“In my experience as a counsellor, people have talked about running being their saviour when the strains of attempting home schooling, working from home and not being able to get away from people they live with. There’s a sense that running has become more necessary when they’ve got those other very specific lockdown pressures at home,” says Dr Jill Owen, a sports psychologist.

Dr Owen says that the physical act of leaving our homes shouldn’t be underestimated when it comes to our mental health. “Being outside has huge mental health benefits, but right now it’s even more helpful. Going to different places, on different routes, seeing different things and hearing different sounds gives you some perspective,” she says.

Running in lockdown: why have so many women turned to jogging for their mental health?