Running News Daily

Since the pandemic of Covid-19 has started, more people than ever are focusing on boosting their immune systems. This is truly important since we need to keep our bodies as healthy as possible in case we get infected. Even though there isn’t one magical way you can boost your immune system, a few things combined can give you great results. 

If you were having trouble finding ways you can help your body during this time, you came to the right place. In this article, we will discuss a few things you can do to boost your immune system and successfully fight the pandemic.

Take vitamins

The way people usually recommend taking vitamins is through food. But, will an apple a day keep the doctor away after all? During a pandemic, it is important to boost your immune system as much as you can. If you don’t get enough vitamins through your diet, it can make a significant change in how your body fights with Covid-19. 

This is why it would be smart to start taking vitamins if you aren’t already doing so. Pros on vitamins from Dose + Remedy say that vitamins D and C, as well as Zinc and Quercetin, are the most powerful in the fight against Covid-19. If you take these supplements regularly, the chances of getting a severe case of Covid-19 can be significantly lowered. And since they have shown their effectiveness in the fight against the pandemic, you can find them all together as a part of one pack. So, you can avoid the extra hustle and costs of getting them individually. 

Get enough sleep

Even outside of the pandemic, getting enough sleep is important for our health. When you sleep well, your whole body is revitalized. Otherwise, you can suffer from memory problems, heart disease, mood disorders, and many other issues. 

But, more than ever, we all must get enough sleep. Besides all the things we already mentioned, a good night’s sleep is important for our immune system as well. If we are constantly tired, any kind of infection that we may have can be worse. So, to make your body as prepared as possible in case you get Covid-19, make sure you sleep for six to eight hours every night. 

Avoid stressful situations

Stress is often underestimated when it comes to its impact on our health. In reality, many health conditions can be worsened, or even caused by stress. Unfortunately, our immune system is not an exception either. A molecule called cortisol is a hormone that our bodies produce when we are in stressful situations. Even though it has its benefits, when produced in a huge amount, it can reduce the activity of the immune system. 

Since we need all the goodies our immune system can provide to fight Covid-19, it is best to avoid any kind of stress. We know it is hard to avoid stress altogether. But, try to learn how to deal with stress and anxiety better, and to focus on good things. If you have any kind of activity that is proven to reduce your stress levels, now would be the best time to embrace it. Or, if you have the chance to do so, you can always do psychotherapy.

Stay active

Physical activity has numerous benefits for your overall health. One of the things that gets a major boost when we exercise is our immune system. Regular exercise increases the production of antibodies and T-cells which can help us fight Covid-19. Besides this direct path of boosting the immune system, exercise reduces the levels of that stress hormone cortisol we previously mentioned. Plus, sweating raises your body’s temperature, making it easier to kill pathogens. 

Depending on your age and your abilities, adjust the amount of weekly exercise. Aim for at least 150 minutes per week, but make sure you don’t overdo it. You can do yoga, dancing, or anything else you usually enjoy. 

Nutritional Diet

Having a well-balanced diet will help your body stay in balance. To keep your immune system in good shape, make sure to eat seasonal fruits, seeds that can give you essential nutrients, as well as fresh vegetables. Besides improving your immune response, having a nutritional diet can reduce the risk of infection as well.

Since living with Covid-19 became the new normal, at least for now, we must try to do everything we can to boost our immune system. Even though all the things we talked about have a huge impact on our immune response, don’t do just one. To help your body be as prepared as possible in case you get infected, make sure you sleep well, avoid stress, exercise and get all the necessary nutrients, either through supplements or food.

MONFORTE DA BEIRA, PORTUGAL — Three weeks after dislocating my shoulder in a fall shortly after arriving in Lisbon, I found myself looking for a goal that would keep me moving while allowing my body time to heal.

The fall resulted in a trip to the hospital and weeks of recovery with my arm in a sling. While it limited my running, it did not take away my desire to stay active.

The inspiration for my next goal came from an unexpected source. Anderson Manor recently hosted a group of nine women from Australia whose passion is hiking and trekking. Watching their enthusiasm for exploring the countryside surrounding Monforte da Beira reminded me how much there is to discover on foot. Their visit inspired me to create a challenge of my own.

I called it my Portugal Villages 100K Challenge.

The concept was simple: cover 100 kilometers on foot while connecting the villages surrounding Anderson Manor, including Monforte da Beira, Cegonhas, Malpica do Tejo, and Ladoeiro.

Unlike an organized race, there was no entry fee, no aid stations, and no spectators. But there was a finish line—100 kilometers. My goal was to reach it under my own power while exploring some of the most beautiful countryside in central Portugal.

Running was limited because of my shoulder situation. Much of the journey was completed while wearing a sling. Some sections were covered at what I call a shuffle, roughly 16 to 17 minutes per mile, while others were completed at a brisk walking pace. The objective was never speed. The objective was forward progress.

An event is an event.

Over six consecutive days, I traveled through olive groves, farmland, quiet village streets, and winding country roads. One day included my familiar Cactus Loop, a 5.25-mile route near Anderson Manor. The remaining days were primarily point-to-point journeys linking neighboring villages.

What struck me most was the beauty and simplicity of Portugal’s rural interior. There were long stretches where the only sounds came from birds, sheep, and the occasional tractor. The landscape remains largely unchanged from generations past, offering a glimpse of a slower and more peaceful way of life.

The final kilometers came on the road to Ladoeiro. Reaching 100 kilometers was my finish line. There was no official clock, no banner stretched across the road, and no cheering crowd, but the finish line was real nonetheless. Today, on a quiet road approaching Ladoeiro, my GPS showed that I had reached the 100-kilometer mark. The distance had been covered, the challenge was complete, and the finish line had been reached.

At age 78, I continue to believe that fitness is not defined by speed. Some days we run. Some days we walk. Some days we do a little of both. What matters is maintaining the habit of movement and continuing to challenge ourselves regardless of age or circumstance.

This personal challenge reminded me that setbacks do not have to stop us. They simply require us to adapt. While my shoulder continues to heal, completing this 100K journey proved that meaningful goals can still be achieved even when conditions are less than ideal.

I also came away with an even greater appreciation for the villages that surround Anderson Manor and for the simple joy of exploring them under my own power. Sometimes inspiration comes from elite athletes. Sometimes it comes from a group of travelers from Australia who simply love to walk and discover new places.

The roads connecting Monforte da Beira, Cegonhas, Malpica do Tejo, and Ladoeiro are still there. I suspect I will be traveling them again soon.

Kenya's sprint king Ferdinand Omanyala has sent a powerful message to his rivals ahead of one of the most anticipated 100m races of the season, declaring that fans should expect something special when he steps onto the track at the Rome Diamond League.

Speaking in an interview with Nation Sport ahead of the prestigious meeting in Rome, the African record holder made it clear that he is entering the race with renewed confidence and determination, insisting that the version of Omanyala the world has seen in previous seasons is no longer the same athlete.

"I am not the same Omanyala they are used to. It will be different. I promise you fireworks. The roof will blow off," he said, underlining his belief that his best performances are still ahead of him.

The Kenyan sprint sensation also reaffirmed his season-long objective of consistently breaking the coveted 10-second barrier, revealing that he is fully focused on delivering sub-10 performances throughout the Diamond League campaign.

His bold remarks have only heightened anticipation for the men's 100m showdown in Rome, where he is set to face an elite field featuring world champion Noah Lyles, Olympic champion Letsile Tebogo, and South African sprint star Akani Simbine.

The race promises to be one of the highlights of the meeting, bringing together some of the fastest men in the world in a contest that could produce exceptional times. For Omanyala, it is another opportunity to showcase his growth, challenge the very best, and strengthen his position among the global sprinting elite.

As the athletes prepare to take their marks, excitement continues to build around the Kenyan star. He has promised fireworks, and with a world-class field standing alongside him, the stage is perfectly set for a memorable night of sprinting in the Italian capital.

Whether his bold prediction comes to life remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Omanyala is heading into Rome with confidence, ambition, and the belief that his fastest races are still ahead of him.

Olympic and world champion Winfred Yavi will step out of her renowned steeplechase comfort zone on Thursday evening as she takes on a strong women's 5000m field at the Golden Gala Pietro Mennea, the fourth stop of the 2026 Wanda Diamond League in Rome.

The Bahraini star arrives in the Italian capital carrying impressive credentials over the distance. Yavi owns a personal best of 14:41.99 and currently holds Bahrain's national record in the women's 5000m, underlining her versatility beyond the barriers that have brought her global fame.

Rome holds special memories for Yavi. The Stadio Olimpico was the scene of one of the finest performances of her career in 2024 when she produced the second-fastest women's 3000m steeplechase time in history, narrowly missing the world record. Now she returns to the Eternal City with a different challenge ahead as she looks to make her mark in one of the deepest distance races of the evening.

The 27-year-old will face a quality field featuring rising Kenyan talent Caroline Nyaga, Margaret Akidor, Ethiopia's Likina Amebaw and Hirut Meshesha, as well as fellow Kenyan Purity Chepkurui. With several proven performers on the start line, the race promises to be a fierce battle from the opening laps.

Adding further intrigue is the standard set by the event itself. The current world record of 13:58.06 belongs to Kenyan superstar Beatrice Chebet, who became the first woman in history to break the 14-minute barrier for 5000m.

Although Yavi's primary focus remains the steeplechase, her growing strength on the track has made her a genuine threat in longer flat races. Every appearance outside her signature event offers another glimpse into the remarkable range that has transformed her into one of the world's most complete distance runners.

As the lights shine on Rome tonight, all eyes will be on Yavi to see whether she can translate her championship pedigree into another memorable performance. A victory would further cement her reputation as one of the most versatile stars in global athletics and provide a major statement as the Diamond League season gathers momentum.

Age may slow the clock, but it does not have to limit ambition. At 90 years old, Bill Schwarz has achieved something many runners spend a lifetime pursuing—completing his first marathon.

On May 31, Schwarz took on the full 26.2-mile challenge at the Rock ‘n’ Roll San Diego Marathon, embarking on a journey that was never about pace, rankings, or finishing inside the official cutoff time. For him, there was only one goal: cover the entire distance.

More than nine hours after starting, Schwarz was still moving forward. While the official race clock had long stopped, he continued until his watch confirmed he had completed every mile of the marathon course. That was the achievement that mattered most.

Schwarz’s remarkable accomplishment is made even more inspiring by the life he has led. A retired engineer, he once contributed to the Apollo space program, helping design components that played a role in humanity’s journey to the moon. Decades later, he is still proving that exploration and perseverance know no age limit.

Unlike many people in their later years, Schwarz takes no medication and has never undergone a joint replacement. Running first entered his life in the 1950s when he was a high school student. What began as a practical way to balance his interests eventually became something much deeper. Over the years, he stepped away from the sport and returned to it several times, describing running as a form of meditation that brings clarity and peace.

The marathon dream gained new meaning following the loss of his wife, Janice, two and a half years ago. Searching for purpose and direction during a difficult period, Schwarz registered for a local 5K race. That single event reignited his passion for movement and personal challenge.

One race led to another. A 5K became a half marathon. Then another half marathon. Soon, he had completed five. Last year, he walked and ran 60 miles along Spain’s historic Camino de Santiago over six days. The experience convinced him that his body was capable of tackling an even greater challenge—the marathon.

Determined to give himself every opportunity to succeed, Schwarz committed fully to preparation. He trained approximately ten hours each week with the support of a strength coach, running coach, stretch trainer, and Pilates instructor. Along the way, he lost 40 pounds and embraced a data-driven approach to training, monitoring his effort through heart-rate zones and using modern technology to help plan his nutrition strategy.

On race day, he was not alone. A friend of his daughter accompanied him throughout the entire journey, providing encouragement and companionship over every mile of the demanding course.

Yet, despite finally conquering his first marathon at an age when most people have long retired from athletic pursuits, Schwarz is not finished dreaming.

His sights are already set on the next challenge: the Boston Marathon. The oldest official finisher in the race’s storied history was 84 years old, meaning Schwarz could potentially rewrite the record books if he reaches the starting line and completes the course.

Before taking on San Diego, he summed up his philosophy with a simple but powerful statement:

"My objective is to finish. And whatever time it takes, it's going to be wonderful."

That mindset carried him through 26.2 miles and into marathon history. More importantly, it delivered a message that resonates far beyond running: goals do not have an expiration date, and it is never too late to pursue a dream.

Australian sprint prodigy Gout Gout has taken another monumental step in his rapidly rising career after World Athletics officially ratified his stunning 200-metre performance as the Under-20 World Record.

The 18-year-old sensation etched his name into athletics history at the Australian Championships in April when he stormed to an extraordinary 19.67 seconds, becoming the first Australian athlete to legally break the coveted 20-second barrier in the 200m. The performance immediately sent shockwaves through the global athletics community, drawing comparisons with some of the sport’s greatest sprinters and signaling the arrival of a remarkable new talent on the world stage.

With the record now formally recognized, Gout's achievement stands as the fastest 200m ever recorded by an athlete in the Under-20 category. His breathtaking run surpassed the previous world junior mark and was even quicker than the fastest time recorded by sprint icon Usain Bolt during his own teenage years, further highlighting the magnitude of the Australian's accomplishment.

The ratification by World Athletics transforms what was already a sensational performance into an official piece of athletics history. It is a landmark moment not only for Gout himself but also for Australian sprinting, a nation that has rarely featured among the world's fastest over the 200m distance.

Still only 18, Gout continues to build a reputation as one of the most exciting young athletes in global sport. His blend of raw speed, composure, and competitive fearlessness has captured attention far beyond Australia, with many now eager to see how far his talent can carry him on the international stage.

For now, however, the numbers speak for themselves: 19.67 seconds, a world-record performance, and a place in athletics history secured. The future appears exceptionally bright for the young Australian whose remarkable rise shows no signs of slowing down.