In December there was a new contagious respiratory disease detected in China. Little did we know at the time that by the beginning of March it would have spread worldwide. We now all know it as COVID-19 or the coronavirus. We learned that this particular virus originated in Wuhan, China. On Jan. 21, the 1st confirmed case in appeared in the United States. On Feb. 26, we learned that the 1st case of suspected local transmission had occurred in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed the first case of COVID-19 in a patient in California with no travel history to an outbreak area, nor contact with anyone diagnosed with the virus. Shortly thereafter, Oregon, Washington and New York reported their own cases of possible community transmission.
Then what we had feared finally happened when on February 29, we got word of the 1st deaths reported in United States. It was reported that two deaths had occurred on February 26 at a nursing home in Kirkland, WA. March 15, the CDC warned Americans against large gatherings. By March 17, the Coronavirus had spread to all 50 states. With this news, the CDC warned the people of the United States to not hold or attend gatherings larger than 50 people, including conferences, festivals, parades, concerts, sporting events and weddings for eight weeks, recommending that individuals cancel or postpone those events to avoid spreading the virus or introducing it into new communities. Personally this meant my son’s wedding scheduled for April 18th had to be rescheduled.
On Thursday, the United States saw an increase of more than 15,000 cases in one day. This has now pushed the total number of confirmed cases over 82,000. China, in comparison, has reported 81,285 cases. Now I have no confidence in China’s numbers. But it is definitely getting worse here in the Unites States. Because of this surge and our country’s attempt to “flatten the curve”, we are being asked to social distance ourselves. Basically place ourselves in quarantine. The hope is that social distancing will slow the spread of infections. Social distancing refers to different ways of keeping people separated and the reason for rescheduling my son’s wedding.
I have decided to adhere to the recommendations not because I am scared. I know that I am in really good health and do not have any of the risk factors described by the CDC. My individual risk is low. Instead, I have chosen to stay home as much as possible to protect those of us who are at a higher risk like my parents who are in their 80s. I am hopeful that the rest of the country will also take these actions to help stop the spread of the disease. If we all do our part then we are performing a mitzvah (a good deed) by protecting the most vulnerable and keeping our hospitals from overcrowing should these people need more serious medical interventions.
So the only outlet I have now is my running. I guess I should feel blessed that I have a sport that can help me stay in shape that I have already been doing for years. I miss going to the gym and working out with friends. I had just started attending spin classes to try and change up my routine. Obviously, that is on hold for at least another 4-6 weeks. But regardless, I get outside every morning and run. It helps me clear my head and reduces the stress I feel in being cooped up in my home.
I hope that you are all staying safe and doing your part to stem the spread of this deadly virus. Remember that simply getting 30 to 60 minutes of moderate to brisk activity daily can help your boost your immune system and help to keep viruses at bay. When you are out running, walking, hiking, biking or whatever you are doing to stay in shape, be courteous and stay 6 feet away. No one will take it personally. But don’t forget to say hello, wave or simply nod as you pass them. We still need to know that we are connected with our friends and neighbors. We are all in this together.
Feb 24 – 4.70 miles (50:10, 10:41 pace) – Hill Repeats
Feb 25 – 6.30 miles (52:00, 8:15 pace) – Speed Work
Feb 29 – 8.10 miles (1:14:15, 9:10 pace)
Mar 1 – 7.30 miles (1:07:22, 9:14 pace)
Mar 2 – 7.10 miles (1:12:53, 10:16 pace) – Hill Repeats
Mar 3 – 3.10 miles (21:54, 7:04 pace) – Speed Work
Mar 5 – 8.30 miles (1:10:49, 8:32 pace) – Tempo Run
Mar 6 – 5.10 miles (46:18, 9:05 pace)
Mar 7 – 7.20 miles (1:04:54, 9:01 pace)
Mar 9 – 6.20 miles (1:01:59, 10:00 pace) – Hill Repeats
Mar 10 – 6.70 miles (54:36, 8:09 pace) – Speed Work
Mar 12 – 8.30 miles (1:10:47, 8:32 pace) – Tempo Run
Mar 13 – 5.10 miles (45:31, 8:56 pace)
Mar 14 – 8.10 miles (1:12:03, 8:54 pace)
Mar 15 – 3.50 miles (31:15, 8:56 pace)
Mar 16 – 4.50 miles (53:23, 11:52 pace) – Hill Repeats
Mar 17 – 7.30 miles (1:01:47, 8:28 pace) – Speed Work
Mar 19 – 8.10 miles (1:14:39, 9:13 pace)
Mar 20 – 5.10 miles (47:49, 9:23 pace)
Mar 21 – 5.10 miles (44:39, 8:45 pace)
Mar 22 – 5.10 miles (54:36, 9:03 pace)
Mar 23 – 5.30 miles (54:36, 8:53 pace)
Mar 24 – 3.10 miles (54:36, 8:28 pace) – Tempo Run
Mar 26 – 7.10 miles (1:04:04, 9:02 pace)
Mar 27 – 7.10 miles (1:03:16, 8:55 pace)
Mar 28 – 9.10 miles (1:22:28, 9:04 pace)
Mar 29 – 6.20 miles (56:40, 9:09 pace)
Total Miles: 168.20 miles
2020 Total Miles: 445.10 miles
