I believe that one of the most dangerous misperceptions of this virus is that it affects mostly senior citizens. The virus will infect anyone of any age it gets close to. Those who suffer the greatest impacts are those who have underlying and pre-existing conditions that accelerate when the virus weakens their overall physically condition. Don’t blame it solely on age. A healthy runner with a good outlook in his seventies (like me) is in all probability going to come out of this crisis in good shape. A forty-something couch potato smoker is far more likely to incur serious damage. While I don’t minimize the seriousness of the situation and am taking all the recommended precautions, I think the moral of this story is that if you take good care of yourself throughout your life - exercise, eat carefully, and make good lifestyle choices - your body will take good care of you, no matter how it’s challenged. I did my five miles this morning; how about you?
My husband & I are so bummed... marathon training was going awesome this winter! As a 52 year old runner that doesn’t always happen! 😂 Did an 18 miler Sat & found out Mon Toronto marathon cancelled. ☹️
And unfortunately I do not have the option to stay home/secluded. I work at a hospital and even us physical therapy folks must report & work with people that could possibly have coronavirus. So scary especially since I have a child at home with asthma.
To get my thoughts in a right place & digest all this scary / crazy I keep running! While running I thank God I can run and pray that my immune system is strong b/c I do run! I think about my friend (whom is also my running partner) who is fighting cancer & just received a stem cell transplant and would do anything just to take a walk (but can’t).
Today while running I saw more people out walking than I’ve ever seen in the 16 years I’ve lived in my neighborhood. After my run I spoke to a neighbor I’ve never had a conversation with and talked to several other neighbors before I got into my house! Yesterday my 16 year old daughter and I took a long drive together. These are all things that would not otherwise be happening!
I understand we’re all bummed about awesome plans/vacations/parties we have to cancel but maybe we need to see a larger scope of some good the situation is creating! My hope is we’ll all find some positive out of this inconvenience and be better off b/c of it. Stay healthy & keep running my friends!
Hey there Pam! You are definitely in all of our thoughts, I know. I'm actually experiencing a very similar thing, seeing neighbors I haven't seen in ages, yet now we're all seeing each other every day as we walk our dogs around the neighborhood. (Our dogs, by the way, must think we've all finally decided to come to our senses and adopt their way of life!!)
Like you, I've seen the silver lining in the otherwise grey clouds. People in my neighborhood are out in record numbers and more friendly than ever. Isn't it ironic that it takes a Social distancing mandated to get people out of their houses. :)
Great 10 Miller this morning with a couple of friends. Maintaining a safe distance if course. 🏃
I am so thankful that I was training for a half in April because I’m sticking to my training schedule which is exactly the outlet I need right now. Honestly it’s worth the price of the lost registration fee for my cancelled half because I’m staying in a running groove that is making me feel stronger and healthy. In addition to keeping up with your inspiring words and quotes, I also regain perspective and gratitude during hard times by thinking back to other challenges I’ve faced. A year ago, my half wasn’t cancelled but I could barely walk, let alone run, due to a mosquito borne virus I picked up in Thailand. This year my half is cancelled but I can run and did 10.5 miles today which makes me feel better about everything! Maybe I’ll run 13.1 on “race day” or continue training to jump into a different half when normalcy returns to our world! Be well everyone—keep running if you can.
Kara, I'm with you. My first half for this year scheduled for April 26th was cancelled today. Didn't faze me. My Hal Higdon training schedule told me to run 4. So I ran 4 about an hour ago. Tomorrow I'll do what my calendar says. And the next day, and the next. I am so very grateful that I can run at age 62 and I run for fitness AND for my mental health. We are at war with a silent killer. Stress? You're darn right there's stress there. My office moved me to my home today. I'll be working from home for the foreseeable future like many of us, until this siege has passed. Running is my only outlet. Thanks for the conversation, Terrell, and everyone please stay safe out there while running solo.
Terrell - thank you for Sharing your thoughts. They are absolutely a reflection of what we are all going through. These are weird and scary times for we humans. Probably many members of this community have older/elderly family members who we love dearly and want to protect. For those who work in industries directly affected by the virus: either by increased exposure to the virus, or work stoppage/no income, it’s impossible to not feel real fear. Essentially, the loss of control is terrifying. But the one thing we can do to release tension, find an escape, or simply get into a zen place is RUN. Any amount, any distance, any pace. Like Forest Gump!- “ I just ran”. I feel so lucky to have this healthy outlet right now. Races are awesome, inspiring, gratifying. But in the end I think I probably speak for most of us that we all just love to run. I wish everyone in this community first and foremost health, and secondly peaceful runs during this crisis.
Great quote Terrell from Victor Frankl. I highly recommend his book "Man's Search for Meaning." Frankl was in a Nazi concentration camp during WWII. He found a way to survive when most others couldn't. His "secret" certainly applies today.
Yes! Awesome book! We have no clue what suffering is. Frankl so eloquently & humbly sharing his story & providing a powerful insight to how our thoughts drive our destiny... we should all consider his experience based outlook.
When I read the Victor Frankl comment, I was immediatly drawn in to the article. Suffering and doing without is a necessary condition to grow within ourselves. The road we take during this current challenge will determine our future. Be a beacon of hope, a light, a joy to others during this time. Thank you for all your great work Terrell.
The gym I attend is closed, so running more often with just what you described..more of a head clearing endeavor than performing for time or distance. I'm so thankful I am in good physical health and able to run!!
Peace to your household and family, and good health and immunity to us all!
Thank you Terrell and everyone who’s commented... I have to admit I have been in a rut since the weekend. I needed to read this today.. I need to run And have been distracted... We had our first round of temporary lay offs today at my work. It hit me hard. I said a goodbye and stay safe to part of my work family. I work for a small privately owned physical therapy clinic and we all knew this was going to happen... I know at some point it may be me too. It is surreal and hard to explain to my boys and keep my spirits up.One of my twins has anxiety and he has been struggling.. we have a rule no more news on during the day. We went for an hour walk today and discovered a pond we never knew existed.. Each of my boys made themselves a “school” schedule to get online and do their work..mid-day they put in a work out before lunch in our home gym..( not fancy.. but it works!) Reading all of your posts makes me realize what feels the best... running... sorry I ranted everyone..... it has been a day!!!
No apology necessary, Maria! That's what we're here for. I love hearing the stories of how each of you are handling it; you're coming up with really creative ways to cope with probably the biggest unexpected event we've all experienced in a long, long time.
If talking to this community helps you to process, then rant away! We all need somewhere to unload sometimes, and I am always glad to be supportive - even if we've never met. Hoping that you continue to be able to work and that the stress and anxiety levels stay low.
i've had so many races cancelled right now i've lost count. i was mad at first and now i just roll with the punches. what can i do? i know once they are back on there will be a greater appreciation for them!
I'm a tax accountant so getting out and to the gym is so important for me and my sanity during tax season. since the gyms are closed I HAVE to get out and either power walk or run for at least 45 minutes. I've never appreciated the joys of working out until now! I hope everyone is staying safe and healthy
Love this!!!! My dog feels the same—she was a little needy at the start of the week as we were stocking up our supplies and likely giving off a variety of emotions. As we settled into our new normal of online school and working from home, she settled into the contentment of having her pack at home!
I am a bit late to the discussion but I wanted to thank you for this newsletter and its content. I returned from Mexico a week ago today. While I was there I had an adverse effect from my medications for my Rheumatoid. I lost training time for my half marathon scheduled for May 1st. It encouraged me to work to get better. However, I found out today that it has been canceled. My meds have been discontinued and I am getting better each day. I have issues with my immune system so I am still quarantined. I do appreciate reading your newsletter and fellow runners comments! Everyone stay well and continue to run!
Thank you, Terrell. I appreciate your perspective. I’m a retired nurse but still had quite a bit of structure to my days. Now with my schedule totally freed up, I find that I am totally unfocused and unmotivated. I was finding myself listening to multiple news broadcasts. The weather has not helped either, rainy and cold. But today I challenged myself to get out and do a 5K. I got it in right before a big thunderstorm came through. It felt great! My outlook was so very much improved! My plan is to complete a 5K at least once a week until all this blows over. And, I thank my God that He has given me the foresight to work on a healthy life and the ability to continue doing so. My best wishes to all as we work through this challenging unprecedented time.
Thanks, Terrell!!! Running is my sanity right now! I still go to work (Court still goes on to some extent), I don’t have young children at home (they’re grown👍), but I can’t sit inside all day w/o going crazy!
Thank you, Terrell! As always, you seem to put everything, every thought and stress that’s in my head, into words. Thank you for consistently putting your helpful words out there. Running does seem to be one of the “normal “ things from life right now that we are able to do. Thank you for being there for our community week after week. 🏃🏻♀️ 💙
My husband told me that I had to go for a run today. Apparently, the stress of the unknown is hitting me harder than I thought, and he knows that getting outside and into the fresh air is my best therapy. It's great to have a partner who knows how to anticipate my needs when I am trying to ignore them. I have to remind myself that self-care isn't selfish and it makes me able to be present and pleasant.
I believe that one of the most dangerous misperceptions of this virus is that it affects mostly senior citizens. The virus will infect anyone of any age it gets close to. Those who suffer the greatest impacts are those who have underlying and pre-existing conditions that accelerate when the virus weakens their overall physically condition. Don’t blame it solely on age. A healthy runner with a good outlook in his seventies (like me) is in all probability going to come out of this crisis in good shape. A forty-something couch potato smoker is far more likely to incur serious damage. While I don’t minimize the seriousness of the situation and am taking all the recommended precautions, I think the moral of this story is that if you take good care of yourself throughout your life - exercise, eat carefully, and make good lifestyle choices - your body will take good care of you, no matter how it’s challenged. I did my five miles this morning; how about you?
I love that, David -- I need to go run mine right now!
I did a 5 K this morning....63 years young. Agreed, take good care of yourself and stay positive!
4 miles, yep I am 63 and feelin great!
well said
Hey Terrell!
Yes this situation is scary & inconvenient!
My husband & I are so bummed... marathon training was going awesome this winter! As a 52 year old runner that doesn’t always happen! 😂 Did an 18 miler Sat & found out Mon Toronto marathon cancelled. ☹️
And unfortunately I do not have the option to stay home/secluded. I work at a hospital and even us physical therapy folks must report & work with people that could possibly have coronavirus. So scary especially since I have a child at home with asthma.
To get my thoughts in a right place & digest all this scary / crazy I keep running! While running I thank God I can run and pray that my immune system is strong b/c I do run! I think about my friend (whom is also my running partner) who is fighting cancer & just received a stem cell transplant and would do anything just to take a walk (but can’t).
Today while running I saw more people out walking than I’ve ever seen in the 16 years I’ve lived in my neighborhood. After my run I spoke to a neighbor I’ve never had a conversation with and talked to several other neighbors before I got into my house! Yesterday my 16 year old daughter and I took a long drive together. These are all things that would not otherwise be happening!
I understand we’re all bummed about awesome plans/vacations/parties we have to cancel but maybe we need to see a larger scope of some good the situation is creating! My hope is we’ll all find some positive out of this inconvenience and be better off b/c of it. Stay healthy & keep running my friends!
Hey there Pam! You are definitely in all of our thoughts, I know. I'm actually experiencing a very similar thing, seeing neighbors I haven't seen in ages, yet now we're all seeing each other every day as we walk our dogs around the neighborhood. (Our dogs, by the way, must think we've all finally decided to come to our senses and adopt their way of life!!)
Like you, I've seen the silver lining in the otherwise grey clouds. People in my neighborhood are out in record numbers and more friendly than ever. Isn't it ironic that it takes a Social distancing mandated to get people out of their houses. :)
Great 10 Miller this morning with a couple of friends. Maintaining a safe distance if course. 🏃
So great to reconnect!
I am so thankful that I was training for a half in April because I’m sticking to my training schedule which is exactly the outlet I need right now. Honestly it’s worth the price of the lost registration fee for my cancelled half because I’m staying in a running groove that is making me feel stronger and healthy. In addition to keeping up with your inspiring words and quotes, I also regain perspective and gratitude during hard times by thinking back to other challenges I’ve faced. A year ago, my half wasn’t cancelled but I could barely walk, let alone run, due to a mosquito borne virus I picked up in Thailand. This year my half is cancelled but I can run and did 10.5 miles today which makes me feel better about everything! Maybe I’ll run 13.1 on “race day” or continue training to jump into a different half when normalcy returns to our world! Be well everyone—keep running if you can.
Kara, I'm with you. My first half for this year scheduled for April 26th was cancelled today. Didn't faze me. My Hal Higdon training schedule told me to run 4. So I ran 4 about an hour ago. Tomorrow I'll do what my calendar says. And the next day, and the next. I am so very grateful that I can run at age 62 and I run for fitness AND for my mental health. We are at war with a silent killer. Stress? You're darn right there's stress there. My office moved me to my home today. I'll be working from home for the foreseeable future like many of us, until this siege has passed. Running is my only outlet. Thanks for the conversation, Terrell, and everyone please stay safe out there while running solo.
Terrell - thank you for Sharing your thoughts. They are absolutely a reflection of what we are all going through. These are weird and scary times for we humans. Probably many members of this community have older/elderly family members who we love dearly and want to protect. For those who work in industries directly affected by the virus: either by increased exposure to the virus, or work stoppage/no income, it’s impossible to not feel real fear. Essentially, the loss of control is terrifying. But the one thing we can do to release tension, find an escape, or simply get into a zen place is RUN. Any amount, any distance, any pace. Like Forest Gump!- “ I just ran”. I feel so lucky to have this healthy outlet right now. Races are awesome, inspiring, gratifying. But in the end I think I probably speak for most of us that we all just love to run. I wish everyone in this community first and foremost health, and secondly peaceful runs during this crisis.
Thank you so much for those kind words, Lynne! I completely agree.
Lynne, funny but when I was strapping on my shoes for my run today, I thought of Forest Gump!
Great quote Terrell from Victor Frankl. I highly recommend his book "Man's Search for Meaning." Frankl was in a Nazi concentration camp during WWII. He found a way to survive when most others couldn't. His "secret" certainly applies today.
This book changed my course in life many many years ago. For the better....
Yes! Awesome book! We have no clue what suffering is. Frankl so eloquently & humbly sharing his story & providing a powerful insight to how our thoughts drive our destiny... we should all consider his experience based outlook.
When I read the Victor Frankl comment, I was immediatly drawn in to the article. Suffering and doing without is a necessary condition to grow within ourselves. The road we take during this current challenge will determine our future. Be a beacon of hope, a light, a joy to others during this time. Thank you for all your great work Terrell.
Hi, Terrell,thank you!
The gym I attend is closed, so running more often with just what you described..more of a head clearing endeavor than performing for time or distance. I'm so thankful I am in good physical health and able to run!!
Peace to your household and family, and good health and immunity to us all!
Right back at you, Gara!
Thank you Terrell and everyone who’s commented... I have to admit I have been in a rut since the weekend. I needed to read this today.. I need to run And have been distracted... We had our first round of temporary lay offs today at my work. It hit me hard. I said a goodbye and stay safe to part of my work family. I work for a small privately owned physical therapy clinic and we all knew this was going to happen... I know at some point it may be me too. It is surreal and hard to explain to my boys and keep my spirits up.One of my twins has anxiety and he has been struggling.. we have a rule no more news on during the day. We went for an hour walk today and discovered a pond we never knew existed.. Each of my boys made themselves a “school” schedule to get online and do their work..mid-day they put in a work out before lunch in our home gym..( not fancy.. but it works!) Reading all of your posts makes me realize what feels the best... running... sorry I ranted everyone..... it has been a day!!!
No apology necessary, Maria! That's what we're here for. I love hearing the stories of how each of you are handling it; you're coming up with really creative ways to cope with probably the biggest unexpected event we've all experienced in a long, long time.
If talking to this community helps you to process, then rant away! We all need somewhere to unload sometimes, and I am always glad to be supportive - even if we've never met. Hoping that you continue to be able to work and that the stress and anxiety levels stay low.
Thank you SO MUCH!!!!
Thank you for opening up, it’s healthy for all of us. Hang in there Marie and feel the virtual support from this special community of runners/humans!
i've had so many races cancelled right now i've lost count. i was mad at first and now i just roll with the punches. what can i do? i know once they are back on there will be a greater appreciation for them!
I'm a tax accountant so getting out and to the gym is so important for me and my sanity during tax season. since the gyms are closed I HAVE to get out and either power walk or run for at least 45 minutes. I've never appreciated the joys of working out until now! I hope everyone is staying safe and healthy
😂You are so right! Like many dogs right now, our dogs are so happy!They’re prob all thinking, “humans always home & regular walks!!
We, the mighty K9’s, Finally got these silly humans trained!” 🐶
Love this!!!! My dog feels the same—she was a little needy at the start of the week as we were stocking up our supplies and likely giving off a variety of emotions. As we settled into our new normal of online school and working from home, she settled into the contentment of having her pack at home!
I am a bit late to the discussion but I wanted to thank you for this newsletter and its content. I returned from Mexico a week ago today. While I was there I had an adverse effect from my medications for my Rheumatoid. I lost training time for my half marathon scheduled for May 1st. It encouraged me to work to get better. However, I found out today that it has been canceled. My meds have been discontinued and I am getting better each day. I have issues with my immune system so I am still quarantined. I do appreciate reading your newsletter and fellow runners comments! Everyone stay well and continue to run!
Wishing you a full recovery, Nelda! Feel better soon. 😀
Thank you, Terrell. I appreciate your perspective. I’m a retired nurse but still had quite a bit of structure to my days. Now with my schedule totally freed up, I find that I am totally unfocused and unmotivated. I was finding myself listening to multiple news broadcasts. The weather has not helped either, rainy and cold. But today I challenged myself to get out and do a 5K. I got it in right before a big thunderstorm came through. It felt great! My outlook was so very much improved! My plan is to complete a 5K at least once a week until all this blows over. And, I thank my God that He has given me the foresight to work on a healthy life and the ability to continue doing so. My best wishes to all as we work through this challenging unprecedented time.
Thanks, Terrell!!! Running is my sanity right now! I still go to work (Court still goes on to some extent), I don’t have young children at home (they’re grown👍), but I can’t sit inside all day w/o going crazy!
Thank you, Terrell! As always, you seem to put everything, every thought and stress that’s in my head, into words. Thank you for consistently putting your helpful words out there. Running does seem to be one of the “normal “ things from life right now that we are able to do. Thank you for being there for our community week after week. 🏃🏻♀️ 💙
My husband told me that I had to go for a run today. Apparently, the stress of the unknown is hitting me harder than I thought, and he knows that getting outside and into the fresh air is my best therapy. It's great to have a partner who knows how to anticipate my needs when I am trying to ignore them. I have to remind myself that self-care isn't selfish and it makes me able to be present and pleasant.