Is it okay to run outside without wearing a mask?

Question

I want to be a safe and respectable human, but running with a mask is miserable. I’d love to hear your honest thoughts to gain some outside perspective!

Anonymous · Answer

I think it depends on where you run. If you're somewhere like an isolated hiking trail with few people, I wouldn't wear a mask in that situation. However, if you're running in a city on streets where you know you will encounter people then I think its safest to run with a mask at least on you even if you have to take breaths and pull it down under your nose or mouth when things really get unbearable. The 'have it accessible but not wearing it all the time' is an acceptable compromise, I think.

Anonymous · Answer

While I do not run my daughter does train in ballet and wears a mask for hours at a time so she can be in a studio (high level getting ready to enter professional auditions). Yes she said it sucks but has found that there are different types of mask material that work better than others for breathing. My sisters run and do so in masks because it mandated in our state but prefer to run without one.

Jessica K. · Answer

I've seen both but I live in Chicago where a face covering is mandated when you cannot guarantee being 6' apart from someone else.  While you're only running by someone briefly, I still feel safer with them having a face covering or else I'll walk in the street.  It's not comfortable but would opt to be safe for yourself and others.

Maryna · Answer

I live in suburbs and I dont wear a mask while running or walking. I always keep distance especially when I pass elder people. In my county wearing  masks  is only mandatory in the stores. Its all about being respectful to one another  and use a common sense when it comes to people’s and your own health.

Christy Demetrakis · Answer

I clicked on a great article today regarding masks suitable for exercise.  Here you go.  https://www.cnn.com/2020/07/22/cnn-underscored/best-breathable-face-masks/index.html?iid=underscored5Things072820&utm_term=1595931892912e86b329fe7cd&utm_source=Five+Things+for+Tuesday%2C+July+28%2C+2020&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=229837_1595931892914&bt_ee=xlYPAN8ebyMUbADUVUzeVZhEpxz0ZdRFwdsrCUNh8%2BXD9WFao%2BD8Mhr0wWzMNg%2FT&bt_ts=1595931892914

Anonymous · Answer

I’m am also a runner, training for the Marine Corp Marathon that just went virtual in October. Our state, North Carolina, mandates masks in all situations except for strenuous exercise outdoors.

In all cases, I do wear a mask. However, after seeking much advice on the subject I have found that running outdoors puts me at minimal risk when I adjust my route and don’t run on weekends when/where it is congested with crowds. If I run past a person, I generally stay the required six-feet apart. Thus, I run mask free and have been all summer long.

Anne Barnwell · Answer

This depends on where you are running and how close you get to other people. I am a runner and I have changed my routes and times of running so that I don't encounter other people. That is fairly easy for me to do where I live and I recognize that others don't always have that as an option.

My husband and I also go hiking and wear buffs around our necks. When we encounter others on the trail, we can quickly pull up our buffs to protect ourselves and others.

Anonymous · Answer

If you are outside and away from people I can’t see why the mask is necessary.  In most cases it can be more harmful to you to run with the mask on because you are breathing back in that air which was exhaled. Plus factor in the heat as well. 
Recently, the news reported that several folks in my area had died after running with the mask on.  They couldn’t get fresh air and became overheated, etc.

Is it okay to run outside without wearing a mask?

You're invited.

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