Hinckley Running Club - finding ways to keep busy "together" - while staying apart!

When the lockdown was in place, members of Hinckley Running Club have been found other ways to keep busy "together" - while staying apart.

When training sessions and team runs were cancelled in line with the Government guidelines, the club decided to look at other ways to keep everyone connected, motivated and involved.

From solo running challenges Rand home workout videos to daily social media posts and quizzes, members have certainly been kept entertained!

Activities, which have been done through the club's private Facebook page, include:

• Daily social media posts where members can share their exercise plans for the day. The posts also include a different question each day with examples including asking members to share their worst running picture, their favourite cake and the first three things they will do when lockdown is lifted
• A weekly speed session workout set by coaches which members can complete solo anywhere at any time
• A nurkrap challenge - an alternative to parkrun for members to do solo
• A road sign challenge - where members are asked to spell a word out with street signs while out on their run
• A scavenger hunt challenge - where members are asked to answer 30 questions relating to specific locations while out on their runs. These can be done in any order at any time and across different runs
• A President's Quiz which has been done through Facebook Live. Three have been held so far
• A kettlebells home workout class through Facebook Live led by club treasurer Odette Foxall. Around three virtual classes have been held each week.

The club also has mental health ambassadors who encourage members to talk about their thoughts, feelings and concerns.

Club chairwoman Charlotte Sinclair said: "It has been extremely important for us all to stay home and save lives during the lockdown period meaning our running club sessions and meet ups were immediately cancelled.

"But we were also very conscious that we wanted to keep our club members connected while being separated.

"These activities, which have involved members of all ages in our club, mean we have all been able to feel like we are together while adhering to the Government guidelines.

"The efforts everyone has put into this has been absolutely superb and feedback from club members has been fantastic.

"It truly has shown our Hinckley Running Club family at its best!"