Pandemic: Lessons Learned

My Pandemic: My Lessons Learned.

Well, obviously, this pandemic belongs to ALL of us. I would argue, though, that each of us has experienced it differently. We've all had fears, anxieties, frustrations...and we all have brought our own life experiences to the table. 

That said, my pandemic experience came with many lessons. Most weren't necessarily new "aha moments," or ground-breaking revelations...but all of them left me wiser, changed, and ever more grateful. 

Care to hear a few?

Music schmusic. 

One such lesson, now cemented into my being, is that I'm no longer dependent on music when I run. Having run several races sans music (a handful of 5K's, a few half marathons, and the torrentially rainy 2019 Marine Corps Marathon), I learned that I had enough grit and mojo to persevere without any extra audio entertainment. Then, last Spring, I did 12 weeks of 5K time trials and, coincidentally, forgot my iPod for most of those runs. Throughout the summer and fall, I did a whole lot of biking, obviously without any ear buds. When it came time to return to running (after my stress fracture sabbatical), I didn't even think of bringing the iPod along with me. And, as they say, the rest is history.   

Respect the 5K.

Speaking of 5K's, it was during the pandemic when I (finally) developed a new respect for the distance. As mentioned, I did 12 weeks of 5K time trials (late March to mid-June). I ran the exact same "course" for all of them, in hopes of having a nearly identical setting. In turn, I was hoping to focus on increasing my speed each week. Only, I also had crazy weather, with unpredictable cold (and heat) and all kinds of crazy wind. Alas, none of those 5K's came close to being the same experience. My finish times were all over the map, as well. But, I did develop better pacing skills. Also, I was better disciplined about not going out too fast. I only had one live 5K to test out my new skills (so to speak), on July 4th. It was a typical hot and humid summer morning, but I did manage a substantially fast-for-me finish time, and brought home a 3rd place AG. So, although the 5K may be a short distance to run, it's a pretty long distance to hold a fast race pace. Bottom line, it's not "just" 3.1 miles.

Virtual races are not so bad. 

As a longtime snubber of virtual races, I learned to appreciate their very existence. No, they're not an ideal race day experience, but it was "go virtual or go nothing" for most of last year (in terms of race bibs and swag). Many of my favorite races/events had to succumb to virtual status. Personally, I want all of these to return in the future (maybe in 2021?), so it was crucial to support their virtual format to (hopefully) ensure their longevity. 

Runner friends are the BEST. 

On a similar note, my running friends (many of which aren't local) were a true force of strength and support. There were several virtual races that some of us did "together, but apart" and were able to do some fun celebratory finish line antics. Again, a live race would have been much more fun, but we still were able to "rally" before our virtual start lines and celebrate afterwards.

 

with Renee, Montana, Kim, Zenaida and Cari...Team On-Fire for the Bix-7 

My self-motivation is legit.

My self-reliance really came front and center. I had to summon my mojo to keep running and training in the midst of all the on-going cancellations. Then, in mid-August, there was a stress fracture! Dealing with said stress fracture had me (partially) side-lined for much of the fall season. Not being able to run (or even walk), allowed me to seek other forms of fitness...and we all know how that ended. I was able to keep my proverbial glass half full, and bike to my heart's content, while the second metatarsal (on my right foot) healed. As much as I love running, I was oh-so-happy to add another sport to my line-up.

Inside (actually) is alright. 

Lastly, while I much prefer the outside scene, I learned that opting inside is alright. When I had to shift my biking indoors, after the temps turned chilly, I was pleasantly surprised how much I loved the indoor bike. Unlike the treadmill, my bike is quiet. I have 10 resistance options, so I can ride as fast, or as hilly, as I prefer. And, I'm not limited to just daylight hours. Also, I'm currently really loving the elliptical for a thorough sweat-infested, non-impact cardio option. And, the stairway? Well, that needs no explanation LOL.

There were numerous other lessons as well, but these were the big ones. Living through a pandemic certainly hasn't been all fun and games, but it hasn't been all gloom and doom either. Like with anything, I believe we ultimately choose how we'll experience it. We can focus on all the pain and hardship, or we can appreciate our blessings. At least that works for me.

Have you found some bright spots in the midst of all that's happened? Any lessons learned? 

I'm linking this with Kim and Zenaida for the Tuesday Topics Link-Up

I'm also linking with Debbie, Deborah, Lisa, Laura and Jenn for the Runners' Roundup

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