This week, the social distancing runners of GoodGym Birmingham put their modal verbs into action for another week of keeping fit and staying safe.

Saturday marked my 40th birthday where I would’ve been out celebrating, so I took a picture of the boarded up 1000 Trades bar which could’ve been a venue for the night. Laura and Rob should’ve been running a half marathon in Budapest but a picture on a half around Birmingham will have to substitute. Laura was compensated with an emoji medal from Ryan.

We’re all getting used to running alone and keeping a good distance. For another week, we have inspired each other to get out with views of the world outside. It’s not making up for the loss of our group runs as it’s a lot more difficult to run solo, and certainly harder to motivate yourself to get out when you are used to group running. So like many aspects of the world around us, we are continuing in a virtual space.

Lizzie has continued to tempt us with muddy, countryside runs, though it is drying up somewhat. Tousif found the perfect angle to show off the locks on the canal network; as well as engaging in a competition with me to find every angle of Perry Hall Park. I also found a stray Santa suit at the top of a hill in Sandwell Valley, I hope not as an ominous sign. David found that he had the city all to himself, as he ran around the deserted high streets. Annie found a beautiful library in the form of an old, red phone box. Ryan found some blooming Daffodils and spectacular blossom while out on his run. Daffodils were certainly the theme as Liam and Raull found plenty too. Morwenna explored the beauty of Bournville, for all the chocolate lovers. Raull found my family business in Wednesbury. And we all cheered each other from afar.

Hopefully we will still be allowed our daily run to keep our fitness going as I don’t look forward to joining the people doing marathons in their back garden.