COVID-19 and The Spring Running Season

Like many of you reading, my spring running plans (and possibly summer) were completely turned upside down by the current COVID-19 pandemic. Virginia now has 49 known cases and now my place of work, the University of Virginia, has reported it's first known case. This March and April I had hoped to complete my 149th and 150th marathon and longer events, but it does appear that the time for reaching those milestones will have to wait.

That said, I am not upset. Yes, I am dissapointed that I will not get to run some of my favorite trail races, many of which I have waited 6-10 years to run again. Yes, I will miss seeing and reconnecting with old friends in the running community after much time away. Yes, like many of you, I have lost non-refundable entree fees due to cancellations.

But, let's keep all of this in healthy perspective. I support ALL of the cancellations and tough decisions made by race directors and local officials. I understand the logisitics of putting on races and the overhead costs that can't be returned to paying runners. Our running events are, in fact, first world luxuries and if not running, or not getting refunds is the worst of our problems, I will gladly take it. We should all strive to continue to support our loyal and hard working race staff, continue to take the proper precautions, and to use this time to strenghten our communities. Be calm. Be caring. Be compassionate.

Now, more than ever, is the time to continue running and be outside. Nobody has cancelled your ability to enjoy nature and even enjoy the same trails you could have run on race day. This is the time to remember that we don't always need to pay an entry fee to experience something of value from enjoying our hobbies in a less formal context. Without the rustling of hundreds of runners sifting along a singletrack trail, maybe you'll notice something new, or remember something you have forgotten. Perhaps just the simplicity of the sound of your breath juxtoposed with the barren late winter branches crackling together in the breeze. Maybe you'll notice wild flowers blooming that were still merely green buds on your run several days ago. Enjoy the silence and allow yourself to listen. Take time to look up, look down, look within, and see what you may have been missing.

Get outside. Get outside with your family and friends (with intelligent social distancing when needed). Get back to loving what you do in the absence of a finisher's medal, placement, official time or social media race post to share with your audience.

Be kind to those who had to make tough decisions for the betterment of socities well being, and yours.

We'll hit the trails together when the time is right. On the plus side, this fall running season will have the most options ever. Considering it a blessing rather than curse that it may interfere with your preplanned fall race schedule. Also, how cool is it that you might be able to run the same race six months apart, instead of having to wait a year to run it again?

Be smart and be safe. And again, be kind.