Amid pandemic, amateurs live and train in a world that includes everyone else; elites live and train in sanitized national camps with access strictly monitored. Nobody goes from the outside into the camps, nobody from within comes out (rejoining requires quarantine). It won’t be fair to compare the two worlds or blindly copy what performance driven-elites do while training against backdrop of pandemic because one ecosystem is controlled and sanitized, the other isn’t. Some general protocols laid down at the national camps make sense as meaningful guidelines for amateurs taking to public spaces for exercise. They include: not going for training if you have any flu-like symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, difficulty in breathing, fatigue etc or if you have been in close contact with someone who showed above-mentioned flu-like symptoms or tested positive for COVID-19 in the preceding 14 days; maintaining a safe and isolated distance of minimum two meters from others while walking to the training ground and during the training, and avoiding exercising / training / walking in groups. For an overview of the AFI’s SOP for its national camps, please follow the link mentioned earlier.

(The author, Shyam G Menon, is a freelance journalist based in Mumbai. The above article is presented in the interest of reading and discussion.)

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AFI ISSUES STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE FOR ITS ATHLETES, COACHES AND SUPPORT STAFF

Illustration: Shyam G Menon

The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) has issued Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for AFI athletes, coaches and support staff at the national camps. The SOP has been prepared with focus on the current environment characterized by pandemic (COVID-19). While issuing the SOP on May 18, 2020, AFI noted alongside that although as of that date, there have been relaxations in the rules and regulations of the ongoing nationwide lockdown, athletes, coaches and support staff are strictly advised to remain inside the protected environment of national camps at Patiala and Bengaluru.

Besides the SOP, the periodic guidelines issued by the central and state governments must also be followed. “ The re-opening of training facilities including outdoor training and weight training will be as per the programme schedule circulated by the Chief Coach,’’ the circular on SOP, available on the website of AFI, said.

According to it, athletes should not go for training if they have any flu-like symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, difficulty in breathing, fatigue etc or if they have been in close contact with someone who showed above-mentioned flu-like symptoms or tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 14 days. They should inform the Chief Coach / Deputy Chief Coach or HPD about any sickness or if they have come in contact with any sick person. They should not also go for training if the training has been cancelled by the coach or center in-charge due to unavoidable circumstances.

Before they go for training, athletes should be aware of their timings for outdoor training and weight training session; they should speak to their coach, group athletes before leaving their room so that everyone is present at the venue on time and there is no delay. They should leave their room exactly five minutes before their scheduled training. Use of disposable gloves by athletes is highly recommended. For relay athletes practising baton exchange, use of hand gloves is mandatory. Athletes should always wear full sleeve T-shirts, tights and shirts whenever they step out of the room

During training they should maintain a safe and isolated distance of minimum two meters from others while walking to the training ground and during the training. They should carry their own water bottle, energy drink etc. as well as their own personal hand sanitizer, paper napkins, towels. They should not exercise / train / walk in groups; they should not take the help of other athletes / coaches. They should not shake hands or hug other athletes, coaching staff members and at any point of time if they feel ill, they should immediately report to their coach, support staff. Athletes should avoid using public toilets as far as they can; they should not sneeze or cough without covering their mouth and nose. They should not spit on the ground. They should always use dustbins to throw any waste such as empty water bottles, paper napkins etc. They should not call any person from outside to the training area or en route to training area / hostel / dining hall.

After training, they should apply their own personal hand sanitizer. They should check their belongings carefully and make sure it has not been touched by others. Similarly, they shouldn’t touch anything that does not belong to them. They should go back to their hostel room as soon as their training is over and not hang around in groups. They should take shower immediately upon reaching their room put used clothes for washing and not wear the same clothes after shower. Sauna / ice bath facilities will not be available during the restricted training phase. They should relax and re-asses their health after sometime, report to their coach or administration immediately if they feel sick. They should keep their personal hygiene level high at all times, not take on mental stress and keep in touch with their families, friends remotely through mobile phones, video conferencing.

Referring to safe use of exercise equipment, the SOP said that athletes should use such equipment cautiously. All handheld implements should be sanitized prior to and after use e.g. shots, javelins, discus etc. Upon conclusion of training, equipment should be cleaned with a disinfectant spray. “ Although there is no specific evidence that equipment can spread COVID-19, we know that contamination from respiratory droplets from an infected person can potentially survive on hard surfaces for up to three days,’’ the SOP said.

On coaches, the SOP noted that respective coaches will be responsible for maintaining social distancing. Clean and disinfected equipment should be used during training sessions and the supply and requirement of disinfectants must be reported in time to the Chief Coach. “ The coaching sessions following proper protocol will be supervised by Chief Coach, Deputy Chief Coach & High-Performance Director,’’ the SOP said adding that persons other than those already in the camps are strictly barred from access to the training area.

As for dealing with the outside world, the SOP said that social distancing should be maintained at all times. Athletes must try to clean their rooms themselves and not leave their hostel rooms except for training / medical / rehab purposes. Visit to barbershops /saloons / beauty parlors / shopping malls is strictly prohibited. They should not eat outside or order food parcels. They should wear a mask before leaving their room; carry a small bottle of hand sanitizer if visiting ATMs and use sanitizer after operating the ATM machine. They should avoid touching parcels / letters delivered to them and always sanitize such articles before any contact. They should try not to touch any surfaces and if they do, they should sanitize their hands as soon as possible.

The SOP made it clear that athletes are not allowed to leave the camps. Any leave from the camp can only be sanctioned by the AFI President / Chairman, Planning Committee. Athletes leaving the camp will have to go through 14 days of quarantine before rejoining.

AFI has said that the SOP will be updated and circulated again depending on changes to the COVID-19 control scenario.

(The author, Shyam G Menon, is a freelance journalist based in Mumbai.)

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“ THE NEW NORMAL DOESN’T FEEL SO BAD TO ME’’ / KILIAN FISCHHUBER

Kilian Fischhuber (Photo: Shyam G Menon)

Kilian Fischhuber is among the most decorated competition climbers in the world. Hailing from Austria and participating in bouldering and lead climbing events, he has the rare distinction of winning more than 20 World Cup events. Having retired from competitions in 2014, Kilian has enhanced his repertoire of climbs. He travels the world in search of routes to climb; in the process he has visited India. Kilian worked for a while as a teacher in Innsbruck. Since end-2019, he has been a national team coach for Austria Climbing. Thanks to this, has been able to train since April 20, 2020 with elite athletes at the gym “ Ki” in Innsbruck, which is also the national training center. They were given special permission. “ We have to maintain strict protocol including distance, number of athletes, disinfection and the like,’’ Kilian said. He spared time to respond to questions mailed by this blog on the new normal in climbing forced by COVID-19. 

Reports have now begun coming from Europe of lockdown relaxation and the resumption of climbing. To your mind, how do we reconcile the need to observe disease related protocols with the sport of climbing? Is this a sport that can coexist comfortably with COVID-19 protocols or do you see climbers being pushed to situations where it is a choice between enjoyable sport and protocol?

We had a serious outbreak of COVID-19 here in Austria. Due to strict regulations, a lockdown and maybe a pinch of luck we avoided a larger mess. Now we see protocols relaxed and some kind of normality return. However, we kind of live under the shadow of a future outbreak and possible repeated lockdowns. Austria Climbing and the Austrian alpine federations worked on regulations for climbers and I hope we can enjoy our sport almost as before, soon. We’ll need more space per person and will have to follow hygiene protocols and use common sense to maintain our reclaimed freedom. As we have no other choice I guess we’ll have to coexist with the new rules. I’ve been climbing since more than two weeks now and the new normal doesn’t feel so bad to me.

If we broadly divide climbing into bouldering, lead climbing and mountaineering, do you see the impact of COVID-19 protocols as being fairly uniform for all these segments or do you suspect that a branch like bouldering, which is generally more social, requiring spotting and capable of climbs over shorter distances may be hit harder?

I’m afraid some will be hit harder than others. The virus definitely does not treat us fairly in any sense. It’s the same with sports. Contact sports or sports where you have to touch others (as in spotting) will see a larger impact. But again, I think with common sense we can live with the new normal.

Can you give us an idea of how a typical climbing session looks like for you these days? There has also been this debate around chalk powder versus alcohol based-liquid chalk for the present times. Which type of chalk do you use?

When I go rock climbing, I climb with my partner Anna. We live in the same household. When we meet other climbers we try to maintain the distance which is usually no big deal. I use normal chalk but I bring hand sanitizer to the crag.

From a 2015 visit to India; Kilian Fischhuber climbing in Badami, Karnataka (Photo: Shyam G Menon)

Indoor climbing gyms are now a major part of the sport. How do you think COVID-19 protocols will affect climbing at these venues? While physical distancing may be possible, frequent sanitizing of surfaces will be a challenge depending on the size of gym. Are there any practical approaches with protocols included, beginning to emerge at climbing gyms in Austria and elsewhere in Europe?

I don’t think it is possible to disinfect climbing surfaces in climbing gyms after each climber. I feel that sanitizing your hands frequently, avoiding contact with others, more space and using face masks is all we can do. If there’s another major outbreak the gyms will be closed again anyways. Our gyms have gradually begun opening last week. First the outdoor walls opened and soon, with new protocols, indoor walls too. What I don’t know is whether it will still be lucrative for gym owners to run large gyms with only few people inside.

What is the general attitude you sense with regard to climbing in the months immediately following relaxation of lockdown? Are people coming out to climb or is there reluctance? Are they waiting to see what protocols to follow at crags and gyms?

The vast majority runs with the protocols. I’ve been rock climbing again since about two weeks (when relaxation began in Austria) and most people I met behaved responsibly and showed understanding.

Who do you think should take the lead in setting health related protocols so that sports like climbing can resume in a safe fashion when lockdown relaxes?

The Austrian Climbing Federation, the alpine federations and the gyms proposed a protocol to the Austrian Health ministry which has been adopted so far. All the decisions are aligned with what health experts from the government propose.

How was the situation like in Austria when the pandemic was at its peak? Were all the major climbing crags and gyms shut?

All gyms shut, nobody went climbing.

(The author, Shyam G Menon, is a freelance journalist based in Mumbai. Please note: the above interview should be seen in the right perspective. It reflects circumstances in Austria, which is very different from the predicament in India, a nation of 1.3 billion people with crowded cities. The interview is presented here to foster awareness and hopefully, contribute to templates for the new normal.)

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TEMPLATES FOR TROUBLED TIMES

Illustration: Shyam G Menon

In early 2019, Steve Swenson, former president of the American Alpine Club had visited Mumbai to receive the annual Kekoo Naoroji Book Award from The Himalayan Club. In May 2020, amid lockdown in India due to COVID-19, this blog contacted Steve for pointers on how relevant agencies in the US were advising the climbing community. The following is drawn from links he suggested for reference.

Here’s what Access Fund posted on its website:

We strongly encourage all climbers to help flatten the curve and err on the side of caution. Here’s how you can help:

Follow the lead of your Local Climbing Organization.

DO NOT travel to climb.

Strictly comply with all shelter-in-place and similar orders.

Strictly comply with all closures and restrictions, and follow federal, state, county and city guidelines on social distancing.

DO NOT take unnecessary risks. Don’t be the person that creates more stress and burden for our medical and SAR professionals.

Please understand that climbing areas will still be there once this crisis passes. The best way to return to normal in the shortest period of time is for all of us to do everything we can to stop the spread of the virus as quickly as possible. In many cases, that will mean that we simply shouldn’t go climbing.

There was this observation too on the Access Fund website: Over sixty years of scientific research has proven that being outside in nature, or even just viewing natural landscapes, helps reduce stress hormones, high blood pressure, type II diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and premature death. Being in nature also lifts our spirits and helps us feel connected to something bigger than ourselves.

At the time of writing, Access Fund had announced a webinar for mid-May 2020 on the topic, “ Climbing during the pandemic.’’ It was to feature representatives from the outdoor community and the medical fraternity.

On its part, the American Alpine Club posted the following:

The COVID-19 pandemic is unprecedented and impacts us all. Our community must act thoughtfully to “ flatten the curve” to reduce transmissions of the virus over time.

We are concerned about transmission of COVID-19 to rural or gateway communities. These remote towns often have limited access to medical facilities and their closely-knit, interconnected social structures are more prone to the spread of infection.

Please keep places like Bishop, Fayetteville, Moab, Springdale, and Slade as safe as possible by limiting recreation-based travel at this time. If you have a trip planned, please reschedule until we are through this health emergency. This is not the time to head to the desert or rally to your favorite national park for “social distancing.” While outdoor time is necessary for each of us during this turbulent period, we need to stay local and limit our interaction with vulnerable communities.

Consider also keeping outdoor objectives conservative to reduce the load on the medical system. Backcountry emergencies contribute to overloading hospitals and potential shortages of ventilators in intensive care units. As always, be safe out there and mindful of unnecessary risks.

Finally, we all should follow the directions outlined in the CDC’s guide on how to keep yourself and others safe from the virus. It’s necessary that we as a climbing community make decisions from the perspective of the most vulnerable people in our community.

The AAC is certain that the climbing community can be a part of the solution to COVID-19 by taking collective action now.

Some parks in the US have opened for limited use during the day. The website of Washington State Parks provides an idea of how such entities approach the current predicament.

To begin with, the parks have said that parking capacity will be reduced at some urban locations as reducing the number of parking stalls leads to less number of people and thereby, less crowds. Authorities want people to respect closures and visit only parks that are open for day use. The detail of limited restroom facilities at some parks has been mentioned. Before they go, people have been asked to check what is open and what isn’t. They have been advised to enjoy the outdoors only when healthy; if they have fever, cough or shortness of breath, they have been told to save their outdoor trip for another day. If you are healthy and going out, then bring your own mask or bandana. Overnight stays are not allowed. So opt for an outing closer to home. Stick to immediate household members to check any potential spread of virus. Bring own soap, water, hand sanitizer and toilet paper. If upon reaching a park, it is found to be crowded, then go elsewhere or return another time. Avoid crowds. Practise physical distancing (six feet). Similarly, leave at least one parking space between your car and the next. Wash your hands well. Pack out what you pack in. Be kind and respectful to the park staff.

One segment where protocols are still being figured out is that of climbing gyms. Gyms have significant presence in the US.  On climbing gyms, Steve Swenson said, “ no one knows yet what the protocols will be.”  State governments in the US are setting the time frames for a phased approach when different parts of the economy can reopen. “ So it varies from state to state.  In most states, things like gyms (which include climbing gyms) are included in the third phase of reopening which is one of the latter phases.  The nature of what these latter phases will look like and when they can happen, will be determined by what happens with the spread of the virus after the phase 1 and 2 parts of the economy reopens,’’ he said.

Please note: In India, all sports, outdoor pursuits and climbing gyms have remained suspended or shut since commencement of lockdown. At the time of writing, the lockdown was still in force. The ground realities of life and the challenges faced in tackling disease are very different in India, compared to the US. The contents of this article are presented for thought and discussion by those related to outdoor pursuits, who recognize the need for evolving best practices in these troubled times.

(The author, Shyam G Menon, is a freelance journalist based in Mumbai.)

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“ RUNNERS HAVE TO LEARN TO COEXIST AND YET STAY DISTANCED’’ / THE NEW NORMAL WITH BHASKER DESAI

Illustration: Shyam G Menon

This is an article by invitation. Bhasker Desai, 68, is a Mumbai-based businessman and amateur runner. He has been in the US since mid-March 2020. Amid COVID-19, states there have had varying degrees of lockdown. In California, where Bhasker is at present, there is a shutdown; not a complete lockdown. At this blog’s request, Bhasker wrote in of running’s new normal as experienced there; he also applied his mind to imagining how the new normal may play out in Mumbai.

I am currently in San Bernardino County, southern California. This state has a shutdown but not a complete lockdown. One can venture out any time for a walk / run apart from drive down to pharmacies and grocery stores. Wearing mask and keeping safe distance of six feet is mandatory when out to pick essentials. But there are no such specific guidelines for runners who have access to trails, roads, sidewalks and parks, which they share with walkers and cyclists.

I go out for a run, twice a week; each session lasts 45 minutes to an hour. I run solo for I have no runner friends here. I see very few runners out and about. When I do find someone, it is usually another solo runner. There are walkers too, out for fresh air. They are typically seen in pairs, group of friends and quite often, a family of adults and children. Most of them wear masks. Where I live, I have yet to see runners wearing masks. I suspect they must feel uncomfortable wearing a mask and running. The mask gets wet from breath and sweat; breathing becomes tad difficult.

May 10, 2020: an empty street in San Bernardino County, southern California (Photo: Bhasker Desai)

In general, people wear masks when out. So I am unsure how welcome to others, the sight of runners not choosing to wear one is. After all, we do huff and puff more than them and that does not help alleviate the concerns of these times. However, every time I see passersby, I make sure I am more than ten feet away. I even jump to the edge of already empty roads (very few cars are out), let people go by and only then, get back on to the path. Some people wave to greet or show approval. When you are greeted so, for a moment it feels like old times! It reminds you of times when people joined you to enjoy the camaraderie; an unexpected running partner had for a short distance. But alas times have changed. For now it is only a smile and we move on safely, away from one another. The new normal sucks but it is a reality we must accept and not flout till this phase gets over…hopefully soon.

I think of Mumbai. The city is home to a big number of recreational runners. Personally I don’t see much social inequality in the sport. The running spirit encompasses all kinds of runners, slow, fast, young, old, rich and poor. That should be good news to start with as and when Mumbai opens up again for runners. Even the comparatively disadvantaged runners, we take them along with us to run side by side and support them in different ways. Till such time as COVID-19 becomes a thing of the past and there is a vaccine that cures, maintaining physical distancing (ten feet?) should be number one priority. So, when Mumbai reopens and permits resumption of running, remember to stay apart from each other. No rocket science there, it is the obvious thing to do for safety of self and others.

Solo running or running with a few friends you know are healthy – that may be your new normal. Make it mandatory not to touch one another. No hugs or handshakes to greet (namaste should work) and always, that physical distance. I agree it feels terrible. But self-preservation and precaution are essential in this new order. Seniors (I would say, those above 55 years) should be even more cautious, they should ideally run solo. They are a higher risk group and so should feel nothing bad at being isolated.

January 5, 2020: the old normal; runners from various parts of the city after their Sunday run at Marine Drive, Mumbai (Photo: Latha Venkatraman)

Mumbai is a thickly populated concrete jungle. That is its biggest challenge. Its community of runners too has grown rapidly. There are few free spaces to tread. There are only few green zones and limited sea fronts for runners to breathe fresh air and feel healthy. And with many people walking side by side, it adds to the crowding. Social distancing for runners in most cities in the US is not such a big challenge. North America has less people, more accessible free space, plenty of parks, running trails, sidewalks and special zones for extracurricular activities. There is no dearth of space to run freely and at the same time, keep physical distance from each other. Mumbai in comparison is no runner’s paradise. I suspect, similar challenges will be felt as regards the new normal in other Indian metros like Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai and Kolkata.

Good behavior by runners in Mumbai’s limited free space will be crucial if we are to check the spread of this lethal virus. Life style changes are on the anvil. Get ready to accept that you will not be running free spirited like before in the new normal. We runners are very gregarious and love to chat as we run. We won’t be able to continue that. It’s another change we need to accept to restrict spread of droplets. It means we have to count that much more on self-discipline and resilience to fall in line with the new normal, which Mumbai too must accept. Runners need to keep their ethics and spirits high, stay strong and united. They should not become weak and resort to protest (for space). Good behavior and sportsmanship are required if we are to thrive in the new normal. Where this doesn’t happen, government regulations and dos and don’ts may be imposed with potential penalty to defaulters. Is that the solution? I hope we don’t come to that stage. I hope we shoulder our responsibilities and make the things that provide us joy, happen, so that we live in peace and harmony. Perhaps team leaders, running gurus and running clubs like Mumbai Road Runners (MRR) can lead the way to formulate runners’ ethics and influence right behavior through proper guidelines. Runners have to learn to coexist and yet stay distanced. Notwithstanding what others can suggest, in the end, it will be the individual’s inner calling. So, this compliance is something we have to generate from within.

January 5, 2020: the old normal; runners from various parts of the city after their Sunday run at Marine Drive, Mumbai (Photo: Latha Venkatraman)

The other challenge in India will be for organizers of running events. Big ticket events like Tata Mumbai Marathon (TMM), Airtel Delhi Half Marathon – may have to take a back seat as participation in numbers like 30,000 and 40,000 can break down physical distancing and be a threat to human safety. Besides, till such time as they develop a runner-friendly mask, wearing a mask and running more than five kilometers may be irritating; you end up with a sweaty, smelly face cover.  Forget big events, even small ones with 500 to 1000 runners may prove unacceptable unless some solution like split timings for start or large enough space to run (we can’t imagine such luxuries in Mumbai) or some such impractical unfriendly way of going about organizing a race is evolved. Nothing comes to my mind except that for some time, let running events be on the back burner in big cities. In smaller places, far flung semi metros and towns, local small events can be a reality with just a few runners. In the end, running for us amateur runners is about health and happiness. So no world lost if for some time we don’t race and get another PB! I hope and pray that vaccine comes earlier than projected; a vaccine that cures and allows us once again to breathe next to our fellow runner.

(The author, Bhasker Desai, is a Mumbai-based businessman currently in the US. The write-up was edited by Shyam G Menon.)

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THE NEW NORMAL AND THE RELEVANCE OF CLUBS

Illustration: Shyam G Menon

Properly used, clubs can be the avenue to teach the new normal of sport with COVID-19 protocols mixed in. This article compares the organizational structure of two sports in India – hiking / climbing and amateur running – to illustrate what is possible with grassroots level outfits.

Running is an old sport.

As popular movement, it is young in India.

The country’s outdoor clubs are probably older than its running clubs.

The example of climbing

Given the risk associated with climbing and mountaineering, the sport features many protocols. Although the Indian Mountaineering Foundation (IMF) and the training institutes for mountaineering played a role, fact is the bulk of climbing – especially rock climbing – owes its growth to small groups of outdoor enthusiasts typically ordered into clubs. It is thanks to them that the basic techniques of climbing got disseminated in the domestic climbing ecosystem.  In some of these clubs, the pursuit of knowledge exceeds what you find at the training institutes, which tend to settle into an ambiance of employment. For instance, it was the passion for sport climbing among a handful of members at Girivihar that saw the Mumbai-based club organize a decade of domestic sport climbing competitions and eventually two editions of the IFSC World Cup in bouldering. Suffice to say, clubs are the immune system of sport; they spread the joy of activity and teach its techniques.

Organizations dedicated to risk management and safety in adventure activity have begun to emerge (Maharashtra Adventure Council [MAC] is an example). Thanks to digital age, these new organizations have established direct link with hikers and climbers. Information can be communicated directly to individuals bypassing clubs. However, you learn by doing. When it comes to ground level implementation of protocol and developing familiarity through practise, the clubs cannot be ignored. That’s because they are the ones leading hikes and climbs on a regular basis. It is a lot like the ongoing battle with COVID-19 itself; it isn’t so much top-down as it is bottom-up featuring simple precautionary measures diligently observed at individual level to keep you safe.

Illustration: Shyam G Menon

The challenges and how climbing’s structure can help

In an article dated March 24, 2020 that appeared on the Rock and Ice website, Peter Beal outlined what COVID-19 could mean for rock climbing. He wrote that a lot of public lands (earlier accessed for climbing) could be temporarily shut and the closure of climbing gyms and their business models shaken up by the virus may mean bleak investment scenario for the segment. Not all such businesses will survive. In an article dated April 29, 2020, which appeared on the website of Climbing, Bennett Slavsky, summed up reasons why climbing outdoors was discouraged amid the pandemic. “ A key component is so that climbers don’t travel from densely populated, highly infected regions to remote climbing destinations, introducing it to smaller local communities that lack robust medical facilities. Climbers can also spread the disease to one another while sharing ropes, climbing the same routes, or just being in close proximity at crags,’’ he noted. Sociability, so far a fun element in sport, may take a hit as physical distancing becomes necessary protocol. Vulnerable in this regard in climbing, could be bouldering, the sport’s most sociable format. Further, a simple visualization of potential scenarios will make you aware of operational difficulties in the field, particularly in contexts where outdoor activity is commercial or supervised with onus resting on a service provider. For instance, while wilderness first aid courses can prep you to recognize symptoms and activate relevant protocols in the outdoors, unlike in earlier cases where a single patient was evacuated and the rest continued hiking, COVID-19 demobilizes a whole group because every reported case is treated as patient plus contacts. Is this risk, commercially viable? Already there is talk among adventure tour operators of small companies being particularly vulnerable in the current downturn. “ Currently there are too many ifs and buts. There is a threshold that must be crossed. There is both the need for a certain level of pick up in traffic and comfort with overall environment before these outdoor activities can resume at sustainable scale,’’ Vaibhav Kala, founder of Aquaterra Adventures, one of India’s biggest adventure tour companies, said. As and when authorities allow operations to restart, small customized trips featuring limited number of people from one family or a close group of friends may be the genre first off the block, he added. That was the view from the commercial side.

Like many sports waiting to emerge from the shadow of COVID-19, climbing and hiking will have to come up with its share of disease related protocols for the short to medium term. The International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation (UIAA), global climbing’s apex body, has a COVID-19 Crisis Consultation (CCC) task force and webpage devoted to the pandemic. Indian climbing has at least two organizations capable of accessing international expertise on subjects close to its heart – the IMF and the Himalayan Club. The IMF has a circular from early April, albeit tucked into its news archives, providing overview of the COVID-19 situation. A director of MAC said that the council is aware of challenges to the field posed by COVID-19. For the commercial side of adventure activities in India, there is the Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI). For ground level coaching of hikers and climbers, there are the mountaineering institutes and the outdoor clubs. Many outdoor clubs are members of IMF and state level adventure associations. Point is, theoretically speaking; the domestic world of climbing and hiking has a structure – an edifice – through which important information about the sport may be transmitted to ground level. It is possible to source relevant protocol and coach people in it down the line so that at the very least, those who report for activity as and when it is permitted are aware of the full ramifications of the new normal. Emphasis on “ theoretically speaking.’’

Illustration: Shyam G Menon

Running can learn from climbing’s organizational structure

Indian distance runners have long held promise on the international stage – the late Shivnath Singh had finished eleventh in the marathon at the 1976 Montreal Olympics; T. Gopi placed 25th in the marathon at the 2016 Rio Olympics besides being Asian champion in 2017. Elite athletes have their protocols addressed by organizations like the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and Athletics Federation of India (AFI). In fact, on the eve of lockdown, news reports mentioned guidelines issued by government to elite athletes on how to manage themselves amid pandemic. On March 28, 2020, The New Indian Express carried an interview with Volker Herrmann, AFI’s high performance director on lockdown regimens suggested for the elites.

What about the vast number of amateur runners?

As in climbing, running too has its clubs. Running is the bigger sport by a wide margin. It has annual events participated in by tens of thousands of people. With COVID-19 around, that size and scale of running also proved to be its Achilles Heel. Mass participation made it vulnerable before a virus with insatiable appetite for new hosts and pace of infection to match. Predictably, as the disease spread worldwide, major marathons got cancelled or postponed. Amateur running is more or less in hibernation. So far, amateur runners in India appear to have addressed lockdown in a fairly efficient decentralized, democratic fashion with leading coaches and runners offering advice online on how to stay fit and remain promising for the times when lockdown eventually relaxes. But there is a gap as regards new normal, that time post-lockdown when everyday activity must respect safety protocols as well. Protocols have to be imagined well, possess a standardized core, be accessible to all and must be communicated clearly. In this, having an element of organizational structure helps for both conviction and communication.

Recently, after weeks of lockdown and battering by COVID-19, Spain allowed morning joggers back on the road. It was done with safety protocols in place. Mark Steven Woolley is a retired ultramarathon runner living in the southern part of Spain. “ Everyone is pretty respectful of the distances and makes space for everyone to pass. The MTBs and runners share the same trails. It’s very cordial and relaxed,’’ he wrote in to this blog about the new normal requiring physical distancing. Mark – he has been finisher at major ultramarathons including La Ultra The High – is currently experimenting with mountain biking. From Czech Republic, elite athlete Adam Ondra shared with the world, a picture of him back to climbing outdoors. Climbing magazine reported of select crags reopening in Canada and Austria with COVID-19 protocols to be observed alongside. None of these predicaments are comparable with India’s, a crowded country of 1.3 billion people. However, if we go by these precedents (strictly as potential pattern), then, much before running returns as event, our right to run or walk in the morning will be restored. This will be accompanied by need for protocols, especially physical distancing. If one imagines further, weeks of such cautious return to activity could lead to resurrection of the old informal monthly group runs. It makes sense to try an event after observing how these informally organized runs play out.

Illustration: Shyam G Menon

In Mumbai, group runs used to be overseen by major running clubs like Striders, Mumbai Road Runners and groups built around well-known coaches. If clarity is available early enough on what the disease related safety protocols to follow (specific to running) are, then these runs (they may not remain as clustered and sociable as before) can become opportunity to perfect new protocols like physical distancing and acquaint runners with them. They can help ensure that as and when events resurface, those who register are familiar with the new normal. Running has in its ranks those from the medical profession. Evolving correct protocols and disseminating it shouldn’t be tough provided a communication structure is in place. The question amid pandemic is – does amateur running in India have an edifice whereby a standard set of protocols recommended from the top is assured percolation to the bottom? Does amateur running in India have an apex body (that can decide on standardized protocols) with large city based-clubs and smaller ones positioned below, all linked for ease of communication? Inquiries revealed that the answer for now is – no; there isn’t any such structure. Without this structure (at least at big city or regional level), the clubs risk being left to their own imagination, when it comes to new normal and relevant protocols. It results in poor use of a valuable asset. There was also concern on how well the informally organized runs may serve to introduce the new normal because, in India, the sociability of running has always been a major attraction. Isn’t there something for amateur running in India to reflect on, in all this? Of relevance is also the architecture displayed by World Athletics in its move some time back to set up a medical task force for races. The task force saw collaboration between World Athletics and the International Institute for Race Medicine (IIRM).

A word of caution

Human beings are suckers for power and authority. If you allow organizations to grow in influence or exceed their mandate, you will kill the natural freedom of sport. Focus will then shift from sport to regulation and soon, to politics. The best type of organization is one that steps up when intervention is needed and steps back when its intervention is no longer required. Under all circumstances, the feel of organization and intervention must be light. Else, instead of addressing virus, you defeat sport.

(The author, Shyam G Menon, is a freelance journalist based in Mumbai. The above article has been presented here in the interest of thought and discussion. The author is not an expert in climbing, hiking, running or healthcare.)

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LOCKDOWN & ME / COACHES SPEAK

Illustration: Shyam G Menon

Information from around the world suggests that sporting events may reappear in the months ahead but scale of participation could be limited. Race organizers have responded in different ways. With events featuring more than 5000 persons prohibited in Germany till October 24, the 2020 Berlin Marathon scheduled for September was called off. A similar ban on large scale events in France till mid-July, saw the 2020 Tour de France postponed to August-September. Meanwhile it was reported (The Guardian, April 24, 2020) that the organizers of the London Marathon – postponed to October due to COVID-19 – are not ruling out an edition restricted to just elites. In March this year, the 2020 Tokyo Marathon was run with only elite athletes. All this puts corresponding reality check on expectations in India, where what was initially a three-week lockdown was subsequently extended to May 3 and then further to May 17. At the same time, amateur athletes appear to have transitioned from initial discomfort with altered pattern of life to evolving routines and staying engaged despite lockdown.  Their initiative notwithstanding, fact remains, there is only so much you can do amidst restricted life. We spoke to a few coaches (running, cycling & swimming) and a physiotherapist for their take on the predicament:    

Nigel Smith (Photo: Shyam G Menon)

Nigel Smith

“ The health of our cyclists is our number one priority,’’ Nigel Smith, Head Coach of Kanakia Scott Racing Development, said of training plans amid lockdown. Initially when the lockdown was presented as 21 days long, planning had been on those lines with focus on endurance, speed and strength. At the time of writing, that original 21-day lockdown stood extended to May 17 with people keeping their fingers crossed on how things may play out thereafter for the various zones identified on the basis of disease intensity. Not to mention – potential for relapse and what action may be taken thereby. In short, things are still very unclear as regards when normalcy may return and outdoor activity may resume. According to Nigel, it should perhaps be accepted as a given that all cyclists in India are going to lose some of their endurance, speed and strength during the period of lockdown. “ We have to manage that decline and keep it as low as possible,’’ he said.

Manage – that is the correct word for although cyclists are fortunate to have home trainers that helps keep them in the saddle and pedaling, it cannot be a complete replacement for the outdoor experience. The advantage of the home trainer is its contained environment permitting measurement of all parameters from heart rate to power output. “ But one thing you find hard to do is riding long,’’ Nigel said. Thanks to ambiance with less distraction, an hour on the home trainer is roughly equal to an hour and a half spent cycling outdoors. “ I have been pushing our cyclists to do around two hours, which approximates three hours in the outdoors. That is the sensible limit. Beyond that it is a struggle to stay motivated on the home trainer,’’ he said. He has given his cyclists drills which peak at around 200 rpm; he has also devised strength drills that involve pedaling in high gear with high resistance. “ It becomes a muscular, strength driven drill,’’ he said. While the app Zwift has found popularity with cyclists during lockdown, Nigel is not a fan of using it in excess. As coach, he has his own plans that demand specific performance from cyclist as per schedule. “ A big week for us typically entails riding for 18-20 hours. That means there will be two to three rides of 4-5 hours each. The joy in Zwift is the immersive ambiance it provides; it could be tackling a particular route virtually or racing with others. When you do too much of that, on the days you must deliver as per training schedule you may find yourself tired,’’ Nigel said, adding over-training and injury should be avoided during lockdown. Sleep, rest, recovery – all these matter.

In fact, he encourages avenues to reduce stress. “ One of my cyclists is looking after a pair of baby squirrels that were abandoned by their parents. He speaks to me about it. I find that the act of caring for those squirrels makes him happy. Another cyclist loves to read books. He finds that a nice way to relax. Yet another is into chess,’’ Nigel said. As coach, he has the ability to monitor online how his cyclists are training. Given the current environment he is gentler with feedback. “ Normally I would be a little harder with them. Now I am softer and more collaborative,’’ he said.

Nigel appeared at ease with lockdown’s progression. He didn’t seem to be in any hurry to get it over with and return to cycling outdoors. As and when things restart, there will be matters of safety to self and others to consider and protocols to follow. “ Sport is a privilege. There are several other issues that matter more. I would want my riders to lead by example,’’ he said.

Dnyaneshwar Tidke (Photo: courtesy Dnyaneshwar)

Dnyaneshwar Tidke

Among the best known amateur runners in the Mumbai region, Dnyaneshwar Tidke aka Don, is a coach with Life Pacers, a Navi Mumbai-based fitness and marathon training group. When the first 21 day-lockdown was announced by the government, Don embarked on a 21-day workout plan.

“ I would post a list of exercises and follow it up with a video representation of the workouts on the Whatsapp group of trainees,” Dnyaneshwar said. Many of the trainees would meticulously follow the schedule and report back on their progress. Most of the runners in his group are otherwise engaged full-time in their work and fitness including running is largely a recreational activity. “ Now, they are confined to their homes, probably bored and consuming more calories than usual. They need something to sustain. These workouts will help them stay motivated. The best part of the lockdown is the access to home-cooked food and rest,’’ he said.

When the lockdown got extended, Dnyaneshwar opted to pose a challenge in the fitness / workout plan, asking runners to follow a schedule with reps and sets. “ I do not encourage running indoors,’’ he pointed out. Among ways the lockdown can be endured is to make sure that whatever exercise regimen one is following does not become monotonous. Don has been experimenting with suitable methods. Given he deals with two training groups in the Navi Mumbai region, he sometimes encourages a friendly online competition among those participating in the workout sessions. He has also assigned an exercise to every letter in the alphabet. When the name of a popular athlete is selected, a sequence of exercises becomes visible. “ The idea is to have some fun,’’ Dnyaneshwar said. But all can’t be left to such tactics. With no clarity on racing calendar and no races thereby to pick for goal, there is an element of self-motivation required to endure lockdown. “ You have to tell yourself that you are doing these workouts for your own health, to stay fit and be in good condition for as and when the situation alters and you are able to run again,’’ he said.

Samson Sequeira (Photo: courtesy Samson)

Samson Sequeira

Samson Sequeira, coach at Run India Run, a Mumbai-based marathon training group, does not recommend running indoors. “ Suddenly, in this lockdown phase there is this new fad of running inside the house. It can cause structural damage to the body and weaken some of the muscles,’’ he said. Also, many people running indoors are transitioning to barefoot running, which can have an impact because of the sudden change in style.

According to him, in the initial phase of the lockdown, runners were not sure how to continue with their fitness program. Being used to running outside, focusing attention on a home-based workout was not easy for all.  “ I made about six videos which address various aspects of training with varying degrees of difficulty,’’ Samson said.

The key message from Samson to his trainees is that focusing on other aspects of training will augur well in the long run. “ There will not be a marathon anytime soon. Therefore, there is nothing to worry about immediately,” he said.

Savio D’Souza (Photo: Shyam G Menon)

Savio D’Souza

Mumbai-based coach Savio D’ Souza anchors the marathon training group, Savio’s Stars. A former national champion in the marathon, he put the current predicament in perspective using a few simple points taken from the running calendar and everyone’s experience as recreational runners. The lockdown in India commenced in late March. “ April-May is peak summer. During that time, most people don’t run much. Besides these months also coincide with the school vacation period and are usually the time people take holidays. At present nobody is traveling on holiday. Everybody is locked down. But the fact remains these are not highly active months in the running calendar. Even if these months were normal and our group was running as usual, we would be doing only short easy runs. So the loss due to lockdown isn’t much,’’ he said. Second, there is the issue of what you should be doing, cooped up as you are in your apartment or house. To that, Savio pointed out that the right approach would probably be for recreational runners to catch up on what they often fail to do – do some strength training. “ We just keep on running and running, neglecting to do the recommended exercises. Now is a good time to do all that. You may not be able to run but you can look at the present situation as opportunity to do the exercises you typically overlook,’’ he said. For his own trainees, Savio said he has left them with simple exercises to pursue during lockdown.

Asked about the trend of people covering long distances indoors, Savio said that it is not up to him to question what anyone wishes to do. But he illustrated the context. In thickly populated metros like Mumbai, it is the odd person who can afford a spacious apartment or a private courtyard. Most people live in small spaces. Depending on location and severity of lockdown, the predicament has also meant access denied to what little courtyard is there in housing societies. This means you end up running within your house, in very limited space. It contrasts our natural understanding of what a run is. But what about the worry in restless mind that if you don’t push yourself during lockdown you risk fading by the time normalcy returns? Savio feels that when the lockdown is lifted and recreational runners are allowed back on the road (as and when that happens) everyone will be starting from basics. People will need to gradually train their way up. “ All of us will have to do that anyway,’’ he said about the inescapable curve. That’s why investing in what you normally ignore – strength training and general fitness, and keeping the load mild so that injury is avoided, makes sense. Where this approach may differ is in the case of elite athletes. But as Savio pointed out, even in the case of Olympics postponed, the lead time is not a few months; it is a whole year. That is oblique acknowledgement of training processes needing time to deliver.

Savio’s trainees include the runners from Ladakh, who have over the years become a familiar sight in Mumbai in the months around the annual Mumbai Marathon. “ They are now doing easy workouts in Ladakh. Given lockdown, there is no point in me sending them a training plan at this stage. We will wait and see how their lockdown evolves and then decide what to do,’’ Savio said.

Daniel Vaz (Photo: courtesy Daniel)

Daniel Vaz

Daniel Vaz, coach with Road Burners, a marathon training group, has developed seven home workout plans that are based on running and work the same muscles used while running outdoors. “ These workouts are a combination of cardio exercises, which help elevate heartbeat and focus on endurance and strength building,” Daniel said.

Two key workouts designed by Daniel are called Locomotive Breath and Mojo Rising, both names inspired by popular rock music. Locomotive Breath is a single from Jethro Tull’s 1971 album Aqualung; it was among the band’s largest selling albums. As reinterpreted by Daniel, Locomotive Breath is a workout that helps elevate heartbeat, addresses functional aspects of running and trains the muscles in the same way a run would.

The name Mojo Rising is drawn from Mr Mojo Rising, the anagram of rock star, Jim Morrison; it also featured famously in the hit song by Doors: L.A. Woman. The intensity of the workout christened so by Daniel is akin to a weekend’s long run. “ Runners who are used to big mileages are able to do some of these workouts with short rest periods,” he said.

Daniel has also promoted skipping. Some of the workouts featuring skipping, help keep the sense of challenge going during times of lockdown, he pointed out. “ During the lockdown, I have actually not taken a day’s break from workout. I found that it is possible to take rest anytime during the day as we are now home bound. Earlier, the rest day was mandatory as most runners were involved in full-time job apart from running,” he said.

Ashok Nath (This photo was downloaded from Ashok Nath’s Facebook page)

Ashok Nath

Many of Ashok Nath’s mentees are doctors and most are over 40 years of age. “ They are slowly discovering that there is life beyond racing and competition,” the Bengaluru-based coach and mentor, said of life under lockdown.

Ashok devised five versions of quarantine workouts suitable for runners in his group. It addresses their diverse capabilities. He also sent a questionnaire to each of his mentees to make an assessment. Based on the feedback the workouts were adjusted for each of the mentees. Some people have space to run; they have access to stairs, terrace or a gym. “ There are six drills one can do on the stairs including speed workout, strength training and long run among others,” he said.

Skipping is another workout that most people can do. “ As there are no running events for the next few months, there is no pressure to be ready for races,” Ashok said. He does not recommend running inside the house. Running inside the house requires constant attention; it does not make for a pleasant experience. “ Running has three phase – warm-up, zoning out and fatigue. Running inside the house does not allow the runner to disassociate from the surroundings,” he said. This is the time to focus on bio-mechanics and strength, he pointed out. Maintaining a certain level of fitness is adequate at the current juncture especially given the absence of any immediate races, he said. For elite runners, the approach would probably be different as running is their main activity.

Asked how one can stay motivated amidst lockdown and no clarity on the return of races, Ashok said that a bit of self-motivation should help. Two things matter in this scenario. The first is hope or that proverbial light at the end of the tunnel. “ I think most runners are past the initial phase of discomfort with the lockdown. They have since settled into some schedule or the other. There is also the emergent feeling that we are beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel. That helps for motivation,’’ he said. Second, of further assistance in this regard, is the shared feeling of everyone being in the same boat so far. Self-motivation may be called for if the region you are in takes longer to become normal.

Gokul Kamat (Photo: courtesy Gokul)

Gokul Kamat

The lockdown has been hard on swimmers. While cyclists can partly compensate for open road denied with their home trainers and runners have found a poorer version of the cyclist’s panacea by logging miles inside their houses, swimmers have lost access to swimming pools with nothing to properly compensate. Gokul Kamat, head coach in swimming and head of the sports complex at Fr Agnel Multipurpose School, an educational institution in Vashi, Navi Mumbai, known for its strength in swimming, said that those training there have been told to follow three points. The first is to make sure there is no undue weight gain during lockdown. Second, they have been provided exercises, which can be done freehand or with minimal equipment at home. “ Some of these workouts are designed to get their heart rate up; some are for improving muscle strength,’’ Gokul said. Additionally, the trainees have the option of joining their coaches on interactive video-based training sessions. How much will this compensate for lack of access to the pool? “ Honestly, not much. But the point is – swimmers know these exercises and do them even otherwise to stay in shape. If they keep doing these workouts during lockdown, then, as and when normalcy returns and pools reopen, they would take less time to regain their regular form,’’ Gokul said.

Suchita Varadkar (Photo: courtesy Suchita)

Suchita Varadkar

Ever since the lockdown commenced, Suchita Varadkar, coach, Frontrunners, a running and fitness group, has shifted to online sessions five times a week. Prior to lockdown, Suchita held sessions three times a week for each of the two Mumbai-based groups of Frontrunners.

“ We have opted for the pro version of Zoom for the current daily sessions. These sessions incorporate various elements of fitness including yoga, cardio workout, tabata and strength training,” she said. To keep the group motivated, she has initiated a plank challenge, which entails increasing the workout by ten seconds every day.

“ Also, once a week we do Suryanamaskars and we have been increasing the count of the sets every week,” she said. Suchita is also not a fan of running indoors. “ This is a good time to improve strength training so that runners are better geared for running as and when it resumes,” she said.

Dr Abhishek Bangera (Photo: courtesy Dr Bangera)

Dr Abhishek Bangera

The active lifestyle-ecosystem is never complete without a physiotherapist. Mumbai-based Dr Abhishek Bangera is a familiar face at marathons and endurance events in the city; his team of physiotherapists can be seen managing the recovery station at various meets. When lockdown manifested with physiotherapy clinics shut alongside, it meant all those wedded to the active lifestyle finding their physiotherapist out of reach. It was a critical link suddenly gone missing from the active lifestyle-ecosystem, even as amateur athletes tried their best to stay active pursuing workouts and such. What do you do if you hurt yourself or messed up pushing beyond advisable limit?

Following lockdown, Dr Bangera shifted to keeping in touch with patients online. He regularly texted useful advice and commenced the option of tele-consulting. At the time of writing (by when lockdown had been extended to the middle of May), he was hoping to restart his practice. This blog’s specific query to him was about precautions to be taken while staying active at home in an environment where injury can’t be addressed as easily as before.

Dr Bangera then shared a portion of text he had dispatched earlier to his online community:

With all the inspirational home workout videos, HIIT routines, asanas, indoor running stats etc being posted everywhere, a word of caution and a word of reassurance follows: While it is good that you have taken the initiative to maintain or start with your physical fitness, if it’s a new type of physically taxing activity that you were not used to prior to the quarantine lockdown, you need to be cautious. The things, to look out for to avoid injury:

Do not skip warm up and cool down. Understand the correct form of exercises. Don’t be overconfident / over enthusiastic in your ability to perform. Avoid jerky ballistic movements. Activity should be upgraded gradually. Avoid sharp pivoting turns while walking / running indoors. Avoid hard landing during aerobics and running. Don’t fall for challenges out of peer or self-induced pressure for posting the next post or to indulge in one-upmanship. Consider one-to-one supervised and individualized tele-classes with your trainer.

(The authors, Latha Venkatraman and Shyam G Menon, are independent journalists based in Mumbai.)

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MEDICAL TASK FORCE TO PREVENT DISEASE OUTBREAK AT MASS PARTICIPATION ENDURANCE EVENTS

Illustration: Shyam G Menon

World Athletics and the International Institute for Race Medicine (IIRM) will together set up a medical task force to provide endurance events that include mass gatherings with the necessary guidelines to prevent outbreak of infectious diseases.

The move follows the spread of COVID-19 worldwide. Major events in sport ranging from international marathons to Tour de France and the 2020 Tokyo Olympics were postponed as a result.

According to a statement dated April 17, 2020, available on the website of World Athletics, the Outbreak Prevention Taskforce, led by World Athletics (Health and Science Department) and the IIRM, will include the Medical Chairs or representatives of the International Cycling Union (UCI), International Ski Federation (FIS), International Triathlon Union (ITU), International Paralympic Committee (IPC) and World Rowing (FISA), as well as Professor Brian McCloskey of the Centre on Global Health Security, Royal Institute of International Affairs (Chatham House), an independent expert in outbreak prevention and member of the WHO Novel Coronavirus-19 Mass Gatherings Expert Group.

The task force will be served by an advisory group, which will include representatives of industry, private companies, sponsors, partners, and media. “ We are forming this taskforce to bring together key representatives from all parts of the endurance sports world to help find solutions and create viable and appropriate guidelines for participants of mass sports events, event staff, volunteers, and the community at large. COVID-19 has been the stimulus for the formation of this taskforce, however, many event organisers have also had to deal with Norovirus and other contagious diseases during the staging of events and this taskforce will help create guidelines to help reduce the risk of infection,” Dr Stephane Bermon, Director of the Health and Science Department at World Athletics, was quoted as saying in the statement.

The Outbreak Prevention Taskforce has the following objectives:

  • Disseminate recommendations to prevent disease outbreaks in mass gatherings.
  • Provide race organisers and sport governing bodies with guidelines, including a risk assessment tool dedicated to determining the outbreak risk, mitigation plans, and suggestions of contingency plans.
  • Advise mass races, organisers and sport governing bodies on how to plan a return to normal activities in the aftermath of the COVID-19 outbreak or similar future situations.
  • Collect and analyse data to determine if COVID-19 survivors have increased risk of developing illness or injury when participating in endurance events and / or vigorous activity and amend best practices based on this analysis.

The Outbreak Prevention Taskforce will hold its first meeting during the week of 20th of April with the aim of producing guidelines as soon as reasonably possible, the statement said.

World Athletics is the apex body for athletics, globally. IIRM has its roots in the American Road Racing Medical Society (ARRMS) formed in 2003 as a division of the former American Running Association. ARRMS later developed a partnership with the Matthew Good Foundation and the Good Family from the UK. The organization was subsequently renamed IIRM.

(The author, Shyam G Menon, is a freelance journalist based in Mumbai.)

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LOCKDOWN BLUES

Illustration: Shyam G Menon

One talent that is a blessing in times of lockdown is the ability to play music.

Ahead of COVID-19, the world was a very busy place. Not having time for anything other than work was perceived as sign of person’s success or potential for success. As lockdown took hold, many of us were thrust into the unfamiliar territory of having time, not knowing what to do with it and even if you did repeating some routine or the other, not knowing how to manage the monotony. Being creative – like being able to compose music – can be a gift for such challenging times. It keeps you engaged.

In early April, Mumbai-based rock climber Franco Linhares, shared a video of him essaying bouldering moves using the furniture at his house. Given their appetite for climbing moves and tendency to infuse daily view of world with hunt for such possibility, climbers have been known to ascend the outside of buildings (it is called buildering) and attempt complicated moves on chairs and tables. It is a way of challenging oneself and having some fun. Franco, 69, titled his simple video devoid of any background score: Lockdown Blues.

The name begged music for not only is the blues an engaging genre of music but the present times of people restricted to their homes for weeks to prevent infection is a study in pathos. It is perfect substratum for the blues. Decades ago, the genre was born from the suffering of people working the plantations and railroads of the US. Few styles in western music pour forth human emotion and feelings, likes the blues does. No matter how politically correct you wish to be about lockdown, there is no denying the human experience as you sit cooped up in your house, weathering the hours and days while a virus stalks the spaces beyond, you once roamed. Why not sing about it?

Late that evening, Franco sent across one more video. This time, it was Ernest Flanagan singing Lockdown Blues, lyrics credited to Prabhakar Mundkur. A subsequent search on the Internet yielded further perspective. Lockdown Blues appeared to be a generic series inspired by pandemic with plenty of versions and no genuinely convincing beginning to the trend (to borrow virus jargon: it may have an index case but I couldn’t trace it). The versions available ranged from raw, bare and personal in the tradition of the blues, like Prabhakar’s (uploaded on YouTube April 5, 2020) and Ernest’s (uploaded on YouTube April 10, 2020) to humorous, reflective and musical-like as Dominic Frisby’s (premiered March 31, 2020) to upbeat, sounding like a band and close to studio quality as the version performed by Shannon Rains (uploaded on YouTube, April 3, 2020). Plus the search yielded a Wikipedia page for a song called “ Lockdown Blues’’ by Danish band Iceage but it released on April 2, 2020, by when thousands of people had already endured lockdown for weeks in various parts of the world, some of them likely singing about it too. In fact, on April 9, 2020 Tamil rapper Arivu posted a feisty number titled “ Vanakkam Virus,” his take on the lockdown and its impact on the economically disadvantaged. By mid-April major names in the music industry overseas, were also getting into the act of connecting with world under lockdown. There was the One World: Together at Home Concert organized in collaboration with Lady Gaga that saw many artistes take part. There was also news from Pink Floyd that starting April 17, the band will stream its full length archival concerts for free, every Friday.

A longstanding pianist and jazz musician in Mumbai, Ernest is known to pen poems and lyrics on a frequent basis. He likes it when lines rhyme. On the internet you come across videos posted by friends, of them singing his songs. Associated in the past with well-known names in the Indian jazz scene, Ernest’s last job was with the financial institution IL&FS. Until it sank into troubled times, with corresponding retrenchment of employees, Ernest had been pianist playing every evening at the lobby of the institution’s headquarters in Mumbai. “ It was a dream job,’’ he said. He lost it in December 2018. A year and three months later, India was in lockdown to combat COVID-19. Ernest was no stranger to the blues. On YouTube, you will find a delightful little blues number he wrote and sang called ` Kickback Blues,’ posted October 2019 on the Jazz Goa account. Naturally, he channeled the lockdown experience. “ I wrote my version of Lockdown Blues and sent it to some of my friends hoping they would sing it. For some reason, nobody took it up,’’ Ernest said when contacted in mid-April. In the meantime, ad industry veteran Prabhakar Mundkur wrote his version of Lockdown Blues and posted a video. It was a brief take (about a minute and a half); it was also rather bare in terms of arrangement. Ernest then sang his version of Prabhakar’s song.

He introduced two differences. Being adept at keyboards he was able to infuse the song with that impression of band playing along.  He also added some lines to the lyrics. Ernest’s version is longer and its lyrics have a circular structure with the whole song running like a conversation with a nurse; a cry for help. Someone who likes to do things well, Ernest said he was not happy with the audio quality. He wished he had access to a studio (Kickback Blues, which has superior audio quality, was recorded in a studio). “ For Lockdown Blues I had to sing with one hand on the keyboards and the other pressing the recording icon on the mobile phone screen,’’ he said, adding, “ there’s only so much you can do from home.’’

(The author, Shyam G Menon, is a freelance journalist based in Mumbai. Thanks to Franco Linhares for sparking off this rendezvous with the Lockdown Blues.)