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Monday, January 18, 2021

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-

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, DeborahLisaLaura and Jenn for the Runners' Roundup

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36 comments:

  1. A great summary, Kim! You are so right with the 5K experience: it's a very tough distance. Too long to sprint, too short to cut back the tempo for a minute to get a breather.
    Your 12 weeks of windy 5Ks are legendary! And they inspired me for my own 5K time trial, too.

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    1. Thank you, Catrina! I'm half tempted to do more 5K time trials this year...but when? I thought the spring would be a perfect time last year, and the weather did not play nice LOL

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  2. Ah yes, the 5k gets mad respect. My pandemic highlights were embracing virtual racing and being able to run outside much more than I would have back in the bad old commuting days. I was able to run outside from Jan 2 - last Sunday which is unbelievably good weather for January. I'm back inside this week, but hey, got to get caught up on my treadmill TV watching sometime.

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    1. Yes!! the treadmill TV time waits for no one ;-) Our January had been somewhat mild (for Iowa), but things turned today...#BRRRRRR

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  3. I agree with everything you wrote, Kim! Although I let go of music on the run quite a few years ago. I think it's safer, in general -- although I can still get lost in my own head!

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    1. I get lost in my head, too! I'll go out for a few miles (on one of my many familiar routes, so I'll know the distance before hand) and return home without any recollection of what all I "saw" while running.

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  4. Don't forget our 15k coming up!

    I do agree with you. I've embraced running even without races. I also get outside more. All good!

    Sometimes I run with podcasts, sometimes not. I neve depended on it. With Aftershoz, you can still hear because they're not in your ears.

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    1. I'm actually running the 5K for the Allstate Hot Chocolate. I probably could have been ready for the 15K, but didn't feel like pushing the distance just yet, so I have not trained for anything beyond 5 miles.

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  5. I just can’t get behind virtual races but then I didn’t view it as supporting their longevity. Thanks for the perspective.

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    1. I am not in love with virtual races, either. I can tolerate them, though, when they're the only option of a favorite race (that I had already been registered for). I don't do many of the "just because" ones...like with medals shaped like toilet paper rolls or animals LOL

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  6. Totally agree with everything you mentioned here. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed virtual interactions. for work, I tend to have "zoom fatigue" but when it comes to friends and family I totally look forward to those interactions.

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    1. I didn't think to mention it, but I really enjoyed the many FaceTime chats and Zoom calls that may not have happened. With limited options for socializing, screen time definitely helped fill a void ;-)

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  7. Respect the 5K was a huge lesson I got when I signed up for a 5K race in 2019. Until then, I had snubbed all 5K races. What's the point in running if you're "only" doing 5K and you know you can go longer... well... I quickly learnt that running a shorter distance for me is so much harder than going longer! Great lessons here Kim!

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    1. I used to do 5K races, way back in the beginning of my running "career," and they felt like marathons at the time. I didn't know how to train for them, so I just ran them with the goal of just finishing. It wasn't until I had a lot more experience that I realized the objective of "racing" them. ((duh))

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  8. 5k's are SO hard... I must prefer long slow distance :)

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  9. There are some bright spots, for sure, but I find it hard to celebrate sometimes, in the wake of those who have lost so much. These are weird and tragic times :(

    Self-reliance is a big one. I've also learned it's ok to ask for help and accept it, too. I can't do everything alone, and when people offer to assist, they usually mean it.

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    1. Thank you for saying this. Working in health care, I have a different perspective of the pandemic and I don't want to sugarcoat the toll it has taken on people, not only physically but mentally. Running is just one part of my life. It's definitely been different and I'm glad I have running to keep me grounded.

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  10. I also learned to appreciate virtual races. I like that they are so convenient and cheaper than real races! I am trying to appreciate the 5k. Its such a tough distance!

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    1. Most are a lot cheaper than real races, a nice feature for sure ;-) The 5K is a different kind of beast for us distance runners ;-)

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  11. Yes, virtual races are not so bad... there's still that community aspect about them and I love that.

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    1. Agreed!! They can be just as fun as we choose to make them ;-)

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  12. I didn't realize you had the exact same stress fracture that I did - right metatarsal on right foot. I'm glad you're back at it now! My husband has recommended that I run without music but I just can't do it! lol. You're always so good at making lemonade, but this past year certainly tested all of us!

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    1. Running without music took me awhile to adapt to. I think I always assumed I needed it LOL After a few races (with a failed iPod), I realized I was alright without it.

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  13. I agree with all of these! I also learned to appreciate the little things so much more. I am back and forth on the running with music. Definitely respect the 5K especially in the summer time

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    1. The little things really mean a lot ;-) Most of my "short" runs are short enough, it's just not a big deal to have music (or not). The "longer" runs, I'm usually with Barb, so there's all kinds of lively conversation. My iPod died (at the MCM), so I'd been using the hubby's iPod because I don't want to drain the battery on my phone. Now, I just don't feel compelled to get another...

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  14. This is such a great topic! I totally agree on the attitude toward virtual racing and hope that the business we all threw race directors' way will help them keep their races afloat until they can be held live again.

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    1. Right? I feel we, as runners, are responsible for keeping the races alive (even if we have to endure a year or virtuals).

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  15. I know in the beginning I enjoyed the virtual races but then found out that they weren't for me anymore. I am glad many found them motivating and helpful. I enjoyed more the challenges because those kept me going.

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    1. I like doing challenges, too! It's always good to try new things, and the various challenges offer something for everyone.

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  16. There have been bright spots! I'm enjoying that I can get outdoors for runs versus being on the treadmill, since my husband is working from home and can watch the baby. (winter snow and ice is no good for the stroller!)

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    1. Yes, definitely some bright spots ;-) It's far healthier to focus on the good rather than the bad <3

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  17. Ha! I can't even imagine wearing music during that 2019 MCM! I used to run with music too but haven't used it for several years. I like just thinking my own thoughts. It's a safety issue for me too. And, yes...runner friends are the best! You found plenty of silver linings in the cloud of this pandemic.

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    1. My iPod had been acting up, but around Mile 2 of the MCM it flat-out said "no more." And, it was just me and the rain LOL

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  18. It took me a while but I came to enjoy virtual racing too. Still not my favorite, though! I was also grateful to have my built-in running (and life) partner throughout the pandemic. I feel so bad for people who have been alone.

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    1. I totally agree! I can't imagine how tough it would be to be all alone through such a trying time.

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