Hey friends.
These past few weeks have been crazy. Unprecedented. Scary. All the adjectives. Like you, I am freaking out and wondering if the coronavirus will be the end of us all or when things will ever get back to normal.
Some days are better than others. Throw in this miserable winter weather in Calgary … well .. you know … not so great. However, I take some comfort in knowing we’re all in this together.
I’ve been working at home for three weeks now in order to stop the spread of the coronavirus. It’s been super quiet but I am able to get a lot more stuff done. Also my place has never been cleaner. (I cannot work in clutter) So many other journalists, people are losing jobs across Canada. Worse of all, people are dying and the health pandemic is continuing to spread.
Every day life keeps throwing another curve ball at us. While I am trying to limit my exposure to all the noise, I listen to the Prime Minister’s daily presser and the chief medical officer’s daily briefing. I find it reassuring that Canada/Alberta are responding quickly to this situation.
Running to keep sane
This week I have taken a relaxed approach to my training. I didn’t want to run outside or on the treadmill – so I didn’t and I am not going to beat myself up for resting (and watching Amazon Prime). Last week I put in some good runs in along the Bow River, and once at Nose Hill. Late last Friday, the province announced it is closing vehicle access to all provincial parks and recreation areas.
“We understand the need to get outdoors, but now is not the time to visit our provincial parks and recreation areas without abiding by common-sense public health and safety measures,” said Jason Nixon, Environment and Parks Minister. Fair enough but it is a bummer. Thankfully Calgary’s trail system is pretty awesome.
The trails have been pretty busy but you really just need to pick your time and place. Generally I know to avoid anything near the Peace Bridge or around Eau Claire. These areas seem to be the busiest. When I encounter other runners or walkers, they (or I) generally move out of the way. Lots of smiles and eye contact.
We’re dealing with some pretty heavy stuff – life or death. Whether it’s going for a run, drinking, eating or reading a good book, we all have our coping mechanisms to deal with this uncertainty and stress around the health pandemic. It’s really important for me to stay active and spend time outside. Otherwise I can find myself in a really deep and dark place.
Nose Hill has been crazy busy too – no doubt the closure of the provincial parks played a part. Since I am staying close to home, I hope to go at least once a week (when the weather improves).
Take a break, listen to a podcast
So many podcasts, so little time. Thankfully I have lots of time now. Lately I have been getting caught up with The Outside Podcast. Lots of variety – from ‘being naked and afraid’ to ‘the only time it’s safe to jump off a chair lift.’ Lots of good stuff.
Sometimes it’s good to tune out from all the news. I would love to hear what you have been listening to lately.
Stay safe everyone. Reach out if you would like to chat. Keep up the social distancing and wash your hands.