March started with rumors that our nation was going to start shutting things down. For some reason I didn’t really think that it would affect the small races we had signed up for. I mean, it’s just me and Kyla, and sometimes Andrea, running together. Everyone else is definitely social distancing way way far in front of us.
All laughing aside, we ran our first 10k of the month, the Run SLC Series 10k, on a very cold morning. The crowd didn’t seem to be diminished but it’s a small race to begin with. Afterwards, we went for brunch at a new(ish) cafe in Cottonwood, Root’d. Whether it was the smart people who didn’t want to be out possibly spreading a deadly disease, or the social distancing already taking place, we were seated by ourselves with an empty table in between us and any other table of patrons.
The next race was scheduled for March 14th. As race day neared, schools were closing, events were cancelled, and restaurants closed. And still the race wasn’t cancelled, making Chad and Kyla very nervous. I was game to do whatever the group was comfortable with, and that included running the race virtually, with or without the blessings of the particular race organizer.
Finally, the Wednesday prior, an edict came down from the governor that groups of 10 or more would be forbidden starting Monday March 16th, so the race organizer sent out a very long email detailing his non-medical opinion about how runners are healthier and less likely to catch the virus, so he was going ahead with the race. BUT we had the option to do the race virtually, even though he personally (to be clear, not a physician) didn’t see why anyone would be afraid and want to do that.
We decided to do the race virtually. We ran on the Sandy trail, which is just slightly too small for a 10k, but we made it work. And we have been fighting with the race organizer (very very politely) to get our race medals since that time. Which is why the medal isn’t pictured. (Updated on 6/14/20 to add: WE HAVE FINALLY RECEIVED OUR MEDALS!!!). With or without the medal, we ran our second 10k in March, putting us at 4 races completed for the year.
SLC Run Series 5kCandy Heart 5k- Run SLC Series 10k
- Lucky 13 10k
Since races in the foreseeable future will likely be virtual races, we are on the hunt for a good trail to do some serious distance. Or stick with 5ks and 10ks for the rest of the year.
On to the next!
Blue House Yellow Door 