Its been a long Spring and Summer , COVID 19 has changed how we as runners act and move forward with our fitness journey . Its been an eye opener for me, I honestly did not think that I would become a better solo runner and I believe that many runners have felt the same way. I have covered over 800 solo miles solo since March .
Its not been easy and I did have minor panic moments in the beginning when coming upon groups of others who were not social distanced in the parks and my regular running areas. I quickly changed up when I was running and where based on the weather . Rainy days soon became long run days and shorter run days were the nicer days .
I spent many hours not speaking to anyone . I do not listen to podcasts or music when I run so it was a lot of self talking and planning out loud . Certainly I was getting many weird looks from groups that happened up me when I was talking to myself . I became more aware of my surroundings and who came too close in my personal space . I did find that I announced myself much sooner , to other runners/ walkers , than I used to which is definitely more polite . I have joined one group run now that restrictions are getting looser , I ended up running alone due to the amount of mileage I needed and I just didnt feel the need to socialize. Other friends missed the group runs tremendously and I am glad they can finally meet with a few friends and run socially.
Running in the rainy weather is certainly a good race preparation . Typically runners avoid the crappy weather days because quite honestly running even an hour in the rain is awful at times. I learned which gear was best to run in on these inclement weather days . I have since cleaned out some gear that just is not working and all these miles helped me figure that out . Shopping online for more gear has become more frequent . I think I am hoping that all this new gear will bring back the racing .
Self supported virtual racing has become a mainstay for 2020 . I had several races cancelled or postponed to a different date . I am still having cancellations and then I must make the decision to defer to 2021 or run virtually . I certainly have learned how to do a successful self supported 50k . Its been stressful to make the decision to run virtually . Honestly , if I could predict that 2021 would be a “normal ” year , I would have deferred many of my races . I also used these virtual races as a way to continue training in hopes that my fall or winter goal races would be still on the schedule . I just could not continue training and then pull a 45 miler or 100 miler out without out putting in the work . My pace has slowed and I dont even know if my legs remember what ” race pace ” feels like . I guess I will find out soon enough when racing resumes . However , I have figured out that comfortable pace to maintain during a 20 mile run which will be quite handy if my fall and winter race happen .
When racing resumes , its going to look different . I think the smaller races will be fine adapting to changes but I can not see the larger scale races with 1000 plus runners resuming as quickly. The typical aid stations at Ultras will be different and I wonder if we will need to self support some of the shorter Ultra distances . ( must buy a bigger pack ) I am sure beginning of race festivities, packet pickups , end of race celebrations will all look different . I am excited yet apprehensive about starting back with racing .
JanuaryRunr11 