Running isn’t canceled, thank goodness. It’s been a slice of normal, the outing that keeps me from feeling too cooped up, a chance to process all the feelings and fears. Things have changed, for sure, but not all of it bad. It’s kind of easy to focus on what I miss, but I’m trying to also honor what is keeping me going:
- Mixing up my neighborhood runs. Exploring smaller side streets and alleys, or taking a usual route in reverse. I found a nice little hill that’s been hiding from me in the alley a half block away! This has helped me not miss the major trails I typically run quite as much. (Though no lie, I do miss them. A lot. If you’ve never experienced the simple beauty of a flat out and back long run on the Monon in Indy, you’re missing out).
- Cemetery runs. Seriously. So much wide open space, and so few people.
- Virtual relays and Strava challenges. It’s not training or racing, but it’s something. One of the Indiana Oiselle Volée leaders started a social distance relay, and it helped me feel connected to my running community, even though we can’t run together right now. And in the absence of training goals, Strava challenges provide something to work toward.
- New gear. I wanted to indulge in some retail therapy without going too crazy, just in case (I mean, the economy. Whoa.) I picked up these arm warmers, and it was instant love.
- Making up run games. My latest idea was 200 meter hill roulette. I warmed up with a couple of easy miles on my way to a street with rolling hills, then alternated 200 meters easy, 200 meters hard. Some of the hard repeats were uphill, some downhill, some a bit of both. It was fun and challenging. Another game I like is the deficit game, where I run slower for the first 1/3 or 1/2 mile, then pick it up to try to meet a pace goal.
- Doggo Joggos. Barnaby is my ultimate social d running pal. He doesn’t mind running in the rain, even. What a guy.
