Judmints Run

COVID-19, “ The Rona Era”

Today I ran with a heavy heart. Last night Ruth Bader Ginsburg passed away. It was a shock to the system. I was out last night, social distancing celebrating a friend completing the Boston Marathon when we got the news. Talk about a party kill joy. Everyone was upset and in disbelief. I know I probably drank more than I should have after that, but I wasn’t driving.

This morning was perfect for a run. 62 degrees, cool, beautiful blue sky, and hardly any clouds. As I started to run, the flood gates of emotions came out. I’m already exhausted for the chronic battles of racism, economic downtown, staying safe and healthy, learning to teach online, making sure everyone around is alright, the nonstop zoom meeting, and the news of environmental, social, and political disgust and injustice. Then the news of RBG.

I would have to stop while running, catch my breathe to get myself together before continuing running. I knew I wasn’t running my best but that was not important. I needed to emote, clear my mind, breathe , and be.

I stopped a couple more times while running. I did get a kick out of seeing my stalker geese on the water. And before I started running I popped a couple of judmints in my mouth- that made me happy too.

As I ran past the walkers, bikers, construction workers, I wondered if any of them felt the way I did. The morning seemed so “ normal.”

Clearly more running is going to be needed in the next 47 days to recharge and get strength to move forward. Today I will felt my grief, worry, and sadness in 5.42 miles-58:24 10:46/pace.