Sunninghill Striders is still active during the lockdown

Sunninghill Striders may not be on the road at the moment but they have set up daily challenges and running and mental support for the home.

Club chairperson Lisa Teepe said the club has urged its members to adhere to the lockdown in the hope that the coronavirus pandemic can be beaten in as short a time as possible.

However, she said even three weeks without running is a daunting prospect for many of the club’s members, especially as some were training for the Two Oceans and Comrades marathons.

“Running not only has positive health benefits, but also plays a big part in our mental well-being. It is also a very big part of our social lives,” she said.

“In order to ensure we stay connected as a club and maintain some level of physical and emotional fitness during this time, we’ve instituted a couple of initiatives for our club members.”

This includes a WhatsApp-based daily challenge. “The daily challenges are not necessarily activity-based, with the idea to maintain positivity and a sense of being connected. As Brooks is our club sponsor, every person who responds to all 21 challenges will be receive an entry into a draw for a pair of Brooks running shoes.”

Club member, Olivia Schiller, is a physiotherapist, and posts weekly videos of strength exercises for club members to do. She also donated resistance bands to members to help them stretch.

Sunninghill Striders partnered with Embark Jozi North, which offers group training with a specific focus on triathlons. This includes a 21-day online training platform that focuses on strength for swimming, cycling and running.

“We are so fortunate to live in a time where there are so many online resources available to us. Our members have enthusiastically shared the various fitness apps they have found useful.”

Another one is AdventureTales. Run by club member Mike Sewell on Instagram, it posts a list of movies, Ted talks, podcasts and books to encourage people and help them follow their dreams.

“Sunninghill Striders strives to be a club which welcomes runners of all levels. While there may not be any races for a while, now is the perfect time to work on your base fitness and become part of a wonderful running community.”

Details: Sunninghill Striders info@sunninghillstriders.co.za; www.sunninghillstriders.co.za