Sunday, May 17, 2020

Trials and Trails

As the weather improves, have you noticed that everyone is going outside? On Friday when I drove home from work, the streets in my neighborhood were filled with people. There was a large crowd gathered at the neighborhood school, where there was a funnel cake truck. Driving felt like an obstacle course as I avoided walkers, runners, and people on bikes. No one I saw was social distancing or wearing masks.

So here's the thing: just because things are opening back up doesn't mean we can let down our guard. The virus is still active. Our numbers here in Illinois--the Chicago area-- are flat, but they aren't going down yet. People are acting as if their rights are being infringed upon when they are asked to stay home or wear masks. Guys, it's not a political issue. It's a public safety issue. Even if you don't think you're going to get COVID because you live in an area with low numbers or if you just don't care, keep in mind that you might infect someone who could become seriously ill from it.

I guess I have a different perspective because of my role as a nurse practitioner. This week, we were back to 50% of our schedules and mine was full. We see well visits in the morning and sick patients in the afternoon. We are still doing some telemedicine. My clinic is designated as a 'non-URI' clinic, meaning we are not seeing anyone with fever or COVID symptoms. Unfortunately, some slip through the cracks--on Friday I had a patient who wasn't completely truthful about her symptoms but presented with a fever and a runny nose. I had to wear full PPE when I went in to see her, but I was forced to send her to a 'URI site' for an evaluation and testing. If she tests positive, she potentially exposed everyone in my office.

It's frustrating and it's scary. 

I don't want to get all preachy here, but these thoughts have weighed heavily on my mind this week. I am having difficulty sleeping. It's a lot to process. As always, running was my therapy. Like everywhere else, though, the trails and paths were crowded with walkers looking to get outside.

Wednesday's agility run

Weekly Rundown

Monday trail run 4 miles
Tuesday Strength and CrossFit
Wednesday trail run for the Uncanceled Project 7 miles
Thursday Strength and CrossFit
Friday rest
Saturday trail run 6.2 miles
Sunday treadmill run 10 miles, Yoga with Adriene

Running
This week I needed my runs and I took several of them to the trails for some nature therapy. I didn't run last Sunday due to cold rain that fell all day. On Monday, I got up early and ran 4 miles at the preserve on the limestone path. It was cold and windy! 



On Wednesday, I was happy to see the sun. It was truly a gorgeous morning and I 'got lost' on the trails. I took a few detours on some of the single track paths that line the creek in the middle of the preserve. Fortunately for this run, the paths were pretty dry. I entertained myself by leaping over the many trees that have fallen across the trail. On my explorations, I found a teepee and a waterfall. On my way back to my car, I almost collided with 2 deer. The first one leapt across the path in front of me, but the other one and I came eye to eye. Finally, that deer took off ahead of me down the path and leapt into the woods with the other. 

My inspiration!
After another restless night, I woke up Saturday morning tired but determined. I decided I needed a little nature therapy again, so it was back to the trails. We had received quite a bit of rain during the week and even the main trails were muddy. I couldn't help myself, though. I took a detour into the woods on the single track, but a different one this time. While I was rewarded with beautiful surroundings and not a very many people, it was incredibly muddy and slow going. A couple of miles later, I emerged tired and covered with mud, but very satisfied. I can't wait to go back. I'll plan on going even earlier, though, because the main trails were just packed with people when I left.


Since Saturday's run kind of wrecked me, what with trekking through all that mud, I moved my long run to Sunday. Unfortunately, it was raining. And raining. I finally gave in and fired up the treadmill. Determined to get at least 8 miles in, a YouTube video of the 2010 Western States 100 mile race serendipitously popped up in my feed. I highly recommend it! It was an hour and 45 minutes long, which was perfect for me to get 10 miles done. Who am I any more?

Strength
This was week 6 of my home regimen as programmed by Sammy Jo. I asked when we could get back together and work one-on-one. She told me she thinks not until they start up classes again. I don't know about you, but I think working one-on-one invites social distancing much more than group classes! Truthfully, I'm not sure I want to go back to group classes. Stay tuned on this.

On Tuesday, there were banded goblet squats, which I did with a 25# dumbell. Then I did BB hip thrusts (80#) alternating with push presses (50#). My BB is low to the ground, so I used yoga blogs to lift it up and I slithered underneath. Holy hamstrings! I was still feeling these on Saturday! I also did some other skill work: DB overhead lunges, BB box setp ups, and DB lateral shoulder raises.

BB hip bridges
On Thursday there were back squats. Since I don't have a rack, it's difficult to get a heavy BB up to my shoulders. Instead, she had me do 3 sets of 20. Yes, 20. I did them at 55# and that was painful. Skill work included a new-to-me side KB windmills, which was very challenging; side DB rows (25#), and these banded Lat pulldowns. Loved this one. I finished with a not-so-fun ab burnout of side planks, mountain climbers, flutter kicks, and atomic situps. 

Banded lat pulldowns.
CrossFit
After strength on Tuesday, I did the WOD from Monday. The first 15 minutes was 5 rounds of 12 deadlifts, 9 hang cleans, and 6 S2OH. The trick was to pick a weight that I could do for all 3 moves. The S2OH is my albatross. Those overhead lifts are hard. The second 15 minutes was 3 rounds for time: 27 skater jmps, 21 plank stepups, 15 toe touches, and 9 burpees. At the end, there was a one mile run, but nah.

On Thursday, I did the WOD from Wednesday. It's kind of nice to pick one that I like instead doing the WOD of the day! 😉 Pretty sure the coaches would not approve. Anyhoo, the strength portion was 5x5 SL RDLs, followed by weighted situps. The 14 minute AMRAP included a 200m run (I did this on the treadmill), 6 thrusters, 12 atomic situps, and 24 DUs (I did singles). I made it through this almost 5 times. 

Off the Road
I shared a lot of off the road stuff on Friday's Loving/Not Loving Post. On Saturday, I participated in the bi-weekly Zoom chat with the other runbloggers. Since I missed the last one, it was nice to see almost everyone!



How was your week? I need sleep! Are you having sleep issues? Are people social distancing where you are? Wearing masks? Or are people starting to let down their guard? How do you feel about going back to the gym? Group exercise classes? Stay safe, everyone. Here's some food for thought:



I'm linking up with Deborah and Kim for the Weekly Rundown.




55 comments :

  1. I hate wearing a mask, but I continue to do so! I got a couple of cute ones from Walz Caps - they make cycling caps and have been donating masks. I ordered their bicycle masks (https://www.walzcaps.com/products/face-masks) If I've got to wear one, at least it can be cute.

    People are still social distancing but it seemed they were friendlier yesterday while I was out riding my bike. A few weeks ago, people avoided eye contact and wouldn't return my "good mornings," they were much friendlier yesterday.

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    1. I'm glad to hear that people were friendlier! I'm finding it still to be mixed. Especially when I'm running! I've gotten much better about calling out to people ahead of me to let them them know I'm approaching. They move away and I think they appreciate it.

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  2. I enjoy hearing your perspective on this because sometimes I feel like I am crazy. I get so annoyed when I see people not social distancing, especially at parks or in the supermarket. I see plenty of people outdoors without masks. I know that when we begin phase 1 of re-opening on Wednesday that it will be a complete sh*tshow. I'm going to continue to stay indoors.

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    1. I'm not crazy--I'm in the thick of it! I think people just aren't taking it seriously because the guy in charge isn't either. But he doesn't care about us--something people don't realize. Sigh.

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  3. Whoa I don't know which to congratulate you for, the muddy trail run or the TM run, because I know that must have been so much harder for you. Oh problem solved, I'll congratulate you for both! Fingers crossed that 1:1 training will start soon, I'd be much more comfortable with that than a group class.

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    1. Well thank you! Yes, both were hard and for different reasons! That mud run was very physical. The TM run was all mental.

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  4. I'm with you - keep wearing those masks! I realize now that we will be wearing them for awhile so I need to either make more, or buy some. I do think 90% of the people I have seen out and about have been doing a good job of social distancing or mask wearing around here. I'm looking forward to going to the gym again. My gym wasn't that crowded before it closed, so hopefully it would be the same when it opens. If it's too busy, I just won't go.

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    1. I will definitely go back for my training with SJ, but most likely, I will probably skip the classes for a while.

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  5. Everyone in my neck of the woods is still VERY conscientious about social distancing so no complaints there. I am seeing more people on "my" trails but still if I go early enough, or it's chilly, I've got them to myself.
    Wow way to get 10 on the mill! That's some serious commitment right there.
    Honestly I doubt we'll be rejoining our gym when it opens. This stint at home showed us it was not essential.

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    1. A certain coach told me to keep my miles up, so a runner's gotta do...

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  6. I do wear a mask when going to the store. Well, I have to since I cannot go in without one. :-) I don't wear one when running outside since I don't see a lot of people anyway. When I do I just step over to the street. You had some good runs this week running on the trail. I would be OK with going to the gym to use the treadmill as a backup in case I cannot run outside.

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    1. I'm glad I've been able to do my workouts at home, with modifications!

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  7. Luckily, I live in a rural enough area that I’ve been able to run without a mask outside (I hardly see people), but I have been mostly avoiding my local park because of the amount of people. I live about 35 minutes away from Ocean City, MD, and I saw photos of a packed boardwalk this past weekend!! It scares me — I hope we don’t see a spike in cases.

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    1. Oh, trust me, we will. It's been interesting because I get daily updates from the hospital and we popped back up again after last weekend. Memorial Day should be interesting.

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  8. Interestingly, although the gyms have opened up again this week, including classes, not many people are going. I think most people have built up their own home routine and going through all the desinfecting and physical distancing stuff in a gym is not very appealing.
    I am sticking to my outside and home routine.
    Having said that, I agree with you: a 1:1 session with Sammy Jo is absolutely doable!

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    1. I'm so glad we all learned to make do with our home equipment!

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  9. Amazing week, Wendy! You are an inspiration.

    I'm totally with you about people thinking they can just go back to normal...I won't be changing my behavior yet. Minneapolis lifted its Shelter in Place and people are all excited to go back to bars and restaurants...this could end very badly :(

    Anyway, on a brighter note, love your trail pics. They make me want to hit the trails!

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    1. Oh Jessie, I have just fallen in love with running all over again, but in a different way. I'm so grateful to have found a way to stay active but not have to push my pace. This will fit nicely with running into old age, lol

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  10. Nice job this week!

    We're back open and right back to group classes. I don't feel terribly unsafe - definitely safer in the gym than at the grocery store where the hodgepodge of people are doing their own thing with masks akimbo and gloves touching all the things. We have strict cleaning requirements and everyone (not that we've had many and our classes are capped at 10 to maintain that spacing) is really policing their attendance. Helping people be fit and healthy is essential. That said, we're still making videos for those staying home and totally respecting everyone's desire for safety! CrossFit is a community and we want to keep it a happy and healthy one!

    All that said, I had to go to Petco on Saturday and the place was packed and there were WAY more people in there without masks than with. I did what I needed to do and practically ran to the safety of my car and hand sanitizer and wipes.

    I think 1-on-1's are perfectly doable!! If the gym lets her, you should get her to do it!

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    1. I know the owners of the gym will be on top of things--they sure don't want anything bad to happen. I bet they will limit class size too. Should be interesting. Thanks for the reassurance!

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  11. No one likes wearing a mask but it's something we all have to do for ourselves and for the greater good. the only place I go is the grocery and they are requiring it. ON my run today, I pulled mine up when I saw people coming towards me. It's super hard to breath w it on but it's what I have to do. You logged some great mileage in this week glad running is helping you w your stress. I cannot imagine working in a clinic right now thank you for what you do!

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    1. The hardest thing for me is not being able to do what my patients need! I know they are trying to limit exposure but I don't like having to send them to another provider. It is a very weird time.

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  12. I’m glad you are on your soapbox but sorry you have to be — and grr on that patient. I’m sure she doesn’t think ^she^ could possibly have it — because everyone thinks they are invincible. Now I’m getting anxious hearing about companies and localities no longer reporting their numbers because it might keep us home. At least Virginia is still being transparent — maybe b/c our governor is a physician.

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    1. Our governor has been a leader in the pandemic and has completely surprised many of us!

      I think people are not being truthful about their symptoms because they are scared that they do have it.

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  13. I agree with you. In fact a week before the social distancing restrictions were lifted in my area I saw tons of neighborhood kids playing- full on soccer games with like 12-14 kids! I'm like "uh...that's not social distancing?" I also feel like people think just because restrictions are easing it means the pandemic is over. I'm doing group runs again, but that's it. I'm still not going out to eat or to the movies or whatever else opens up. I don't feel comfortable doing that stuff. This is definitely not over. I think many people are just so desperate for their lives to go back to normal they aren't fully comprehending everything. Or ignoring it. Which is equally as dangerous, maybe even more so.

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    1. Most of the people who are ignoring the warnings probably haven't been affected personally by the virus. It's a shame that it has to be that way, but you know how people are.

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  14. Even though I'm not a medical professional, I totally agree with you. Which is why social distancing or no, I don't plan to be running with anyone anytime soon. Although I am getting kind of desperate to run somewhere other than my neighborhood -- I think about what the update from my mom's senior living community always says -- something along the lines of "I don't have to say home, I get to stay safe".

    So many people are just self involved & selfish. Or clueless. Or whatever.

    I am making plans with my private Yoga student to do some Yoga in my backyard. I will not be able to adjust her, and she'll have to bring her own mat & props. She's a chiro, so she sees a lot of people but we think being outdoors and socially distanced it'll work.

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    1. I so miss my friend Steph and I hope we will get to run together soon--even if we have to run 6 feet apart!

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  15. Your trails look so lovely to run on! Great job on your mileage this week!
    We are in stage 2 in Indiana, but we have not changed anything personally. I'm too nervous to go out since it seems like everyone is super gung-ho about going out even with the stage 2 restrictions. It makes me nervous how few people wear masks!

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    1. Right? I feel like there's some kind of backlash against the masks right now. It's so weird and I don't get it.

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  16. I continue to be so frustrated by people who won't wear a mask! MA is supposed to start opening up a little this week and I'm nervous about how some people are going to react.

    Sorry to hear you're not sleeping - I'm not either...I'm exhausted. I hope you get some rest this week!

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  17. Thankfully my sleep has been alright, but my back is killing me lately. Knock wood, our cases have all been confined to the one nursing facility that had the outbreak a few weeks ago...not great for them, but at least it isn't elsewhere at the moment.

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  18. I haven't been wearing a mask when I run or walk outside. I do wear a buff just in case but over the past few weeks, the people that I do encounter are very courteous and one or both of us moves over. Then it's like, "Oh no, you go ahead. No you go ahead!" That's always fun! My hair stylist and dentist both called me this week for appointments. I said I'd call back in late June or July. I'm not ready for either of those yet. We are gradually re-opening but I'm not in any rush. I am kind of excited that maybe I'll be able to venture a little farther away from home for a trail adventure next weekend.

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    1. That sounds awesome! Hoping to have one of those myself--probably not next weekend--the crowds--but the following weekend, I'm going exploring!

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  19. I'm bummed that I missed this weekend's Zoom meet-up. Hopefully next time will work for me since I've missed the last two.

    Most people outside on the trail aren't wearing masks, but pretty much everyone in the grocery store is wearing one and many people are wearing gloves. I do wear gloves as well. What are your thoughts on gloves? Necessary or not?

    I hope this week is easier on you! Please take care of yourself.

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    1. I don't think gloves are necessary for the general public and in fact, may cause people to contaminate more than if they were just bare handed. In the clinic or hospital, we only wear gloves if we are at risk for contact with bodily secretions. That risk is low in the grocery store. You still have to wash your hands after you remove the gloves and most lay people don't use proper precautions when removing gloves. So why not just go barehanded and wash/sanitize after you leave the store?

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  20. I still haven't gone anywhere since all of this started, and I am so nervous about going places again. Since my husband is essential he has been working this whole time so he does any errands for us. He tries to go super early, like 6am on Saturday mornings. There were alot of cars on the road this weekend which makes me wonder where everyone is going. Our state moved into Phase 1 of recovery this weekend, but the county where I live is keeping everything closed. I feel like Ive seen alot more people on social media getting together with friends and family, and I just hope people can be smart about it.

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    1. On my way to work in the morning, I drive by a Target and I'm always astonished at how crowded the parking lot is. I haven't been to a store since this all started either. I use instacart for my groceries. Right now, I think the risk is just too high, especially since people are dropping precautions.

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  21. I can't believe that patient wasn't truthful, how crap is that? Are you going to be able to find out if she tests positive? Ugh. I love your image about the mask/ventilator - true, true, true. And I'm a normal person in the community who is still being careful, so we do exist, but I've seen protests here which is making me very cross. Almost as cross as I look in that Zoom picture!! Lovely to see you there xx

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    1. I'll get the results back this week. Since I was wearing PPE, I'm not too concerned for myself. We're seeing people fearful of the test and that's why they aren't being truthful. That and they don't want to know, I guess. Great to see you too!

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  22. Generally Speaking, So Disappointed In The Human Race - However, What A Week In Your World - Fantastic Bambi Crossing On The Trail - Sending Some Positive Vibes Your Way - Stay Strong

    Cheers

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    1. It should be interesting to see how things play out over time, right? I truly believe that most people are inherently good. Let's see how that works...

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  23. Sammy Jo is so creative with her workouts! You're lucky that you can get such a good workout done at home.

    I've been very discouraged with humans lately. We seem to be more divided than ever which I didn't even think possible after three years with this administration. Americans seem to be so spoiled and selfish. I know that people are in need, but it doesn't seem to be those people who are making the biggest fuss. I've seen two food for thought memes in the last few days that say a lot to me. One is (I can't find the meme so words to this effect): "The fact that white people are worried about getting a haircut while black people are worried about getting murdered says a lot about the state of white privilige in this country." The other: "We didn't so much flatten the curve as supress the stupid. For 2 months we managed to keep the most ignorant Americans from disregarding directions. That's all we're going to get. We held back the stupid for 8 weeks but there is too much stupid and it can't be held back." I'm scared for us.

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    1. I have the same feelings as you but I did read an article this morning that Germany is having a very similar experience to us--lots of protests and right-wing conspiracy theories. I guess knowing that this poor behavior isn't limited to the US gave me a little bit of comfort. Like you, I am scared.

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  24. Love the nature pictures especially the one of the deer - very cool!

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    1. I am loving this new direction that running is taking me! Funny how it worked out.

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  25. I love squats, also do not have a rack, but I do have a wonderful hubby who helps me put the bar on my shoulders when I want to go heavy.

    I work for a retail store who currently exclusively service the military, you have to wear a mask and show a military id to get into the store. Yet it surprises me the number of people who take off the mask once they are in the store. I also find it astounding that my co-worker think it's ok to go around with it hanging off their ears and not social distance. Sorry for the mini rant, it's just frustrating.

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    1. Seriously, they take the mask off once they're in? What is the logic of that? Shaking my head...

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  26. I feel entirely the same way about this topic. I even have siblings who scoff at masks/social distancing and get angry about it! My feeling is sadness and disappointment, plus some resolve. I am committed to doing right by others and masking when close to others!

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    1. I am just so disheartened by all that is going on. All we can do is the right thing. Lead by example. I keep thinking that these scoffers are still in the minority.

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  27. <3 I wish there were answers. I have days where I feel like everything is fine, and days where I don't. I'm sure it's also because of where I live and how "calm" things have been here. Little man is supposed to go back to the karate dojo tomorrow and I think we will do another week or two of classes from home. Even though the dojo has a great plan in place, I don't know that I want him in a sweaty gym right this second.

    We have masks and we usually wear them. It's not mandated or requested that we wear them outside, but some stores do ask for you to do so and I have been wearing them in stores. I live in an area with a higher concentration of older people. I want to be considerate to my fellow human beings. Do I hate it? Yup. Is it inconvenient? Sure is. But it's also one of those things that takes literally nothing from me and could be everything to someone else. I'm a giver like that.

    People have forgotten how to behave. It's upsetting .

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  28. I wear a mask in stores. I run alone but I would run with someone if they were 6ft away. Where I run, I don't see that many people and when I do they are polite, move away then they pass and bikers and walkers are wearing masks.

    I feel safe but many would say that I am not because I don't stay in my neighborhood and shop in stores. I am not fearful and a nervous nellie by nature. That's me.

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  29. I must be in a bubble because thankfully in my neighborhood people ARE taking masks seriously! And even with them on I still keep my distance as aggressively as I can! I wish people could just be a little more patient as we get through this...

    Love the trail runs! I know it's bad but I look forward to them being less crowded again for us to enjoy and explore!

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