Whoa
That is pretty much the word that comes to mind since my last blog, which was a month ago. I’m guessing we can all agree that It. Has. Been. A. Month.
Since my last blog post about Atlanta I:
-Traveled to New Zealand
-Raced Ironman New Zealand (yay!)
-Traveled home
….and then the CoVID19 pandemic hit the United States (yes, I realize the science is showing that it was here long before, only was ignored, but my flight landed on March 10th and that seems to be right around when things pivoted, at least for the public here!)
I have actually blogged during this time. You can check out my thoughts on how to stay motivated and still find challenges and adventures during this time over at the Smashfest Queen Smashfest Diaries.
And even since that blog, more races have been cancelled, more public spaces made off limits, and more people are facing this terrible virus in so many different ways. There’s no use in sugar coating it - it’s a tough time out there!
As an athlete, it’s a time where you have to constantly evolve. Things will be open and things may close. You might have a run in mind only to show up to a spot way too popular for safely running and keeping physical distancing. You might have to adjust to doing all the training solo, when you’re used to having company. It’s a process, and it’s going to change and keep changing. One workout never makes or breaks an athlete, so stay positive and stay flexible. It’s okay if things have to change.
It’s a time where you should consistently do self checks on mental health. I read about how dog owners during this time need to be sure they are keeping their dogs on the same routines as always, or as close to it. I chuckled to myself because people are no different! Now is not the time to blow caution to the wind and be “winging it” each day with your schedule. Keeping yourself accountable to some kind of a schedule really helps your mental health because it keeps you focused and doesn’t leave a lot of wiggle room to spiral down that endless black hole of twitter bad news. I just learned that I can say “corona virus” into my TV remote and it will bombard me with updates on things. What the heck! Staying up to date is good -- losing your sh*t because you can’t get away from it is not! So….Be in open communication with your “team” and make sure they know how you are feeling. As a coach, it’s super important to me to maintain daily communication with athletes so I can make adjustments based on the stress that life is imposing right now, if needed — or, make sure their plan is providing an ample physical outlet for that stress!
It’s a time where a little effort for the greater good goes a long way. Whether the little bit you can contribute right now is keeping yourself mentally strong and doing exercise close to home, or you are one of the super heroes sewing masks and getting them to health care workers who need it - embrace what you are doing as making a difference. Because you are. This part of the crisis - the be the best you can be, and do what you can, in the moments you have - is not a competition. That self check mechanism we do during hard workouts - am I giving 100% right now? Apply that, and be proud of giving your best, no matter what that is.
Since Virginia got Shelter in Place orders this week lasting until June 10th, we are in it for the long haul. Let’s make the most of it, together. Let’s stay fit (stay accountable!), stay feisty (make sure you download the IronWomen podcast each week and rate and review us if you haven’t already) and be kind!