Running safely during a global pandemic

I couldn’t wait to get out to the mountains after a week of uncertainty and anxiety. Nothing is worse than being stuck inside when you’re feeling helpless and unsettled about what was coming your way. Thankfully the clouds lifted over the city and sunshine was on tap for the weekend.

In my post last week, I talked about how I felt silly about writing about my training when people are dying and becoming sick because of this global health crisis. Of course, that should be anyone’s first reaction – what’s the big picture here?

Running safely during a global pandemic

Now that the dust as settled on this new reality, I realized it is important for me to keep running in order to keep my sanity and not to get overwhelmed by the news. It’s my coping mechanism. I’m generally healthy with no underlying health conditions and I don’t interact with many people especially since I am working at home now.

The experts agree – it is possible to run safely during COVID-19 – you just have to follow the social distancing protocols.

I have two races planned this year – Powderface Marathon in July and Lost Soul Ultra in September. Neither one has been cancelled yet so I am going to keep training.

Moose Mountain Road training

Running safely during a global pandemic
Barry running down Moose Mountain Road.

Around 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, I met Barry at Moose Mountain for an easy hike up and run down. There were no other cars in the lot when we turned up so we didn’t have to worry too much about coming in contact with other people.

Usually I don’t mind running this road alone because it is mindless – you go to the end, turn around and come back. But this time it was nice to have some company because quite frankly it was nice to see another human in person. Don’t worry we kept our social distance to avoid any risks. This was easy enough to do because the road is quite broad.

I had not been at the road for about two weeks so I was curious to see what shape it was in. Snow had fallen the night before but it was in pretty good shape. There was light packed snow and bare road for the first 5 kilometres or so. In the shaded areas, there was a good two feet of snow.

Good run – we got in 17 kilometres and 640 metres. We didn’t see anyone until we were nearly back to the parking lot. Boy wasn’t it busy. I had planned to stop at Allen Bill parking lot to take some pictures but both lots were full. Bragg Creek was crazy busy too.

Prairie Mountain

I haven’t been up Prairie Mountain since January – long overdue. I struggled getting out of bed on Sunday morning. I knew if I was going, I had to go early. Because if Saturday’s traffic near Bragg Creek was any indication, I knew Prairie would be crazy busy.

Traffic was busy on Hwy 22 especially given the early hour. Four cars trailing me for several kilometres. The road was a little slick so I wasn’t taking any chances. Thankfully the cars behind the Qashqai kept their distance.

Running safely during a global pandemic
Cars lined up at the base of Prairie Mountain

I eased my way up Prairie after finding a key parking spot. I played leapfrog with two women and a dog for most of the climb. We passed a young couple on the way up too but otherwise it was pretty quiet. There was a lot of snow on the trails. I wore my Kahtoolas to be on the safe side.

Once I got closer to the top, I began to see more people coming down. I met one man just before the last push who said – it’s all yours. No one was lingering at the top because it was too bloody cold. I couldn’t keep my gloves off for long because the wind was fierce. The Canadian flag was gone too.

I didn’t waste any time on the top either. Gripping my iPhone tightly I snapped a few pics while I tried not to blow away. It’s always hit and miss with Prairie Mountain – you never know what you are going to get when you reach the top.

I waddled down as quick as I could to the trees. Maybe 10 minutes later, I had feeling back in my fingers. Predictably I encountered many other pairs and solo runners/hikers on my way down. I wasn’t surprised to see all the cars lined up along both sides of the road when I reached my car. The area is so popular with. And it’s been a long winter. People needed to get outside.

I had to wonder though .. are these people taking social distancing serious enough. I do have to say one man literally jumped into the trees when I was running down to avoid coming in contact with me. He mumbled something about social distancing so I know he was taking it seriously.

Yes the trails and mountains are open. But use your common sense people. It’s not a snow day. (See: COVID-19 fears prompt Canmore, Banff to ask travellers to stay away and Go home and stay home)

Unprecedented times indeed. Stay safe and wash your hands.

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