Thursday, March 18, 2021

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:  DarleneMichelleReneeJenn, and Zenaida !




33 comments :

  1. I could not agree more that trails are where it's at. I grew up in the woods, climbing trees and yes, running trails is a wonderful reminder of carefree younger days. Nope, you won't see me running a virtual Boston. There's no way it can be anything close to the real thing.

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    1. I briefly considered the virtual Boston, but really, does it mean anything?

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  2. I'm not a trail runner at this point in my journey, but I'm with you on everything else. Races are nice, but the best thing about running is just running!

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    1. This year has really brought me full circle. I'm happy to just be running.

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  3. It great that you had such a great year of running. It's interesting that for me running took a bit of a backseat to strength and cross training. I really enjoyed the change of pace.

    My post today is on virtual races - I only did a couple last year and the one thing I'm certain of is I will never do a virtual half marathon again LOL. I will keep them in mix if there's a charity to support.

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  4. Definitely not signing up for a virtual Boston. It would be wrong IMHO! I didn't earn that.

    I have done a few virtual races which I enjoyed -- no, it's not like a real race, but when the swag or charity is right, it helps me to push a little harder.

    I would say I have never really needed races to motivate, but that's not completely true, since I will train harder for a race. I do look forward to a time when hopefully races don't have so many restrictions.

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    1. I’m opposed to the virtual Boston because I wouldn’t feel-as with any virtual race-that I didn’t really earn it. I guess in a sense, if you run the distance, it counts but still. I’m conflicted.

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  5. I don't need races to motivate me either but I do miss the excitement of them and going as a group with my friends. I miss the weekend race getaways together. I guess I miss the social aspect of racing. Like you, running has been my therapy and my stress reliever this past year. I am thankful we are getting along well at the moment! I am going to be doing a real trail event in a few months may need some tips!

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  6. I could have written this post lol

    I ran more miles last year than the year before when I was training for a marathon. For me virtual races are just runs that cost money. No virtual marathons!! No more virtual half either.

    Running is my therapy but is was way more important during the pandemic.

    Trails have been my new love. Ii hope to even run on them once the ice is gone and maybe the mud...

    Now I want to run real races and see my running friends. can't wait to hug!

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  7. In many ways our posts today go together. They are all about the things that really count. Running is also my therapy and it's been so important this year. I've done a few virtual races and I agree, they are not a substitute for the real thing but I've enjoyed them for the most part. I've only done half marathons and that encouraged me to get out of my 10-mile box once in a while. I can't believe someone got into your strava for a virtual race. They must be real nice to know! :-(

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  8. I feel you on all five counts. No more virtuals for me! I would run trails every day if the closest trail wasn’t a 15 min drive away.

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    1. It takes me about 10-15 minutes to get to my trails and it’s well worth it!

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  9. I ran more miles in 2020 than ever before and I'm beating all previous years mes' mileage so far this year. I've learned I CAN run 4-5 times a week, the value of a local lake to run around and that I'm lucky to not need races as I've seen others lose motivation. I've also learned I am crap at keeping up with yoga without a physical class to go to!

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    1. Seriously! Without classes , it’s hard to get cross training done too!

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  10. Haha, those guys complimenting you about your running outfit! But it is a nice thing to say and I do admire the outfits you wear in your running photos.
    Just today I learned that trail running is harder than I thought. We ran a new trail with friends and I was too slow. I found it tricky and held everyone up. I need to train more on difficult terrain - the trails are definitely keeping me humble!

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    1. My favorite thing is how I get to slow down and enjoy the ride!

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  11. Ah! I want that "Run or Die" shirt! I agree with you on all these points, especially the trail running. I was doing all my runs on pavement until recently and now I'm loving the trails.

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  12. So with you an the trails-are-better-than-roads thing, Wendy! I discovered trail running late in life and I LOVE it so much more than road running. It is such a laid-back atmosphere. I feel no stress before trail races, just excitement. I agree on the virtual race thing too. I signed up for a few early on, but they just seemed like training runs to me, not races. Why spend the money, unless there is a cause you want to support.

    And who digs into your Strava stats for a race? That is just weird.

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    1. I thought so too. I'm still feeling a little salty about it.

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  13. I ended up having a great year of running even without races too. Its been frustrating to not really be able to test my fitness but Ive learned to enjoy the flexibility of virtual races. Theres no way I could have done as many live races as the virtual ones I've done.

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    1. I'm so glad to hear you've made virtual races work for you. For now, I'm content to just run.

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  14. Running has truly been a gift during this time. I don't know how I would have survived without it. While I don't think I have too many running clothes, I've definitely realized I can make do with a lot less. It's not a bad thing at all.

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  15. Nothing wrong with having too many running clothes. :-) I don't care too much either about virtual races and don't think I will sign up for any of them. I do like the challenges. Those keep me motivated! I learned that is it OK to run slow and to enjoy my runs.

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  16. I'm glad you are loving the trails! The trails have always been my favorite. They are just so peaceful and I never feel like I have to run for "time".

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