I rounded into 2020 thinking that I wanted to take another stab at a 'fast' marathon ... and for me that means trying once again to go under three hours. I wasn't (and still am not) sure about when that might happen, as none of the usual suspects in terms of spring races really caught my attention. Mississauga has been a hit-and-miss kind of event for me, and while I've not really raced the Toronto GoodLife Marathon for myself (having participated in it twice - once as an unofficial pacer and once as part of a relay team) the prospect of having to run out and back along Lakeshore Drive wasn't tickling my fancy. As such I have not yet registered for a goal marathon yet.
Turns out to have been somewhat serendipitous.
The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic has thrown just about everyone's racing season into turmoil, for both elite and recreational athletes alike. Races have been cancelled or rescheduled, forcing some events to congregate on a crowded timetable (September and October this year are going to be k-razy for marathon majors), and people's training schedules have either been totally trashed or put on hold for now.
Even community run clubs have suspended their group workouts in order to encourage social distancing (and wisely so).
What's a runner to do in these tumultuous times?
Today I read this article from Peter Liddle that I thought would be worth sharing if like me you want to try to figure out the best (and healthiest) way to get through this upcoming running season:
This is also another good read, providing some specific insights into just how the most disciplined and talented of runners are managing to keep it together (and in perspective):
#staysafe #socialdistancing #keephealthy #flattenthecurve
