5 Things I've Learned about Running During a Year of the Pandemic

Can you believe it has been one year since the pandemic started? A year of masks. A year of social distancing. A year of fear. A year of race cancellations. A year of disappointments.

Think back to where you were a year ago when the rug was pulled out from under us. I was in Florida visiting my parents and getting ready to run a trail race in the Everglades. My trip was cut short and I DNS'd my race when I returned home to care for my son after a snowboarding accident in Wisconsin. The following week, we were locked down. It was, to say the least, a shocking turn of events.

It's been a tough year in so many ways. As it always has been for me, running was a gift and a bright spot in a year that was filled with turmoil. I want to share the 5 things I've learned about running over the past year. I've learned a lot of other things as well. Some good, some bad. But I'd rather focus on the good and running was all that for me.

I keep hearing the phrase: "I just want to go back to normal." But was normal always good? I like to think that maybe the downtime of the past year has given us all time to step back and reflect on what is really important in our lives. Hopefully, we've all made some positive changes in our lives. Running changed for me this year and I'm really pleased with how things evolved.

I don't need races to motivate me.

When I first started running, back in my 20s, I just ran. I didn't train for anything. I ran a lot of 5ks and 10ks, just because I wanted to, but not with any goal or plan. The past year reminded me a lot of those carefree days of running. While I ran a few races this year, most of my running was by feel and that felt good. I realized how much I love running when I get to just run. I love my Friday morning runs where I run way faster than I should on an 'easy day', just because I can. I love my long runs where I stop to walk or to snap a photo, because I have nowhere to go, no goals to meet. In 2020, I ran my highest mileage in years. It wasn't a plan, it just happened. And it was great.

I drove up to Madison Wisconsin to visit my son. But first a run around Lake Monona.

Virtual races are no substitute for the real thing.

At the beginning of the pandemic, I signed up for a few virtual races. In April, I ran a virtual half marathon and a virtual 19 miler. I felt that I needed to do this, thinking that I needed to stay race-ready for when things opened back up again. One by one, the live events that I signed up for were either postponed or changed to virtual events. Late last summer, I ran a virtual half marathon on the actual course. I thought that would make it feel more 'real'. It was a disaster--my slowest half marathon time ever. I hated every minute of it. Another virtual race I ran in November went really well--or so I thought. Someone dug into my stats on Strava and dissed my finish time because my elapsed time was slower than my moving time. Yep. I stopped to take photos. Whatever. I'm done with virtual races. Done. I've got nothing left to prove.

A real, live trail race in February!

Trails are way better than pavement.

Speaking of trails...you all know that this past year was the year I fell in love with trail running. I grew up playing in the woods and I'm not exaggerating when I say that every time I run on the trails, I feel like a kid again! Jumping over logs, scooting down a root-covered hill, running through the mud...this is my idea of a good time. Not only did I discover the single track trails in the beautiful forest preserves near where I live, but I also stumbled upon segments of the Ice Age Trail not far from our lake house. This has been a truly amazing experience for me and I look forward to exploring more of those segments this year. 

My favorite way to cross the creek.

I have way too many running clothes.

It's no secret that I love my InknBurn--I was an ambassador for them a few years ago. I did a purge of my collection a few years ago, but I still have quite a few pieces. I love their long sleeve pullovers-they are bright and colorful and make me happy during a time of year that is mostly gray. I have to admit to feeling a little embarrassed when recently on the trails, a group of men that walk there every Wednesday told me that I looked like I stepped out of a running magazine. Flattery got them nowhere, but I did respond that I like to dress for the job I want, not the job I have, lol. 

Standing out during a very snowy trail run.

Running is definitely my therapy.

Running has always been my therapy. The road is a good listener. Anxiety is what started me on this crazy running journey over 30 years ago. While I've had my anxiety under control for many years, this past year, anxiety made a return. I can't imagine getting through this tough year without being about to run it out. I don't know how many more miles these old, arthritic legs have in them, but I feel reassured that I will be able to continue in some form. The trails force me to slow down and the softer surface is much kinder to my body. The future looks bright and green and muddy for me!

My motto: Run or Die

What lessons did you learn this year? Did you change the way you run or workout? What helped you the most during this stressful time? How do you feel about virtual races? Will you be signing up for the Boston Virtual Marathon?

I'm linking up with the ladies of Fit Five Friday:  Darlene, Michelle, Renee, Jenn, and Zenaida !