I’ve been home 7 weeks at this point, and I had not, until today, gone out for a midweek run. I’d been limiting my running to weekends, which is exactly what I tend to do when we’re not in a pandemic (you remember that time, right??). And I have no idea why I haven’t been running during the week — sure I’ll take a walk during my lunch break, but by the time 4:30 p.m. rolls around, which signals the end of my work day, the last thing I’ve wanted to do was put on my running shoes and exercise.
So I made myself go for a run today. I waited for the rain to stop (the sun even came out!) and just got out there. I also went at 3:30 p.m. when I was supposed to be working…please don’t tell on me. I made sure to check e-mail when I got back. No one was looking for me, maybe they all went for a run!
And I felt better that I did it. I actually felt better while running (well, my feet were hurting, I think I need new sneakers) — I have been stuck in my house, staring at my computer screen, trying to get work done remotely and trying to stay positive while all my events get cancelled because of COVID-19 and the only way I see co-workers is through Zoom. I can’t be the only person who is already so over Zoom…
So I went for a run today, during my work day, instead of after it. And for a little bit I actually felt like I had control over my life again. Just for a little bit, but it was satisfying. I did 5 miles and I felt good while doing it. Maybe tomorrow when I log back into Zoom I will remember that feeling — I took time for myself. And I felt good because I did it.
Notes from a Self Quarantine 