Three Things I Learned From the Coronavirus Pandemic

As we head into the second week of social distancing due to the Coronavirus, there are a few thoughts I would like to share. We all are navigating a brand new world. Let’s help each other with our shared wisdom.

Reward Good Behavior

The hubs and I planned to do a half marathon in Asheville, North Carolina this weekend on the grounds of the Biltmore Estate. We were supposed to travel with a friend who planned to run the full marathon.

The registration fees for this race were much more than I would typically pay for a half marathon ($155) but it was a special event and we wanted to support our friend.

We got an email from the race organizers a week ago stating the race was canceled and there would be no alternate date, no deferments to next year, and no refunds.

We could opt to run the race virtually and receive our T-shirts by mail.

I understand that the race organizers incurred some non-refundable expenses prior to race weekend but the proceeds from the race do not support a charity and certainly not all of the registration fees were spent before the event.

Apparently, runners complained to the race organizers. We did get a follow-up email saying we could expect to get a $23 refund.

Another race we registered for, the Eagleton Trail Challenge, (also canceled) is refunding 80% of our registration fees, which seems fair.

The Pittsburgh Marathon (and Half Marathon) is offering participants two options: to race virtually and receive their T-shirts and swag bags or receive a full refund.

Race organizers are hoping participants of the canceled race will come back and race with them in 2021.

Guess which race I will run next spring?

Yep. Steel City, here I come. This race has long been on my list of “want to”s. The kindness showed by the race organizers in the face of the pandemic just moved it to the very top.

Make a List

I am making a list of all the things I want to do after the Coronavirus pandemic is in the rearview mirror. Here are some of the items on my list:

• Have breakfast with my 89-year-old in-laws.
• Go McCleary’s Irish Pub with Bill. Sit at the bar. Order a beer and wings. Chat with the bartender while we eat and drink.
• Go to the playground with my grandchildren. Play on all the equipment. I may or may not embarrass them. Probably will.
• Join 50-60 of my closest running buddies for a group run. Hang out after the run for dinner and camaraderie. Talk about running and laugh a lot.
• Register for some fall races.
• Hug people more often. Give lots of high fives.

Optimism and Resilience Go Hand In Hand

Optimism allows us to believe in a better future. It is the trait that motivates us to keep on plugging when others may give up.

Optimism makes us believe a bad situation will get better, that a situation can improve, that positive self-talk can override negative thoughts.

Optimists are engaged in life. They are problem-solvers. They are resilient.

The best thing about optimism is that it can be developed. Yes, it’s true: an Eeyore can become a Tigger. Optimism is contagious.

Others (maybe our loved ones) are watching our reactions to the news and to the stress of social isolation. Let’s face the hardships with hope and optimism. Be a good role model. Help someone.

What are you doing to cope with the new reality dictated by the pandemic?

 

You can find the places I link up here.

Please click on the following link to read more funny or inspirational one-liners. One-Liner Wednesday.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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