Letter 4/28/2020

A beautiful sunny day here. I ran really well in Parkville.

I wore a buff for the first time in order to have a flexible face covering option for passing people on a trail. I admit that it doesn't seem necessary, except for the occasional group of people who don't practice social distancing. I did make a good example and discovered that it is not that annoying to pull it up when you pass people. I think that if I ever go in another real race, having a mask option and a hand cleaning option will be necessary.

Speaking of races. I've entered another virtual race. Great Virtual race across Tennessee. Virtual races would seem stupid in any other year than this one. But, the races I've entered so far offer benefits I won't be able to get in a normal year. Like the Aravaipa race offered a cool belt buckle. The race across Tennessee makes sense if you follow ultra running and have heard about the Vol State race or Laz Lake. Vol State race won't be happening this year, but I couldn't do it anyway. It is too hard for me to actually run across Tennessee in the given time frame. But I'm happy to focus my running on getting the miles in over 4 months. And getting a t-shirt that won't ever be available again. Only 4684 participants so far.

I have been taking good advantage of my corona-cation. I totally appreciate the gifts given.

Letter 4/26/20

Today was a beautiful sunny day. Finally, KC is warming up. It was only 9 days ago, at the start of my 100 mile run that it was 27F wind chill outside.

I decided to take my run on a bike path that goes through a forest so I could listen to the birds. We have a lot of birds. So I loaded up my hydro-pak and off I went. It is 6.6 miles to where I turned around. On the day, I got 13.3 miles, all jogging. No walking.

The reason I am mentioning this is because of the satisfaction I feel about it. The satisfaction about a run well done is within me. It wasn't a half marathon race where I won a medal. It was pretty slow paced. It wasn't a training run for any particular race. I did it because I felt like it. But I feel good within me that I did it. To jog for 2:45 was satisfying.

Other things that happened today. 2 chores got done. 2 phone calls to friends. Via zoom, I attended an AA meeting in Texas where I saw old friends. I continued to read that difficult book I have sitting on my kitchen table. I spent 30 minutes lifting weights. I made myself an actual meal for supper.

Only about one week left to my corona-cation. I wonder how nearly 2 months of solitude have changed me. Or maybe they haven't changed me. Other than return to work, I don't know what else I'll be willing to participate in socially. Some people do not take care of themselves and therefore are a danger to those around them. One thing for sure, my physical fitness has improved since I've had more time for working out. I think I have come to enjoy myself more because there is less comparison of myself to worldly expectations. I appreciate almost everything.

Letter and 100 miles done

What are you doing with your corona-cation? 

I just finished a 100 mile race. I did better than I originally planned, even with some blister issues which hampered days 4 and 5. I had 10 days to finish to get a belt buckle. Mission accomplished.

Day 1, 20.50 miles
Day 2, 22.23 miles
Day 3, 20.12 miles
Day 4, 14.26 miles
Day 5, 15.06 miles
Day 6, 9.26 (really fast) miles to finish.

Its a virtual race, so nothing really matters as far as placement but....  over 400 people signed up to race 100 miles. I came in 84th overall, 31st female, 2nd in over 60 age group.

While at Starbucks this morning, I got a double shot tall latte. This drink fueled my 9 mile run this morning. I haven't run 11 minute miles in several months so I was extremely excited to see myself banging out the miles so happily.

I have had a fabulous 2 days. Really turned the corner on energy somehow. I've been engaged with my projects and not laying in bed reading half the day.

I got groceries early today and got everything on my list including a can of Clorox wipes. I went by Starbucks to get my free pound of coffee which partners get each week. I've been to online meetings at my old home group in Texas for two days in a row. I've worked on my book. I'm reading a very difficult philosophy book (many words I don't know). I got out of bed before the alarm and before 7 am this morning, something that hasn't happened since March 16, my last day of work.

Well being abounds. The people of India can see the Himalayas. I can see beyond the yellow brick road to a new world. Its coming. I love it all.

Just talked to my store manager. I'm scheduled to be back at work May 5. She told me that the Starbucks in Liberty (not the one I went to this morning), is closed because a partner was suspected of having covid. Turned out not to be the case, but Starbucks as a company is sort of having a grand new re-opening of all the stores on May 7. We will be getting $3.00 more per hour, guaranteed an average pay based on what we usually worked, benefits guaranteed no matter how many hours we work. So.... Starbucks is a very decent company. Yes we have to wear masks.