Amid the pandemic, the mantra “Just stay home” has become my excuse for cutting back on exercise.  The gyms are closed, so no classes. My long runs have turned into short walks.   

Months ago I won the lottery to run in the New York City marathon. I was training hard and thrilled to get in.

Now I keep reminding myself I need to prepare, while I’m thinking, “it will be cancelled”!    

So recently when friends invited me to join them for a run, I jumped at the opportunity.  We planned to meet before 9AM Saturday, so Friday night I set the alarm for 7AM.  My alarm and my phone went off in synchronized unison.  Half asleep, I fumbled for my glasses to read the message. My friends were on the way to the trail and I was in my pjs!  I replied that I might be a little late.  I got dressed in the dark and rushed to the car.  The run was fun despite the chaotic morning. 

Our Saturday tradition is to run first and meet for breakfast. After our three-mile run, we drove thru a local restaurant. To comply with social distancing, we were in separate cars.  

 The egg burger, breakfast potatoes and vanilla shake I scarfed down, far outweighed the running calories I burned.

With a sense of accomplishment, I headed home, where I discovered that my skirt was on backwards!

Social distancing does have its merits. Nobody notices your clothes are not on properly or that you ate all your calories for the day in one meal!