Running in Victoria - Wearing a Mask

Hey all,
I live in Victoria and am concious that I'm not wearing a mask while running. I run roughly 2x10km runs a week and try to do it ~6am to minimise my chances of funning across people. I ran on Monday with a mask (and felt like I struggled quite a bit), but then ran on Tuesday without the mask and it obviously felt easier to breathe. I'd ideally like to be running with a mask that is somewhat breathable or would at least reduce the risk where possible.

Does anyone have recomendations with this? Are the running snoods the likes of https://decathlon.com.au/products/running-multipurpose-headb…? any good?

Thanks in advance!

Comments

  • +1

    Far out you're keen. I struggle to walk long distances wearing a mask let alone run with a damn mask.

    • +4

      Yeah it's not the easiest to do! I know it's probably not going to be possible to have a super 'safe' mask without feeling somewhat restricted, however I'd like to at least try to reduce the ammount of droplets I expel if possible!

      • Well done! I also try to run with a mask because why not. Worst case I can't breathe and take it off for a bit. I've found my times are about a minute per km slower. I've been using my old ski balaclavas but pulling the top bit down. Maybe also consider neck gaitors? They have cyclist ones. The effectiveness probably aren't that great but it's better than nothing.

        • Yeah might look at those as options, I haven’t noticed significant time differences (probably about 10-15 seconds per km). I do find myself more conscious of my breathing though so I do try and take deeper breaths

        • +1

          Would it be like when people train at high altitude? Or wearing leg weights while training? So when you take off the mask you're like super powerful?

          Eg Rock Lee for the Naruto fans

    • Haha interesting option, think I’d go crazy running at home (never been good on a treadmill either!)

  • -7

    Don't go on runs?

    I would suggest you carry one with you in case the cops stop you. Just don't be a Karen.

  • +1
    • Ooh interesting, thanks for this!

  • +4

    I run at least 3 times a week for at least an hour in the early morning when it is quiet . I am a supporter of mask wearing in general, but cannot run with a mask. I carry one in my pocket (as required by law) and adopt my own 5 meter rule, ie I don't go within 5 metres or more if possible of anyone whilst running. I'll cross to other side of the street if I see someone on the footpath.

    If they made is compulsory to wear one I would just make one out of something I could breath through and stay far away from people. Common sense.
    Not running is not really an option for me

    I see a lot of other people running without masks in crowded areas and making no effort to keep their distance

    • Yeah these were similar tactics I was employing without the mask. Unfortunately I can’t always move away from people if I’m passing through one of the smaller paths but it’s rare that that happens.

  • I have a few generic neck/headbands similar to the ones linked. I wear them doubled over and they’re harder to breath through than a disposal surgical mask.

    • +1

      I think I might be fighting a losing battle with trying to cover my mouth to prevent spread but also have breathable aren’t I…. I think reduction is better than nothing though even if it’s thinner material

  • +6

    I think you're supposed to run without the mask on, then put it on as soon as you stop.

    There are guidelines here:
    https://multitools.newscdn.com.au/multitools/slider/content/…

    • +5

      Yep I know the guidelines but if I can reduce the spread where possible/practical I will. For anyone that runs, there’s a fair bit of droplets that do come out. Would hate to find out that I’ve got COVID and am just don’t have symptoms and I’ve been running around

      • +1

        That's very considerate of you! Consideration for others is the reason why the Japanese starting wearing face masks in the first SARS outbreak in 2003. Unless your mask is KN95 or better, it's going to do nothing to protect you. There seems to be some confusion here as to what the intent is behind everyone wearing masks in public. :)

        • -1

          There is no confusion. The people of Melbourne are wearing them to stop the VIC government from collecting the $200 per infringement revenue.

          • @whooah1979: Downvoted? I’m sure many are only wearing them to avoid the fine and don’t agree they are effective.

            Most of the time I wear a bicycle helmet purely to avoid the fine. Sometimes I wear it to protect me.

            • @Euphemistic: The government could've made it mandatory to wear a face mask in public without the fines. However, they choose instead to add a penalty to the health order.

              • @whooah1979: A lot of people wouldn’t wear a mask if there wasn’t a fine.

                It will be interesting to see how many people in Qld, NSW and ACT wear a mask when shopping since they are now “strongly encouraged”, which is pretty close to mandatory without a fine.

              • +1

                @whooah1979: Mandatory without a fine is pointless. ‘Highly recommended’ hasn’t got everyone wearing one.

                • @Euphemistic: Agreed. If there was no fine for not wearing a seatbelt, not wearing a helmet, speeding. Many people would/wouldn't be following these laws without the risk of a fine.

                  Another example is that smoking is not recommended. They even point out the health risks. Yet people still do (understood that the government gets more from taxes of these than fines from eliminating it, but more a look at personal choice)

        • +2

          Unless they are of surgical standard, they're not designed to protect the wearer - we are being asked to wear them to protect other people.

          Have a look at the Coronacast, Radio National. They've explained it a few times now.

  • +1

    jog slower?

    The reason for running is to boost your cardiovascular fitness and lung capacity.
    The mask acts as a form of resistance, reducing oxygen inflow resulting in oxygen deficit boosting lung capacity, blood oxygen uptake etc. This is similar to running at a higher rate which would result in a similar oxygen deficit albeit working your muscles slightly harder.

    You're still getting the same workout, just not at the same speed, could shorten the run?

    I've known of athletes who have used masks to increase the load on their bodies, although its still uncommon.

    Alternatively could do what the Karens in America are doing and cut a hole in the mask

  • … People doing strenuous exercise are excluded from the order. Walkers will have to wear a mask or face a $200 fine. Runners and cyclists will not. - Source

    Give NinjaShark a message and ask if their masks are fit for this purpose (or if they have any other ideas).

  • +2

    Sounds like it's casuing an impact, don't wear it?

    https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/face-coverings-work-covid-19#law…
    "When the individual is doing any exercise or physical activity where they are out of breath or puffing; examples include jogging or running but not walking. You must have a face covering on you and wear it when you finish exercising."

  • I wouldn't be concerned. I would think if you're capable of running those distances it's a good sign that your are not affected.

    They allow for exercise as an exemption. As others have said, have a mask for when you finish and be mindful of being close to others.

    If you really want something, a face scarf should provide a small amount of coverage while allowing most of the air to pass through (mostly just stopping saliva though)

    • +2

      Thanks for the advice, I have been taking the mask with me for when I finish. Just trying to help a little bit more I guess if I can

  • +1

    I've been tempted to try these buffs as they don't seem too insulated (unlike the other one posted) and have the nasal bridge to help hold it in place.
    https://kover.com.au, I have some friends that have used it for cycling and find them better than a standard buff.

    • Nice, thanks for the recommendation!

    • -1

      Satire site with a “Christian” bent. Things that make you go hmmmm?

  • +2

    Unless youre running busy streets, not needed.

    15kms daily here boyo

    • +1

      Nice work man, that’s some decent weekly totals! Def not busy streets, just want to be extra sure where I can

      • +1

        If anyone trys to hassle you, youre running too slow

  • +2

    The Vic premier specifically said a few days ago that you don't need to wear it while actually running, but you should have one to put on before and after running ie in your pocket.

  • They allow people with covid + symptoms to be outside excising so you without covid can run however you want .

    But really run without and carry a mask is the rules

  • I have been bike riding with my mask on now as I figure it has got to be like training at altitude, been 2 weeks and guess what when you wear it in normal situations… you don't even notice it.
    Gotta be a good point in all this. Hopefully Staying safe and getting fitter.

  • -1

    Just make sure all the people with Covid - 19 can do a run without infringing their human rights without a mask is the most stupidest loop hole I know that people have demanded .
    Of course excise during duress like running spreads the virus the most !

    • -1

      The residents of Melbourne shouldn’t give up their civil rights just because the Melbourne is in lockdown.

      • +1

        The detention rights? Everyone in Melbourne has already given up some civil rights in the freedom of movement. I don't think it's too much to ask for people who test positive to be confined in the one space until they are negative.

      • I hope that’s tongue in cheek. A mild extension of what you are suggesting is how we end up with Karen at Bunnings.

  • Asic have introduced an "ASICS RUNNERS FACE COVER"
    https://www.asics.com/gb/en-gb/asics-runners-face-cover/p/30…

    Comes to about $64 😂😂😂

  • +1

    who cares about running, just be a sheep and stay fat like the rest of us!

  • The mask not only protects you, but protects others in case you are infected. If you are not wearing a mask please stay away from others, and remember that droplets from your breathing can remain airborn for quite a while, so stay far away.

  • I'm a regular runner but ended up making my own mask from scrapes of fabric I had and used the cord/strings from old disposable masks. The ones I make aren't as effective in terms of filtering virus, etc but I run in an empty park and use it for legal reasons to rest or walk briefly home. My tip is to screw a ribbon or anything as a neck holder so you can drop the mask then run whilst it's around your neck secure. NOTE: My advice is only for extremely low risk running i.e. not running in crowds or where you cannot social distance.

    • Expensive.

      • Expensive spam

        • I can read?

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