It’s always 
better to be positive, but sometimes we just have to get things off our chests, #amiright? Running through a Pandemic definitely has not been easy! I feel blessed that I’ve never been on a lockdown that meant I couldn’t leave my home — even though I am grateful for my treadmill, I don’t want to have to run on it all the time. Which is pretty funny, like many runners I only ran on the treadmill when I first started running.
Wrong-siders
They are scarce right now. That’s people who run/walk on the wrong side of the road. It’s Winter, and while there are still people walking and running in the neighborhood, they are fewer and further between and it’s not so aggravating. No doubt that will change when Spring comes.
Running through the unmasked hordes
I understand that the chances of transmission are lower outside. I understand that even when I have to run around or even through a group, the amount of time I’m exposed to anything is actually quite small. I also understand that the reality is even a year later, no one is really quite sure how far droplets can travel.
Races taking a long time deciding to go virtual
This hasn’t effected me too much, I was only signed up for one race in 2020 and I totally expected it would be canceled — they also had a very generous deferral policy, which was one of the reasons I chose that particular race in the first place. I know some runners were kept on the hook for a long time, though. To train or not to train?
People who walk around with a mask in their hand . . .
. . . with absolutely no intention of ever putting said mask on.
What pet peeves haven’t I mentioned?
What good running things have happened to you recently?
Looking forward to some real races?
Linking up with Zenaida Arroyo and Kim @ Kookyrunner
This week I am also joining up with the new Runners’ Roundup linkup.
Chocolaterunsjudy 
Oh yes, races that take a long time to decide to go virtual. I lost a lot of money on the Zurich marathon that way. 16 people, each person paid USD 70.-.
First, they moved it to September 2020. They insisted for months that the race was going to happen, although it was quite clear it was impossible.
Finally, they cancelled it and we each got USD 20.- back.
It was ridiculous.
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I know a lot of races it’s been a tough call for the race directors. But that’s awful. 😦 I bet it felt even worse because it involved a group.
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I have a few related to races going virtual with no refund. Deferrals are not always helpful.
You know have run three pandemic races. Never felt compromised. Same with running locally. But we all have different standards.
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Losing $$ on races can hurt. I know the RDs are hurting too, and so much pressure & stress. It seems like there’s no way to win. 😦
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Well, I spent a lot of $$ not running real half marathons – like 6 virtuals ones.
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I’m that runner who doesn’t mask–you know how I feel about being outside. I really feel that the risk is low. But if I encounter another runner or walked, I do give them a wide berth.
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I’ll runfess that while I usually have a mask, I’m not always using it. But that’s generally because I’m running in my own neighborhood & there’s really no one there!
I think it’s fine as long as you’re making space. I have had more than one experience where I’ve had to pretty much literally run through groups of people, all unmasked, all unwilling to move even with plenty of warning. That’s what I’m talking about!
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I’m with Wendy in that I don’t generally mask when running, I just keep my distance, though I’m wearing a face covering on runs anyways right now because it’s so cold!
I wondered if someone would do a pandemic specific list! This is great!
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It’s funny, I start out with a mask on, but soon tired of it. I’m usually running in my own neighborhood right now, and there aren’t many people out plus the road is wide. So generally I pull down my mask after that first mile or so.
I do put it back on during my cool down walk, though!
As I said to Wendy, I think it’s fine as long as you’re willing to give other people their space. But some people just won’t.
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Did you ever, ever, ever think you’d write a blog with that title? LOL – I sometimes have to laugh at the fact that in a year, we’ve had to adjust to so many new norms and pet peeves!
Talking about races taking long to go virtual — my ultramarathon was scheduled for 7th March and we’ve just been told it has been postponed or we can opt to defer it. I’m happy to defer it as crossing the border into a higher-risk country was stressing me out a bit. But I wish they’d told us earlier as so much training has already happened. But on the bright side – training is never wasted!
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Oh, I’m so sorry, Shathiso. No, training is never wasted but still that’s a bummer! I was lucky my one race last year, I trained a little but super hard, because I was pretty sure it would be canceled & it was.
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I run with a gaiter around my neck so that i can pull it up when approaching other runners, so I get annoyed when I see people running with nothing to cover their mouth/nose. I’m seeing it more and more now as I think people are becoming more lazy when it comes to precautions.
I also hate that some races take SO long to make a call on going virtual. This is one of the reasons I am not registered for any races this year.
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I understand that RDs really want to put on their races, for a variety of reasons
. . . but it does make it difficult on the runners. 😔
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I don’t wear a mask while outside but I am considerate of those around me. This isn’t running related but the ones wearing a mask under their nose in the stores makes me crazy!
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I know! Either wear the darn mask properly or stay away from people! It’s seriously not that hard.
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We don’t have an outdoor mask mandate, so I don’t usually bring one when I’m running or walking. However, I don’t pass many people, and when I do, I hop off the sidewalk or put distance between us.
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That’s really all I ask: people being considerate & giving me my personal space. But a lot don’t. 😔
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I don’t do the outdoor masking, either, but I’m not usually any where close to others when I’m running (usually on the street, in the wee hours LOL). I have seen a few people on bikes, though…wearing a mask but NO HELMET.
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You would think a helmet would be especially helpful if it’s dark, right?
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Oh I’m with you on the races taking forever to decide if they are going virtual! I’d also like to be given the option to defer vs being automatically switched to a virtual event!
As some others have said, I don’t run in a mask but do wear a gaiter/buff that I can easily pull up when I see others in my path. I’ve been pretty surprised lately at how many runners have passed me lately with no effort to cover their mouths. I feel like the mere mention of a vaccine has made a lot of people lazy about precautions.
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I think most people think there’s never a reason to mask if you’re outside. But I get really aggravated when a runner passes me, no mask, no warning. Sure, the chance of that being a problem is very slight — but what if they cough right as they pass you?
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I bet it’s really frustrating to be signed up for races and not know if they will be held in person or not. I’m glad I don’t run around many other people because I think the mask thing would drive my crazy!
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Right now it’s a non issue since I’ve just been running in my neighborhood. But when it was warmer — there were several runs that were really unpleasant because of that.
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Ugh!!! Those unmasked hordes. They are such an aggravation. Bill and I always run with a buff or mask that we can pull up when we encounter other pedestrians. This weekend, our town hosted an ice sculpture walk and the unmasked hordes were all over the sidewalk. I go out in the street, but Bill gets really upset.
We deferred our Mt. Hood registration to this year. I just got an email saying this year’s race was canceled, so we deferred to 2022.
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I did not get the email from Revel, but I already knew I still would’nt be comfortable with it. Unless maybe I was vaccinated, which might actually be possible by then!
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I am that runner who isn’t always on the correct side of the road. Sometimes running against traffic isn’t possible, especially with slushmageddon.
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I don’t mind people who are on the wrong side if they realize it & give me my space, since I’m doing the correct thing. I have occasionally run on the wrong side to give my legs a break from the camber of the road, but I will make sure to move if I run into someone.
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Honestly, I never understood the wrong-siders thing. There is a right and wrong way? I think races directors should stop with the races. It will be a long time before real races will happen. I guess I am just tired of all of the virtual races as I am not interested in them. I might do one for fun with friends but that’s it.
Thank you for linking up with us!
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It’s a safety thing: run/walk facing traffic cause they usually aren’t watching out for — or may not even see you! A lot of people suddenly started walking during the pandemic & have no clue — it really gets old when you have to crisscross with your dog! I actually make Bandit sit before we cross the street.
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I see what you mean!
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It always drives me bonkers when people run or walk on the wrong side even worse when they are in a group or with a stroller or dog. I have had some near misses when this happens on my bike! Thanks for linking up today
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At least I don’t have to worry about that now. Far less people are out in Winter!
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I usually choose to run in places where I know there will not be a lot of people. That helps me feel like the risk is lower. I usually wear a neck gaiter and leave it down most of the time, but when I am passing someone, I will pull it up over my nose and mouth and go wide so that I am at least 6 feet from them. It’s such a weird time right now!
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Mostly I’m running in my neighborhood, so not many people really — right now. When it was warmer, though, occasionally I’d go somewhere with more people. You get so bored with the same places!
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I don’t mask when I run. But I’m not running around a lot of other people. When I do encounter someone I try to give them a wide berth. i’m sure I would feel differently if I were running through large groups of unmasked people.
Yes, a lot of races could have done a much better job of making that decision- lots of runners were left hanging. Hopefully moving forward they’ll have a better plan in place, with a better understanding of the situation.
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I do really feel for racing companies, too. I suppose it’s easier for me because I wasn’t signed up for a lot of races.
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I don’t wear a full mask to run outside, but I do wear a buff and pull it up when passing people (there aren’t that many people out when I run, I may pass one to four depending). If I lived in a big city, I would mask up to run. I really have to hold my tongue when I see people unmasked indoors or in large groups, since an anti-masker was who gave us Covid (workplace transmission) and both my husband and I have long-term symptoms and subsequent health issues (GERD, possibly permanent olfactory hallucinations/loss of normal smell, chronic muscle pain, etc).
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I am so sorry for all the after effects of COVID for you, Laura. I can’t imagine having to take care of kids with all that going on.
I have heard that for some people sometimes the symptoms you’re describing do go away after a while — I can’t even begin to imagine not being able to smell! I hope that that is the case for you.
The brother of one of our friends died from COVID, also workplace transmission by an asymptomatic person — but that person refused to wear a mask. The person who died (who was older) always wore a mask though.
Now that people are getting vaccinated it’s so easy to let your guard down, but I know it will probably be months before I’m vaccinated, although my husband hopefully will get a vaccine sooner — so your story is a good cautionary tale to continue to be vigilant.
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