On my 35k run last weekend I run one of my older running shoes into the ground (I felt like the ball of my foot and my big toe were running naked on the pavement) so it was time for some new ones. With the shops closed I had to fall back on my trusty brand that always works so I could order them online.
Now it’s one retired pair and two newly promoted pairs of running shoes in the app.
Thank you to my trusty retired shoes for their fantastic duty, you served me well and offered me many an inspiring hour outside under the blue, gray, wet, hot, cold… skies.
Elvis is a real lap-cat, thus a purrfect companion to take selfies with. At first he was a little distracted as he desperately tried to push the releaser button. And lo and behold! He even managed to shoot a photo once!! 😀
Joker, Elvis’ big black brother, is not much of a lap-cat (yet anyway ;-)) so selfies with him have yet to happen.
Yoga works wonders for me when it comes to re-assessing life and it’s weird twists. And it helps me stay healthy and strong, well-balanced and – yes – sane. So lots of yoga workouts on the agenda these days. (can and will totally recommend the FitStar Yoga app – not getting paid, just a huge fan.)
In school I wasn’t a big fan of running unless there was a ball involved or some other higher goal than simply running around involved.
Then, almost 20 years ago, when traveling around the world my friend declared in Australia that we’s go and buy ourselves some proper running shoes as otherwise our beer consume might turn us into proper barrels. And that’s when my running career started. Thanks to my friend back then who made me puff and swear along Bondi beach.
Over that last three years one of my very dearest friends introduced me to another long loathed category, the races. I’ve completed between 20-30 races a year over the last 3 years. Never ever thought that would happen.
And the third big thing I always denied would ever happen came to pass this year when I thought I might have to step in for mentioned dear friend and actually started training for a marathon. It’s not that I ever doubted that I could do it if I properly trained, what hindered me was my other hobbies and interests. Since I’m a slow runner it takes me well over 2h to do a 20k training run. I don’t mind, my body doesn’t mind but after 2h I do start thinking “well, what else could I do now… this running around stiff is getting lame…”.
Well, enter 2020 and watch me while away a 4h run – my very first 35k ever!! And might very well be my last. That’s why I thought this was reason to celebrate – congrats to me for this huge achievement!!
About a week ago COVID-19 helped me make a healthier choice. I was tempted to pass by McDrive to celebrate the start of the weekend. But as luck had it, the Mac down the road was actually closed, including their drive-in (drive-through for all Americans among you) and take-away.
So I was forced to eat at home and stick to my good habits: I ended up having salad and chicken nuggets.
My neighbor must be somehow related to Francis of Assissi, at least all animals seem to love him. My panther cat took to him as soon as he laid eyes on him. I can confirm that he is the absolut best, he kept me stocked with the most important essentials – comfort food like Maltesers and cookies – during my self-quarantine.
Today he obviously made a new friend… I got pictures from my neighbors partner showing him with the pigeon first on his shoulder and then on his hand. Magic!
My panther can be quite a (male) diva. He loves to be served and obeyed to his every last desire. Sometimes I have the willpower or I’m simply lazy enough to withstand. But when you see this face through the tinted front door window even the strongest resolve melts away after making me smile so hard I’m certain to expect a slight muscle ache in my cheeks by tomorrow morning.
He’s just the sweetest and most stubborn little boy. and he likes his staff well trained. My neighbors know. He’s hanging out with them a lot and they don’t have a cat door so they have to wait on him all the time. But they don’t mind. They are aware the cat took over and they are simply tolerated staff by now.
The coronavirus undoubtedly is a dangerous, even fatal disease. But with people stuck at home and splendid weather outside and one of the few reasons to leave the house being exercising (alone) it seems a lot of people take to running these days. I guess it’s the closed gyms and many unclaimed resolves to finally start running. Now with home office and the dropped commute times it’s as if lots and lots of folks use the gained hours to go out for a run. At least today I saw more runners out there than on many an ordinary weekend day. Everybody and their mamma seemed to be chasing that finish line.
I say let’s hail all these athletes! Let’s celebrate one of the great things the shelter in place order has caused! A hurray on all you runners showing the world that you’re pulling through. Including the safe distance! I applaud you!!
Sometimes if you go on a long run int the morning after a huge cup of coffee there’s a danger of that coffee washing water out of the body that wants out. And the most obvious way – before you start sweating enough – is out of your bladder. So yes, I had to pee on my run lately and there wasn’t a very suitable spot along the way. But since it was still relatively early and no one was to be seen I decided to risk just hiding between some trees as I would certainly see approaching hikers and joggers on time. I didn’t consider the bikers though and their increased speed in comparison to people afoot. Well, and that’s how I met a lovely couple who was all charming about it and gave me a wave that I happily returned.
While we’re sheltering in place most of the time these days the sunny yet breezy weather is drawing the health conscious and outdoorsy ones out. While I’m currently discovering all kinds of new skills such as having a very precise phone conversation in order to get work done efficiently by avoiding misunderstandings – you’d think that’s child’s play but not for everyone my friend – I’m also falling in love with old habits and make them a regular part of my week. Apart from my ever present running and yoga I re-introduced regular walking and hiking into the weekly routine. It offers me a clear end to my work day, fresh air, cross-training and gleeful conversations held at a safe distance if I’m inclined to walk with a friend.
Social distancing might suck but we’re discovering long lost ways to really talk to and be close to each other. And to slow down and reflect when we no longer can rush around and get caught up in all our social events and obligations.
Stay healthy and safe out there. And try to enjoy a walk or two once in a while. You’ll most certainly discover new, less obscured views.
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