It's a mad, mad, mad, mad world

How things can change in a few weeks.  The writing was on the wall when it started in China in December but there must be something in way the human brain works that refuses to believe the inevitable.  Maybe it’s our lack of trust of politicians who we believe always have an agenda in the background and, who in their right mind would have their job anyway?

I’m not about to get political in my blog, there’s enough column inches dedicated to speculating rubbish, I’m merely setting the scheme for the “apocalyptic movie” we seem to be a cast member in.  Whoever thought loo rolls, rice, tinned tomatoes and pasta were going to become commodities?  It's mad out there.  If you want wine it will be from the top shelf and only the exclusive stuff you’d have at Xmas because everything else is sold out.  Sugar is sold out because people are turning to making their own wine – because the pubs and restaurants are closed.  Or maybe it’s to get them through lock down and the restrictions with the family at home!  Life has changed and there’s much more to come in the way of deaths so prepare for the shock and fear which the press will stir up despite the fact we know what’s coming.  Do whatever you can to stay safe.

On Monday the 2^nd of my races was cancelled, the 1st race was cancelled the week before, and on Tuesday we went into the office and finalised the lock down preparations so we could all work from home.  It’s fare to say I felt down and as I’d been working all hours to get to this stage, I skipped two training sessions.  That on its own is not important but going into lock down demotivated and not wanting to exercise could become a real issue and I’m sure I’m not the only one that feels that way.  After all why bother putting yourself through all this effort/sweat and pain with no goal in sight.  So, I had a good look in the mirror and remembered “Rule 5” (Man the f@@k up!) and gave myself a good slap.

I’m not a “key worker” saving lives or delivering food to the elderly, I’d love too but I still have a business to run and want to come out of this having looked after my staff and clients.  The clients are depending on us as we manage their finances and you may have noticed that world stock markets are significantly lower than where the were 6 months ago.  We’re working flat out to a lot of tight deadlines with the end of the tax year approaching and the internet, which we’re depending on, is like “treacle”.   Before you think I’m looking for sympathy I’m not.  We’re in a fortunate position to have a business that will get through this crisis because of good long-term financial management and by looking after staff and client.  However, with all this pressure and being locked down at home with most of the family, how do you remain healthy and sane?

My August race is still on so I have that focus although have my doubts the world will allow travel by then.  
My motivation is three fold:

1-      I don’t want to lose the fitness I have build over the last 6 hard months

2-      My training sessions, gym or run, become even more precious than before – a break from news about Coronavirus which is 24/7 at the moment or my home office

3-      I’m looking to 2021 and what an amazing year it will be approaching it with this fitness

If you’re feeling demotivated because your races are cancelled well at least you’re not injured and can’t exercise or have Covid-19 and are in isolation.  Make use of this time to build your strength, flexibility or speed.  If you can’t then learn a foreign language or learn to play a musical instrument.  You won’t get this time back so make the most of it.

All my recent training has been solo but today I had the pleasure of company for 4 km.  As I was leaving the house ultra running legend Rosie Bell came running past my house so keeping to 2m behind her I joined her.  We had a great chat and it made me realise how much I missed other people’s company on runs.  After 4 km I had to let her go because I couldn’t keep up if I was going to finish my 2^nd day of 20 km.  And being the legend she is, she sent me a message afterwards to say thanks for pushing her on, it helped motivate her!  She must have thought I had Covid-19 and wanted to stay well ahead!  I’m missing my running pals but know this is a short period in time.  Running has taken on a different purpose – a physical and mental break from lock down.  

In 1963 the film It’s a mad, mad, mad, mad world came out which was about groups of people searching for stolen cash – greed drove their behavior.  A bit like people hoarding tins of food and others doing without as a result.  If anything good comes out of this pandemic, I hope it will be a better world as our values will have changed or at least we will value people more.  Stay safe, keep healthy and get your daily exercise!