is there summer in Quarantime?

By | May 31, 2020

Facebook memories were hard to look at last weekend and throughout the week. Staying home is the best way to control COVID 19 spread, but I miss travel. I even miss traveling around the city and exploring new neighborhoods. NYC enters Phase 1 on June 8, but things are going to continue to be different for a very long time.

There’s a lot of awful in the world right now, and we all know it. It’s on the news, in our social media feeds and everywhere else, including directly in many’s day to day lives. I’m opting not to get into it here. Stay safe and healthy everyone. Take care of each other.

family picnic dinner

 

For me personally, this week was better than a number of prior ones. The above is a huge part of that because I was finally able to see Mom & Bob in person. I’m so grateful for FT, Zoom, etc. but none of them replace in person visits. After a failed attempt at finding a halfway meeting spot, they drove in and we had a lovely picnic dinner in the park. It was more than a little weird to be handling a photo book they made while wearing gloves, but these are some of the steps we need to take to stay healthy, so be it.

virtual races, amazing photography talent

jumpies with a side of disco flamingo

I also got to be silly. Silly has been in short supply the last few months. But when Darlene mentioned that Kim & Deb won entries to the virtual race that Elizabeth and I were also doing, I thought what a great chance to just be silly. Thanks to similar weather in Virginia, NYC, Albany and Iowa and Deb’s husband’s amazing photo editing skills, we got to high five each other and be silly runners.

As I’ve said many times, running has brought some of the best people into my life. I look forward to the day Darlene, Elizabeth and I can run together again and meeting Deb and Kim in the future.

@HeartsNY

During a couple of morning walks I discovered @HeartsNY‘s handiwork on the Upper East Side. Such bright spots in this dark world. I feel a scavenger hunt coming on to find more of these. These, rainbows, rock art. I really love how many people are trying to find some light.

Running? Running was good. On Saturday I implemented my plan to walk to and from Central Park with the run sandwiched in the middle (OK, run/walk) and no pain. Tight hip but no actual pain. Bodies are so weird, but I’ll take this progress. I ran almost double April’s miles and believe I’m finally maybe turning the corner on this stupid IT Band.

I actually found out that my PT clinic is re-opening. As much as I’ve missed formal PT, I’m not sure I’m going back just yet. Want to give them time to get into a routine with all the new PPE and sanitizing. That said, I think medical facilities are among the best places to be given the hygiene standards they implemented after the AIDS crisis. By healthcare I of course mean well visits, not places with other sick patients. Spear is hosting two virtual running events, which I will try to join, as they’re specifically about hips and glutes.

Weekly run down with Deborah and Kim:

lizard on a rock

about to dance to Mr. Roboto?

  • never miss a Monday: it was gorgeous out and Elizabeth and I decided to enjoy it in the park. I was pleasantly surprised with how well people followed the guidelines and is a big part of the reason why Central Park is still open.  It was nice to hear some of the Taps performances that were happening around the city for this not to be happy memorial day (which drives me nuts!) and purely a summer kickoff. The rock hopping makes me laugh — my hands are always cold and I have been told to sit on a rock in the sun. It was a little warm in the sun, so I was team shade.
  • two a day Tuesday: so that stop and start? Yeah, it’s the issue. I had a doctor’s appointment just a few blocks away and decided to run to it. A taste of summer happened here and it was a wonderfully muggy morning run. Coming home, I went to the 7 Eleven near my apartment as it was the longest run – they had neither iced nor creamer, so back to the far (it’s two avenue blocks) one. All in all a little more than two miles over two runs to get the work week off to a good start.
  • Wednesday: coffee walk before work, and park picnic with Mom & Bob after. Way better than steps or a run.

Hi, summer. NIce to see you

  • Thursday: wanted to run in the morning since it was supposed to rain later, but wanted my pillow more. Luckily the rain held off and I was able to get out after work for a run. I remembered just how much I love Cascade. No chafing, sits well (even when accidentally tucked under my belt!) and is just so comfortable. While I didn’t have as long a history with Skirt to be as sad as others that it is closing, I’m longing for for the Cascades that were planned for next spring that we’ll now never get.
  • Friday: walk before work, but could not get myself back out the door after. I think I just needed a mental off day. I finished Dean Karnazes’ Run to Sparta, which I didn’t have time to read during the week.

middle of Manhattan!?

always check in with Fred. NYC Runner Commandment

my afternoon view while reading

hi pretty sneeze machine!

  • Saturday: weird, in a wonderful way. In some ways it almost felt normal vs having COVID permeate every thought.  We’re far from back to normal, but a taste of normalcy was necessary. Yes, we ran in masks and socially distanced, but Elizabeth and I met for a run and had fun with silly photos for the virtual Freihofer 5K while running through some of our favorite parts of the park. Afterwards, we sat on Monday’s rock and just people watched. That part of Central Park is always relatively chill, and especially so early on a Saturday morning. I most definitely took note of the interactions between dog walkers and others given the events of this week. Later in the afternoon I literally just laid on a bench in Carl Schurz Park and read. The Upper East Side is empty and while everyone has their personal levels of comfort, this felt fine to me. I’d definitely have moved if others were trying to find a spot, but there were more than enough to go around.  Memorial Day – Labor Day is when I’m allowed to read books with no redeeming qualities. The Hunt for Jack Reacher it was. This was also, I’m pretty sure, my first 20K step day in quarantime. Baby steps.
  • Sunday: going for a walk as soon as I finish my coffee. I’ve been saying that since 6:30. It’s now 9, but too beautiful to be inside.

22 thoughts on “is there summer in Quarantime?

  1. Marcia

    The week started out searing hot and muggy but finished gorgeous here too. I’ve got my computer and coffee out on the deck and gym time will have to wait. That’s such a fun virtual race group collage! Running friends truly are the best. Wish we could rub some of our mojo off on the current ugly national state of affairs.

    Reply
    1. cari Post author

      Yes, seriously on the latter. Sad, ugly times.
      We didn’t quite get to searing, but we had swamp. Whereas today was perfect and even a bit “chilly” in the shade when I crashed with a book. If I could clone this weather it would be perfection.

      Reply
  2. Deborah Brooks

    I am for silly with my running friends. Definitely helps right now. Glad you got to see your mom in person and also some of your friends. It makes such a difference to have that in person contact we have all been missing. Thanks for linking up and have a great week

    Reply
  3. Kim G

    I love the title of this post because I have often been wondering the same thing! Earlier this week my manager and I were talking about summer plans and she reminded me to make sure I take some vacation time. We both laughed cause it’s like vacation time for what? All we can do are extended staycations lol.

    Love that photo from the virtual race this weekend. It’s so cool to find new ways to connect with runner friends during this time.

    There’s so much bad in the world right now. I took a break from the news yesterday and it was really good for me mentally, I needed a break.

    Reply
    1. cari Post author

      Yes. Weekends are off news for me. If something is truly breaking and not just the latest chapter of horrible in a week of horrible news, I’ll get a phone alert. I wasn’t too concerned as I wasn’t leaving the neighborhood other than Central Park and I wasn’t likely to run into any of the crowds.
      Same here when we went to summer hours. Yay, but weird. I’ve vowed I’m going to use those hours for self care, whatever format that takes that week. No pressure, no rules. We’ll see how it goes.

      Reply
  4. Beckett @ Birchwood Pie

    I’m so glad that you got to see your mom. It’s been amazing to be with family and friends in person. I have to think that if it’s safe to be at the grocery store that it’s safe to be at the PT clinic, but there’s no harm in taking it slow. I’ve been spending a good bit of time outside in my back yard reading and just soaking in the air.

    Reply
  5. Judy @ Chocolaterunsjudy

    I seriously am so jonesing for a vacation (15 months & counting since the last one), but I’m healthy & my loved ones are healthy, and that’s the most important thing.

    I do plan to go see my mom next week. We’ll have to go out of our way to be able to stop at a service area for a bathroom, so it’s gonna be a long day for probably a short visit.

    It’s beautiful here today, too, but actually really cool — like a high of 60ish. Too cool to eat outside. Up until today, I’ve been spending many hours outside (and lucky that I can), but the cool weather is a nice little break from the heat & humidity & I’m not complaining either way.

    Reply
  6. Liz Dexter

    SO GLAD you got to see your mum and Bob, that must have been amazing. I saw two friends (separately) today who I haven’t seen since lockdown and it was wonderful, I have to say. Good news on the running, too.

    Reply
  7. Coco

    Glad you figured out a way to meet for dinner. I’m lucky my Mom lives so close and we can see her weekly — just for socially distant chats. My pops over less frequently, but usually comes in the house for something which makes my husband nervous. ~sigh~ I’ve been OK with staying home, but may start feeling antsy once I see others out and about more.

    Reply
    1. cari Post author

      Mom is only about half an hour from me by car. It’s just complicated by my not wanting to take bus or train right now, her not being crazy about me taking a car share, and my not loving the idea of a car rental. The latter might be where we end up in the future as I feel bad asking them to pay parking and tolls to come in. We’ve found a free parking area possibly though.

      I feel you on the antsy. I’m perfectly anti social at times, but also want to play outside at others.

      Reply
  8. Darlene S Cardillo

    No pain. Love that.

    In addition to flowers, I’ve been on a painted rock hunt.

    ZOOM is getting old. Great to actually see someone face to face (from a distance).

    Being silly is where it’s at. Keeps us sane,

    Sat hi to Fred for me.

    When will I see you? Mostly we will open up before NYC.

    Reply
  9. Wendy

    We’ve had a gorgeous weekend. It was a little cool but sure beats the heat and humidity. I just loved your photo collage with the other bloggers. Glad you’re feeing better. I hope that ITB behaves itself.

    Reply
  10. Jessie

    How wonderful you were able to see your mom. That’s great!

    Are masks required for running in NYC or strongly encouraged? We are able to run without, just encouraged to wear them if you’re around other people.

    Reply
    1. cari Post author

      They’re not required, but they’re required if you can’t social distance. Running in CP is a crap shoot in that respect, and if I run by the river it’s impossible as the path isn’t six feet wide in some sections.
      I’ll sometimes take it off, as I did when I was sitting in the park reading today. I could totally have taken it off for the silly photos, but didn’t want to hold on to it in the photo or put it on the ground.

      I have to have it with me as they’re required to go into stores and I usually do some erranding on the way home from running. So easier to wear it than carry it. I think if I were running any real distance I’d have it tucked in somewhere as I can’t imagine running your mileage in summer heat with a mask.

      Reply
  11. Michelle D.

    Those virtual race photos are so fun!

    Great to hear that your ITB was behaving – hopefully, this trend continues!

    I’m really glad you got to see your Mom and Bob in person.

    Reply
  12. Kimberly Hatting

    Yay for in-person meet-ups! A local friend had another friend and myself over for a post-workday cocktail Wednesday, and we had a couple over for a bonfire Friday night. We all stayed outside (at both places) and kept our distance, but it was nice to NOT be ZOOM’ing. It was fun running with you yesterday 😉

    Reply
  13. Lisa @ Mile by Mile

    It’s really weird to not have anything to look forward to this summer. Or really anything planned in the future as of right now! Usually we have several trips planned each year but we have put everything on hold. I’m so glad it seems like you’ve turned a corner with your IT band!

    Reply
  14. Lisa @ TechChick Adventures

    My parents came over yesterday to have dinner with us. We hugged. It was wonderful. I’m glad you got to see your family and friends. It makes a huge difference! Fingers crossed for the IT band to behave!

    Reply
  15. Jenn

    I’m just so tired of everything, so I’m glad you had such a great week, all things considered. I’m also glad you had such gorgeous weather. We had a few pretty days, and then awful storms, followed by heat and humidity. Today starts our hurricane season, and it’s supposed to be an active one. Because why not?

    Reply
  16. Zenaida Arroyo

    Haha, summer? When is that? So much going on right now and I tell myself to stop watching the news so much. I mean I want to be informed but sometimes it is just too much. I am glad you got to see your mom.

    Reply
  17. Debbie @ Deb Runs

    How wonderful that you got to see your mom and Bob! I’m hoping to go see my mom in July. I’m also hoping to hang out with a friend or two now that it’s gotten nice out. We can hang out on our deck with plenty of room between us like we’ve been doing with our kids.

    Hope you’re having a great week!

    Reply
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