Cancelled. Postponed. To be determined.
Just about every single race in the world has updated and changed its status over the last six weeks. It’s a heart-breaking decision for race directors to cancel a race especially given all the time, energy and money they (and a team of volunteers) have put into organizing it. Let’s also not forget all the charities that are associated with these races. They will likely not receive any revenue or publicity from cancelled races. It’s a situation nobody wants to be in.
But these are – to quote the obvious – unprecedented times, something none of us have EVER experienced in our lifetimes. (Unless, of course, you were around in the time of the Spanish flu). We are navigating through uncharted territory.
So you probably signed up for a race or two in 2020. Maybe they have been already been cancelled or pushed into the virtual stratosphere. Or you are expecting that life will return to normal in time for your fall or winter race.
Don’t hold your breath. Quite frankly I don’t think anything this be back to normal in the next six months running let alone in 2020. (Maybe that’s the cynical journalist typing out loud.) The thing is – nobody has any idea when the the COVID-19 curve will be flattened. Nobody.
Sure the scientists have their predictions based on data for when it may flatten but nobody saw this coming (re: unprecedented or never known before or experienced). I have faith that our science community and medical experts (not the politicians) will find a cure and this nightmare will end. The question is when? Something, nobody can answer right now. (See: Predictions are hard, especially for the coronavirus)
So what does that mean for the running community, or more specifically the members of the running community that likes to race.
Calling it? No races in 2020
A running pal asked the question on Twitter – Do we have a “let’s wait and see approach” or should we just call it? Lots of great responses and insight. Ultimately it’s a question about social responsibility, safety, comfort levels (and legally whether these races will be permitted to proceed).
But that also begs the question – if your September or October race is still on the fence, should you continue to train (only to be disappointed when it is cancelled) or just assume it will be cancelled and keep training? So many questions. So many ways to look at it.
I’m talking the glass half full approach.
I think if you’re able to get out and run – get out and run. If you are able to train with a race in mind (whether it will go ahead or not), just do it. Sure it sucks when a race is cancelled but this is a life or death situation. There will always be another race next year (knock on wood). Time to suck it up and embrace the ability to run. Some people are not able to run for so many reasons.
Sometimes a year off can do you good – mentally and physically. Ask yourself when was the last time you took a significant time off from the recreational race circuit? Come back in 2021 with a renewed sense of love for the sport (and maybe even more stronger).
Seen on my run
I’ve been seeing a lot of wildlife – okay mostly geese – on my runs lately. Thought you might like this one of gophers or ground squirrels (whatever) at play. They were pretty rambunctious.
The other day I was finishing up my run when I noticed a couple of people walking towards me with presents. Then I heard the fire truck. You see, the Calgary fire fighters are helping children and seniors celebrate their birthdays with a drive-by birthdays during the pandemic.
Recently, I head the press conference and I thought it was pretty cool. So I was thrilled to see them in action. The video is a little shaky because I was practicing social distancing and I tried not to look like a creep.
Have your races for 2020 been cancelled? Are you still holding out hope that your fall or winter race will be given the green light? I would love to hear from you.