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Year of the Corona

With the COVID19 pandemic ravaging the entire world, 2020 has been a year of introspection, of reset, of a new normal. People have had time to discover new abilities and talents, rediscover old hobbies and passions, rekindle friendships and reboot relationships. It dawned on people how much they have exploited Mother Earth and how it is still possible to retrieve what we have destroyed, provided we step back, respect nature and let it reclaim and recharge the environment. For a few months of the lockdown we experienced the bluest of skies, cleanest of air and purest of water. The grass was greener, the flowers had more colour and the birds were chirping.

 

For runners too, it has been a roller coaster ride. In the initial phase we were shell shocked by the unfolding crisis. Quite clueless, locked down at home, frustrated and chafing to run. The crisp air and clear skies beckoned, but the fear of Corona had us pinned down. Not for long though!! There were a few furtive runs here and there, away from the public eye and violating the government guidelines😜. ‘Solo run’ and ‘Virtual run’ were the buzzwords and trending on social media. Running events and competitions were out, except the virtual ones. Gradually as the curbs were relaxed, runners and cyclists were back with a vengeance. Of course, we changed the way we run. Smaller groups, maintaining 8-10 feet distance amongst ourselves while running, avoiding physical contact or proximity while warming up and cooling down, wearing face masks most of the time while running and skipping group runs altogether if anyone was having symptoms etc. Some real time events are now being planned for later this year, though I would advise prudence and giving them a miss. 

 

Ever the optimist, one hopes that this crisis too shall pass soon and we can be back to running….free and without a care.

Recently on my birthday as I turned 52, I said a small prayer and made a wish for all of us: 🙏May God give us a Peaceful Mind and a Happy Heart in a Healthy Body. And God replied ‘Keep Running….It Helps’😇

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