Warrnambool marathon runner Craig Bramley is happy to adjust his running goals due the coronavirus pandemic.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
Bramley has his sights set on the Gold Coast Marathon in July.
That event has been suspended but not cancelled. It will be reviewed in mid-May.
Bramley doubts the event will go ahead but is pushing on with training.
"I'll keep training like it's still going ahead in July but if it's postponed, I'll look at the next logical race and readjust my training program," he said.
The 51-year-old has been building towards the big race since late January.
Bramley, who has a 24-week training schedule, is ramping up his kilometres each week.
READ MORE:
The Warrnambool Athletics Club member had the Geelong half-marathon penciled in for this Sunday but that has been postponed until September.
So Bramley has come up with an alternative to keep his training plan on track.
He plans to run a virtual half-marathon on Sunday morning in Warrnambool - a loop course at the foreshore.
"It's all about trying to keep yourself fit and active and trying to keep the normality of training," he said.
While Bramley enjoys virtual running - logging a run on a phone application - he said it doesn't beat real competition.
"It's just nice to run with people," he said.
"Racing is great.
"It's good to meet and socialise with people."
But the marathon man realises the importance of social-distancing measures and wants to do the best thing by the community.
He's not sure when running events will return but he's keen to keep improving on his own.
"Everything I can control, I'm controlling," he said.
The keen runner can't go to the gym anymore but he's completing alternative weight sessions at home. He's also keeping on top of his nutrition.
Bramley counts himself fortunate he's still able to run outdoors. Others in self-isolation due to the coronavirus have completed marathons in their apartments.
Brisbane runner Tim Franklin completed a marathon in his flat in the past week. Sydney's Mark Bennett also achieved the feat on his balcony.
Others around the world have done similar.
Bramley doesn't think Australia will go into full lock down but he's prepared to adapt if it came to that.
"I'd have to look at getting a treadmill," he said.
"Hopefully it doesn't come to that."
The Melbourne Marathon (October) and the 2021 Boston Marathon are other major events Bramley aspires to.
Have you signed up to The Standard's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in the south-west.
