Every cloud has a silver lining

There's a saying, if you get lemons make lemonade.  Basically it means learn to make the most of the hand your dealt.  And in 2020 we've all be dealt a fairly challenging hand.  What started off as almost a novelty, lockdown working from home and running the business remotely, has now dragged on and we definitely have a "new norm" although it doesn't feel very normal.  But we have to adapt and get on with it.
I've trained as a triathlete for 12 years now and more recently I have moved to ultra running yet use the cross training as a way of reducing the strain on my body.  In the winter I'd reluctantly get on the turbo trainer (static bike) as I have always found it boring.  No matter what music I'd blare out to motivate me, unless I had an interesting session where I was completely focused on my "numbers/targets" for every minute I never looked forward to these sessions.
However the game changer has been Zwift.  An online cycling programme where I train with or race people all around the world.  Who knew I'd be motivated by an avatar.  My club organises a 16km TT every week and I go into it looking to push myself harder than I ever would if I was doing a normal turbo session.  I hunt down people in front of me and try and stay ahead of teammates.  At the weekend there is a "group ride" and the clever technology means you don't get dropped from your pals.
As for the results, I'm delighted with how my fitness has improved in the month I've been using it and it's also showing in my running especially my lower heart rate.  After some sessions, when I get off the bike my legs are shaking with the effort so I know they have worked hard and are getting stronger.
I'm also doing three gym sessions a week, another area I wouldn't normally be excited about - I'd happily just run, but that's not how you improve.  The repetitions are increasing and exercises that I couldn't have done 6 weeks ago, I am now getting through and feeling strong.  This will be critical for my race next year where I will be running in the mountains with a loaded rucksack which contains my food and supplies for a week.  I need to improve my core strength as well as my overall body strength but it's getting better.
So the cloud that has brought us lockdown can be looked at either negatively or with a positive spin and I prefer the latter.  Moaning about the current situation won't improve it but turning your lemons into lemonade can mean so real positive results by the changes you make.  Every cloud has a silver lining, if you look for it.  Online training can deliver the results in a safe environment.  Take care and stay safe out there.