I don’t know what I’d do if I didn’t have running in my life. This year in particular, it’s been a Godsend. Luckily I live beside the Phoenix Park. I can slip on my runners and literally run from my front door. I try to get out every day but I’m probably averaging five days a week. I run one of two loops, one 30 minutes, the other 40, depending on the mood!

Working from home has created the necessity to form a disciplined routine and getting out into the fresh air to exercise has been essential. Doctors will tell you the basic benefits of good exercise. But there’s something even more fulfilling about running. OK, it can be painful on a hot day or after a late night. But the release of endorphins as a result of running – which in turn suppresses pain and increases a feeling of happiness – is obviously the upshot.

The uniqueness of competing in 5km or 10km races is that you’re mixing with people of all ages, genders, backgrounds and abilities

Maybe it’s why running can become somewhat addictive. I get a bit uptight if I don’t get out for a run. I feel as if I’m undoing the good from the day before. That’s the downside: when it becomes compulsive. Balance is the key.

So forgetting about the role of running, walking and jogging in simply keeping the calories burned, the mental benefits are enormous. There’s been a running boom growing in Ireland going back to the last recession. And the Dublin City Marathon for example has been oversubscribed in recent years although sadly like all other races, has been cancelled this October. The uniqueness of competing in 5km or 10km races is that you’re mixing with people of all ages, genders, backgrounds and abilities in the same event. So take it that it’ll be a good day for everybody the day you see a road race again.

So, yes it’s easy for me to be able to say I can just lace up my runners and go for a run at the drop of a hat. I don’t take the privilege for granted

Being stuck indoors has not been a choice for many people. Whether it’s caring for an older relative or minding young children, the past six months have been challenging at several levels across the social spectrum. So, yes it’s easy for me to be able to say I can just lace up my runners and go for a run at the drop of a hat.

I don’t take the privilege for granted. But if life is getting you down and you are finding everything closing in on top of you, I can guarantee that making time for exercise, be it a walk or a run will get the heart rate up and the endorphins flowing. It’s a “win-win” without exception if you have the patience to gradually build up over time.

The only downside to running this year has been the pitting of walkers against joggers. My observation is that there are more people out walking now, but the same number of joggers.

Anyway my experience has been the runner always moving aside and never the other way around, which is the way it should be

Seasoned walkers and joggers have always coexisted amicably. But, for first-time walkers, it may be intimidating on several fronts to be met or passed by a jogger or runner who runs regularly.

Anyway my experience has been the runner always moving aside and never the other way around, which is the way it should be.

So I’m assuming the people ringing Joe Duffy are those who’ve only recently taken up outdoor exercise? That is great news.

But instead of being impatient or put out by people out running on the footpath, remember the fitter people are, the less dependent they are likely to be on the health service and so the better for all of us. Let’s live and let live whether you walk, jog or run or none of the above.

Why should top GAA players not benefit financially from sharing their tips and skills if coaches, managers, physios and psychologists are?