Here we are, a crazy number of days into Virginia’s Stay at Home order. Today, the Northern Virginia area began Phase 1, which means more things will be open at reduced capacity and with masks required in establishments. To be honest, it’s not really going to change my behavior (we are super careful), including that I will continue to run the majority of my runs right out my front door. But I do have some runfessions, so I’m linking up with my buddy Marcia to share them with you.
I runfess that I never really got into Virtual Races. I always had enough real races on the calendar that I didn’t need them. I still don’t LOVE virtuals, but I’ve registered for a few. Everything I’ve registered for has had one thing in common: the money will keep someone employed or help a charity. So, I’m doing a Sesame Street 5k, a 5k that supports the local LGBTQ community and a local race company, a local church sponsored race that supports some local food resources, etc… Other than the Sesame Street cape, I’m not even taking the swag if I have that option LOL.
I runfess that I have been single handedly keeping fitness businesses open. I’ve bought skirts. I’ve bought Altra running shoes. I’ve bought a massage gun (OMG, that’s a life changer.) Of course, I’ve also had beer delivered and get at least a package a day from Amazon. I think I may need an intervention soon…
I runfess that I’m also still doing the Great Virtual Race Across Tennessee and I *might* be considering the 1000 mile option. I’ve been adding a ton of walking miles on top of my normal running schedule to see if I can make it happen. The wild card is whether I can keep it up as we get ready to take Jones off to college. I’ll have to build up a cushion before that happens. I currently have a ways to go…
On the flip side, I runfess that I’m afraid that MCM will be virtual this year. After hearing yesterday that the Boston Marathon was cancelled, I think things are headed that way. Yes, I could defer (and their fee is actually pretty low), but I already did the Historic Half virtually in order to qualify for the Semper Fi medal. I want that medal, darn it.
Finally, I will runfess that I need to start marathon training soon and summer has arrived. (Seriously, today was like running wearing a wet blanket.) I have not gotten up earlier than 8 more than a handful of times since mid March. I’m going to have to start getting up so I can hit the road at stupid early, if today was any indication. If you find my motivation, can you send it back my way? Also, WTF did I sign up for MCM again? I said I wasn’t going to and then I did. Just like every year.
In general, things are going about as well as they can here. Like everyone, I have my ups and downs and there are things I’m struggling with, but for the most part, we are very fortunate. So, I’ll keep running and walking my way across Tennessee and enjoy the slightly calmer pace of life we have going on as we slowly move back towards a new normal.
We’re entering phase 3 here but that only means hair salons will open and we can gather masked in groups less than 10. I’m beginning to wonder if NYCM will happen. Especially if the second wave they’re talking about happens. It seems doubtful. THanks for linking!