Lockdown has changed life in a number of ways for plenty of people - and it's also changed the way we exercise.
Lots of people have embraced the great outdoors and spent the summer discovering the joys of running. Apart from getting you physically fit, running can be great for your mental health. A run can transform your day, and when you add those days up, it could start to change your life.
It's also cheap, doesn't require a load of kit and can actually be (whisper it) fun. The joy of shaving a few seconds off your 5k when you struggled to run for the bus a few weeks before is as satisfying as it gets. You've gone from the couch to sharing your run routes on social media. You've started to feel part of a running community. The sun was shining, the streets were yours and nothing could stop you.
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But as we head into the winter months, how do you turn a lockdown hobby into a regular routine?
Colder weather and shorter days can make it harder to stay motivated over the winter months. But if you plan it right, it can also be a great way of taking advantage of the limited hours of sunlight and a pleasant escape from the lethargy of the festive season.
With the help of experienced runner and member of Brooks' Run Happy Team, Dan Cogswell aka @the_marathon_dan, we take a look at some of the top tips to stay motivated beyond lockdown.
Set realistic goals
Having something to work towards is a great way of keeping yourself motivated to carry on running.
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Dan advises new runners to "enjoy the process, set small but achievable goals and sign up to events so you have things to aim for."
He says: "For me it's all about the long term goal and what I want to achieve, I know every run has a meaning behind it and will help me get one step closer to where I want to be."
It could be signing yourself up to a race for next year, whether that be 5k, a marathon or anything in between. It could even be something as simple as saying you're going to run once a week, for half an hour and take it as slow or as fast as you feel like on that day.
These goals will look very different for everyone, so whatever you want to achieve, make sure it's achievable and fits into your daily routine. Once you achieve them, it's a real buzz.
Start slowly
There's nothing worse than building up a regular running routine only to be struck by an injury, leaving you out of the game for weeks. So make sure you prepare your body properly before you set off.
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There are many ways to reduce the risk of getting injured. This includes making sure you have the right gear (more on this later) and that you warm up properly with dynamic stretches to warm up the muscles and mobilise the joints. It's also important to build up the distance and pace slowly, if you go too fast too soon, you're likely going to get injured.
Dan said: "Consistency is key. If you build a base and work from there then you'll soon start seeing progress which is a wonderful thing and something you can look back on to see how far you've come."
A good rule of thumb for those looking to build up the miles is to increase the distance by around 10% each week. So for example if you run a total of 10 kilometres one week, the next run no more than 11 kilometres and so on. Then, if you're hoping to start running those longer distances, by the time you get there your body will be more than prepared to take on the challenge.
Shoes are everything
A common mistake many runners make is wearing the wrong shoes. As we said, you don't need lots of equipment to go running but the shoes can really make the difference, so it's important to choose wisely.
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Dan said: "The right trainers are vitally important in my opinion, I always say they'll be your best friend. Each person has their own individual running style and some people may pronate (where the ankle rolls slightly when running), which means they may need some extra stability."
For runners looking for a supportive shoe, Brooks' new Adrenaline GTS 21 is a great all-rounder which gives the runner stability, along with plenty of softness and cushioning.
It's not just your feet that the shoes are supporting, this particular trainer has special GuideRails technology which helps to protect the most injury prone part of a runner's body - the knees. The DNA LOFT cushioning in the sole extends from heel to the forefoot, for a super smooth transition and lasting comfort.
Find a tribe
Running with a friend or joining a running group can help to keep you committed to the running routine and can make it more enjoyable.
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Do you have a friend who's also started running? Or is there a local running club that you could be part of? Having other runners around you helps keep you accountable.
Dan said: "When parkrun returns to the UK I highly recommend trying it out as it's a friendly environment where you can meet like-minded people and hopefully make some new friends."
Even if you prefer to run alone, there are plenty of ways to tap into the running community to get inspired. Tracking your runs on Strava is another great way to stay motivated and connect with other runners. Runs can be uploaded to the app using a phone or a fitness tracker. You can then give and receive 'Kudos' - a virtual pat on the back for a run well done.
Simply enjoy it
At the end of the day, it's your run and the most important thing is finding something that works for you - and that you enjoy!
Some days, running will come naturally to you and you'll be able to settle into a rhythm quite easily. Others, it's a struggle and that's ok, the most important thing is just to get out and do something. Not every run is going to be fun, but I personally have never regretted actually going on a run. You always feel better when you get back.
Dan said: "My favourite thing about running is the physical and mental health benefits it brings. I can guarantee no matter how much of a bad day I've had I'll always feel better after a run, it's 'my' time away from the rest of the world."
Think of ways you can treat yourself for getting out on a run. This could be a nice hot bath after a frosty winter run, a hearty meal or perhaps a new pair of trainers to say thank you to your feet (and knees) for carrying you along.
The new Brooks Adrenaline GTS 21 is available to buy online now. To order visit their website.