Running in the Time of Now

Recently I had a box delivered.  If times weren’t as they were, I would’ve taken the box, not think twice about anything else, and went about my day.  

This time, by the time I got to the door, the delivery guy was already down the hall.  I picked up the box, brought it in, set it down, and as the door shut I went to go wash my hands for at least 20 seconds as I sung (sang?) the alphabet. Afterwards, I grabbed some alcohol, drank it, just kidding, and returned to the door to lock it and wipe down the knobs.  While I was at it, I wiped down the light switches and my keys even though I didn’t touch them.  I washed my hands again. 

And then I received another delivery last week. I opened the door and the FedEx guy patiently waited while I put my gloves on so I could grab the box from him.

“Put those gloves on. Put those gloves on,” he cheerily said through his face mask.  

We laughed.  

I took the box from him and as he was walking away, he points to me says, “Alright you stay safe you hear?” “And you too!” I replied. 

The FedEx guy didn’t drop the box and leave.  Not that I would’ve minded that, but this delivery was carrying some precious cargo – new running shoes!  By the way, I still haven’t even opened the box so I’m assuming my shoes are in there. 

Times are different now.  Running is certainly different now. 

Once I was an early morning runner at the gym.  Now the gym is closed.

I used to hit the trails on the weekend.  The trails are closed.  

I’ve discovered some new routes in my neighborhood. That is, if I go outside.  California and LA County has had a Stay at Home order issued since Mid-March, and aside from venturing to the stores, I rarely leave.

When I do run, I wear a Buff.  I used to only wear it when the temps are chilly. It’s not the most comfortable and I don’t believe it’s even 50% effective against guarding against any virus, but something is better than nothing.  

There is a slight, and I mean a very slight chance I’ve had the coronavirus.  Back in late January, I developed a dry cough that had some horrid moments.  I remember my body started feeling drained on Friday, January 24th but I attributed it to the tough evening workout I had with a coworker the night before, and just an overall busy week, but by the end of the weekend, the cough manifested, along with the fever and headaches.  

I had just gotten over the head cold between Christmas and New Years and three weeks later I got this constant tickling in my throat and dry cough.  It was worse at night and I could never sleep. 

I tried to avoid catching it in the first place, but I was around my sister who was sick herself with a dry cough and she was around a whole slew of people who were sick with coughs and flus.

It took me 2 weeks to finally not be coughing enough to get a run in, and aside from missing a day, and trying to avoid others, I still went to work.  I was armed with lozenges, ginger tea, cough syrup, water – constantly drinking  water – but they weren’t enough to ward off the coughing fits that would come out of nowhere, day or night, and they would make you wretch as if you were about to throw up.  It was awful.  My throat was constantly raw.

My sister had it worse than me. She had gotten the cough (probably giving it to me) and hers appeared to be getting better while I had mine, and then hers resurfaced and got worse forcing her to finally go to the doctor.  I was worried I’d get it again, but I didn’t.  But I did come down with another cold on February 18th which lasted longer than the one I had between Christmas and New Years.  Unfortunately, this cold caused the cough to continue lingering on.  It was that annoying tickle from the post-nasal drip. 

Of course it’s very, and I mean VERY possible, this was just your typical standard traditional dry cough.   But I rarely ever get coughs.  The last one I had was 3 years ago in January 2017 which didn’t last long, and before that, I couldn’t even tell you.

My immune system was taking a beating. Or I should say my immune system was making me take a beating.

I accepted it, but whenever someone coughed or sneezed around me, I got worried I’d get sick again.  My senses went on heightened alert.

Because I had this cough, even now I still cough when I run.  When the weather is dry and hot, I cough.  When the temperature is chilly, I cough. Suck in air wrong, I cough. When I eat cold Thin Mint cookies straight out of the freezer, I cough.  Oh yes, I still have Thin Mint Girl Scout cookies, and I’m pacing myself on eating them.  

Coughing is not the only symptom of the coronavirus, but the last thing I want to do is to be running by someone and cough.  I’d feel the need to yell out from 6+ feet away, “THE TEMPERATURE IS CHILLY AND IT MAKES ME COUGH! THAT’S ALL IT IS!”

Best thing to do is simply avoid people, but it’s not so simple.  People are outside trying to get a bit of fresh air and exercise. Sidewalks are only so wide, and streets have speeding cars, but I do my best.

But it’s interesting coming across other runners these days.  We’re all trying to avoid each other, but when we do pass, I’ve had little, to no greeting.  No, hello. Not even a wave or eye contact. At least that’s been my experience lately.  If I see you approaching, trust me, I’m looking at you (with or without my sunglasses on).  It’s a safety thing, or I’m just trying to say hello.

As for races, I’m only registered for two this year.  One was postponed to September, and Javelina Jundred, which as of right now, is still set for an epic Halloween weekend involving a Full Moon (and I’m not referring to the Best Ass award). 

However, before any of those races happen, I’ve signed up for the Aravaipa Strong Virtual Race! It begins April 17th and I have 10 days to complete the 50K distance and based on how my running has been lately, I will need every minute. I suppose I should open that box now and take those new running shoes out for a spin.

Stay safe, stay home (as much as possible), and stay strong! Thank you for reading!