The last week has been surreal. Almost nightmarish in scope. I’ve stared at this screen for hours, trying to figure out the words to make sense of what is going on in our world, and I’m coming up so very empty.
Now, more than ever, I need my community. This running community that has built around me over the past years. The mom community we now have to keep at a six foot distance. I’ve actually been socially distancing since November, when I broke my leg, before it was the thing to do. But now that I’m ready to be back out in the world, it’s all shutting down and I find myself having to find a new path.
So what am I going to do?
Breathe
If you know me, you know I don’t breathe. Not when my bones snapped. Not when I get a massage. Not when I was in labor. Not in yoga. I fully admit there something is wrong with me when it comes to the whole inhale-exhale thing, but when the going gets tough, I apparently hold my breath. With everything spiraling so very much out of my control, I am focusing on taking those deep, centering breaths to stay calm and connected. It’s horribly unnatural, but it’s a small thing I can control. As an introvert home with two extroverts, I need to master this calming technique.
Exercise – Keep Running!
So I have stopped going to PT. My location treats a lot of older and elderly people and there is no way we are able to keep six feet apart. I don’t want to catch anything, nor do I want to unknowingly spread anything. It may sound selfish, but I have been working so hard to get back to normal, and that may never happen, through no fault of my own. However, I know the exercises. I know that it’s ok to start testing things (riding a bike outside for example). So I will do my PT at home. I will continue with my walks, and my stretches and my strength. And then, I will just try to run.
No matter what else, fresh air and exercise are still some of the best ways to keep yourself healthy. Practice social distancing (solo runs/cycling outings), and just do what you can.
Don’t Sweat The Small Stuff
Right now, my whole family is home. Mr. PugRunner has closed his office and works from home. Little man is out of school until at least April 15, and online learning, however that looks, won’t start until March 30. We are not setting alarms to get up. There are no more bedtimes. Meals are whenever. Right now, there are screens and junk food. Things are insane and scary, especially for a child, and while I do expect him to practice his clarinet and do one educational thing every day, things are hard enough without cracking down.
Manage The Disappointments
As I mentioned above, I’m pretty upset about the loss of my PT. We have a few birthdays coming up and I had to explain to little man that I will absolutely make him a cake and we will have a nice day together, but we probably won’t be having a party or a weekend trip. Heck, with Amazon shutting down, I don’t even know if we will be able to get presents. And in the scheme of things, none of that even matters, as people are getting sick or dying, losing their jobs and health insurance, getting quarantined and so much more. It’s a whole new world out there, and while it’s ok to be bummed and angry when we lose out, we have to remember the positives and our gratitude.
Set Goals
With events and races pretty much cancelled or postponed through the next few months, I’ve got to set some goals of my own. My comeback race is on hold, but I still have my virtual shirt and bib from the Starlight 5K I couldn’t run in December. I am already walking 1.5 miles, so shooting for 3.1 isn’t too far off. Lots of runners are continuing to train for their events, even if they are no longer occurring, to keep their focus off the state of things and on a specific goal. I see no reason not to do the same.
How are you running and coping?
We will get through this. It’s not going to be easy or without stressors, but we are in this together.
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This is all so crazy! And just when you were getting back out there too! I’m not sure how we will survive without Amazon!
Stay safe and healthy!!! Hopefully we don’t all go to stir crazy!
Sandra Laflamme recently posted…Java Jolt. Caffeine and Running
I hope you stay safe and healthy too! Stir crazy is totally a possibility. I’m used to it at this point, but it is hard having the boys home in my space.
You can definitely do your PT at home. Managing disappointment is hard but good life lessons to teach to our kids young and old. Hang in!
Yup. I’m trying to mitigate some of it, but today I had to tell him “Look. It sucks. It just plain sucks. I’m sorry, but this is what it is and we have to deal with it.” There’s really nothing else to say about it.
I’m disappointed that all of my spring races have been cancelled, but what can you do? I still get to run and that’s what I’ve been doing. I have a few virtual runs that I’ve signed up for but really, it feels nice to just run.
Right now, I think everyone is appreciative of the chance to get out of the house, race or not.
Yep yep. You know I totally feel all of this. Hugs to you, mama. <3
<3
Ooh are those lucky charms treats??? They look yummy. I can definitely feel a baking project coming on. Although it is almost certain that all of my spring races will be canceled, I’m staying in half marathon shape. The way I think of it, the race is just one day in the training plan, so missing the race is the same as missing ONE workout, not a big deal.
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They are! You make them the exact same way as rice krispie treats, but with lucky charms (and pull out a few marshmallows for the top). To be honest, I like them better.
I am still pushing towards a goal of half marathon shape. I hope I can get there on my own.
It’s such a crazy time right now. I’m sorry you had to stop PT but it makes sense. Hopefully doing things on your own will allow you to continue to make progress. I guess a silver lining is this didn’t happen a couple months ago when you were just starting PT? Hang in there!
HUGE silver lining. My heart breaks for people who are just finishing up with their surgery and getting their PT orders.
Well, in the last hour, two more races postponed (a 13.1 and a 1-miler), and another 13.1 cancelled (but with the option for a virtual run). I still have one more race that is on (Scheduled for May 30th), so I’m keeping my fingers crossed that holds. But, it’s a different time and place than any of us could have imagined, and we all still get to run regardless if it’s on the race course or not. This too shall pass. Onward!!
Onward, indeed! I’m so very zen about all this, probably because I wasn’t able to participate anyway. Now it’s kind of a “what’s next?” game. I do hope we get some races back soon, in addition to other things. People need the morale boost.
That’s crazy that he’s got all that time off from school – is some of it early spring break? We had one day to prep and then had to start remote teaching our students. We’re scheduled to go back on 4/20.
Stay safe and stay fit!
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This week (plus last Friday) is our official Spring Break. In Florida, we typically start the year in early August, and end right around Memorial Day. I have a sneaking suspicion that our year is over. They are supposed to start online instruction on 3/30, but who knows how successful that will be.
You stay safe as well.
There’s definitely been a lot of need for adapting lately–I’m glad you’re able to continue the PT at home! Hang in there! <3
It’s not nearly as good, but it’s something.
I think holding your breath is a natural response to stressful situations. I have to remind myself to breathe too. Luckily, we have this socila network of running bloggers to connect with. It’s not the same as IRL, but it’s still good, right? 🙂
Absolutely still good <3
No lie I’m disappointed that most of spring races have been cancelled.
I will run. I will pretend that I’m racing by running the distance but we know it’s not the same.
You got the basics of PT done. I think you’re already ready to go for it. Run l mean.
It is disappointing, for sure.
I’m close, but not quite there. I am going to keep boosting my pace and distance on my walks. I’m afraid to get a stress fracture right now because I don’t want to be anywhere near the hospital.