We’ve been stuck in our houses for over a month now.  The walls are closing in as we wait for life to become normal again.  Our home is our office and our office is our home.  I felt the walls begin to close in on me for the first time yesterday.  Up to this point, I’ve been focused on all the benefits of isolation.  I’ve enjoyed no commute and eating lunch at home.  Time is a gift that I’ve felt blessed with.

I didn’t run outside on Friday as I was taking a “rest day” to give my joints a break.  My rest day consisted of one-hour of DDP Yoga and a slow, 1-mile run on the treadmill.  By 4:30pm, I felt trapped in this isolation.  I was also feeling very lethargic all day, relying on too much caffeine to survive the afternoon.  I didn’t feel it was worth getting bundled up for an outside run in the chilly 36 degree weather during my morning workout.  Not for just one mile anyways.  My mistake.  I realized the needed to get outside to breath some fresh air.  I needed an escape from the home and office.  I discovered the connection of feeling too isolated and not getting outside.  I also made the mistake of avoiding something that was difficult.  Who wants to run in 36 degrees?  Not most people.  Me neither yesterday, I wussed out.  Choosing the path of least resistance did not set a good tone for the day.

I stepped outside this morning in some much warmer weather to enjoy a 4.5 mile run.  I felt so free and re-energized.  I saw several runners and many others outside working in their yards.  I’ve realized, spending 40 minutes running outside each day is great for both my body as well as my mind.  Spending time in fresh air enjoying the spring-time weather boosted my energy and motivated my brain.  Running provides many benefits beyond fitness, such as sleeping better and improved mental focus.

I’m encouraged to see so many runners outside each day.  Each person is staying focused on their personal goals with their extra time instead of binging on another television show.  Running is one thing C19 has not been able to cancel.  Spring-time is usually filled with several 5k/10k/half-marathons; many of these races have converted into virtual races.  We’re still able to sign up, support local charities and time ourselves running the race.  Race organizers are accepting times when you submit treadmill pictures or smart watch stats.  How rad is that?

There will be no more treadmill runs for me during this pandemic.  I’m also going to add two-10 minute walks during the workday to get out of the house.  I’m looking forward to re-starting a new work-week and finishing strong.

Go get it.