Well 2020 hasn’t started out like many of us would have liked. As I sit here in the garden, day 1 of my 38th year, I’m reflecting on the impact Covid-19 is having on my race calendar for the year, as well as my own mental health.
My race calendar this year was due to kick off with a mini duathlon in March in Frimley, a small event to blow away the cobwebs. I was then due to go away on holiday to Egypt, a little bit of warm weather training. This would have been the kick start to my swimming season. The last couple of years have looked very similar with a packed early season, May is like my peak for events which isn’t ideal when peak fitness is usually in the summer time. I’ve planned it this way for the last few years as I normally have stag do’s and weddings in the summer that I have to plan events around. May this year was no different, starting with a sportive out of Windsor, nice 75 mile ride, then my big race The Roc Tri. Another triathlon based in Wales which has a difference, my first seas swim (remember Alcatraz was cancelled), cycle, run, cycle and beach run. All this through the gorgeous scenery of Snowdonia. Was really looking forward to that one. May was due to finish with Blenheim Palace tri, several years ago I took part in this event and was looking forward to seeing how much time I could take off my previous attempt. Now that I have a decent enough 5km time and a Camilla to eat up those miles on the bike leg!
All of these events have rightly so been cancelled due to our current status on the Corona virus. I’ll be getting refunds for the smaller events like Frimley Duathlon and Windsor sportive. However Tri Roc and Blenheim Palace were rescheduled for September. I have decided to stick with Blenheim but defer my Tri Roc entry to 2021, jheeez I’ll be 38 when I race that one, I was only 36 when I entered it!
Other thing on my 2020 plans where a ride around the Isle of Wight in July, Ride London in August and a 24 hour cycle somewhere in between. No news on any of these cancelling, I have the decision to make on the 24 hour cycle, it will come down to how many miles and hours worth of training I can get under my belt during lockdown. However the after party post that ride would be worth it alone!
So what have I been up to the past 5 weeks of lockdown. I decided to move back to the parents for a while to give myself some company. Those that know me will know that I am a very social person and enjoy seeing my friends and family, having a free reign to come and go as I please. This lockdown has been tough for me and I’ve been keeping myself busy with the odd run and cycle where I can, but some days I lack motivation or get go to do stuff. Must be a right joy to be around, sorry Mum and Dad. It was my birthday yesterday and what a day it was. Tough day all round made better by some quality FaceTime with my nearest and dearest.
I’ve been keeping myself busy with other non exercise jobs. Painted the back of my parents house, their decking and helping around the house where I can. I also used the time to make myself a desk, up lifting an old Singer sewing machine base to be my new desk at home. It’s been a time to get all the little jobs ticked off, so that when lockdown does lift the summer (what’s left of it) can be enjoyed.
Until only a few hours ago I had been sporting an isolation beard! At first it was just a chance to not shave for a while. I then took a liking to it, trimming and grooming the stubble to be presentable on work calls. Had a fair few comments saying I had a Wolverine look about me. I’m now clean shaven and ready to take on further weeks of lockdown with a more positive attitude!
I’m going to keep up the running and cycling over the coming weeks, mixing from short / quick to long and stead efforts. Want to be ready for that first ride I go on with others. Plus I need the exercise to keep off all this chocolate I keep eating, def classed as an essential purchase!
In the grand scheme of things, a few more weeks of lockdown, and not seeing my friends and family is a small price to pay for ultimately a safer outcome for all.
I hope you and your families are safe and well.
Be good and let’s beat this together.
Samuel aka the shaven Wolverine
I Just Felt Like Cycling 