Training during a global pandemic

Time sure stands still when you are on lockdown.

It’s been a little under two months since a global pandemic wrecked havoc on our lives. And this week marks the seventh week that I have worked at home.

Where did the time go?

Most days I feel like I am caught in a time loop like in the movie Groundhog Day. Something along the lines of work, sleep and repeat. The first month was super tough because everything was happening quickly. Emotions were high as everyone was in a state of panic over everything. Unsettling and scary to say the least. I’m sure I was not alone in wishing I could just curl up an a ball and stay there until this mess is over.

With the improved weather – spring has finally arrived – it is much easier to get out the door and onto the trails.

Training during a global pandemic

Training

Right now my goal is to log a minimum of 55-60 kilometres a week. Once I start upping my longer runs this won’t be too much of an issue. Right now I’m not overly thrilled about running along the Bow River because it takes a bit of planning to avoid the masses. That means I have to run super early or super late.

I don’t like running on the asphalt or the paved pathways. My body doesn’t agree with it at all – so that’s something I have to get used to again. Almost like I am learning to run all over again.

My training plan involves getting in my long runs at Nose Hill on the weekends. Again I have to start super early to snag a parking spot. Nose Hill is so big that I am not worried about traffic on the trails.

This past Saturday, I ran one counterclockwise loop around the Nose Hill perimeter. I love running this route. It’s mindless, and it’s impossible to get lost. The trails were very dry but there were some muddy bits.

I didn’t see many people. My highlight was running into a porcupine who nearly gave me a heart attack on the trail. Thankfully he wasn’t in the mood to tangle so he just scurried up a tree.

Just as I was finishing up at Nose Hill, I wiped out pretty good at the parking lot. I kinked my neck pretty good. The next day I couldn’t turn my neck to look over my left shoulder. It was pretty uncomfortable. After some mobility exercises, my neck has finally loosened up today.

Training during a global pandemic

Taking out the bike

As you know I bought my bike late last year so I still have lots of work to do before I feel completely comfortable on it. Michael gave me a 2017 Calgary Trails and Pathways map. It’s much easier to read than the city app. He also helped me – at an appropriate distance – with my new bike pump.

Last week I rode 55K on the bike over two rides. I love exploring the city on foot (or in this case on my bike). I am seeing parts of the city where I would never run – i.e. northeast along the Deerfoot.

This afternoon, I rode up to 96th Ave NE in Calgary – 12 kilometres one way from my place. It was super windy and the hills were tough. I was gasping for air A LOT. I am starting to get the hang of the uphills now if I could only get over my fear of riding down those long and winding downhills.

My cycling goal is to ride 50 kilometres to 60 kilometres each week. Ideally I would like to go for a three or four hour bike ride around the city. There so many options. I can’t wait to see more of Calgary.

How is your training? Have you been running lots or have scaled back because of the pandemic? Do cross train as part of your training? I would love to hear from you in the comments below.

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