Early 2020, I went back to work. No sooner did I start to work, COVID became rampant and we all hunkered down and worked remote. It was lonely with lots of anxiety as the world became small. I worked to try and do ‘something new’ each day even if it was something little. The news was full of negativity with a narcissistic president rampantly spreading disharmony instead of working to pull a country together in time of need.
Most races were cancelled. People were staying home and not going anywhere. I did the same, except fortunately I live next to Tiger Mountain and I would go up on Tiger Mountain and hike (a lot!). That was about all I did. Once we went to a restaurant in January and ate outside which was so cold. Our Christmas was in freezing weather all outside with outdoor heaters, blankets, and hot apple cider. Once the weather got warm, I went to Lake Samammish State Park and swam back and forth next to the buoys. I was going to do RAMROD, and the ride event was cancelled. Instead Redmond Cycling Club published a list of sole pandemic rides to do.
Like other pandemics, I knew we would get through these difficult times, but when?
By 2021, the race directors were starting to offer races with social distancing and mask rules.
Once I was fully vaccinated in 2021, I quit my day job to volunteer at the super sites to vaccinate. Also by quiting my job, I had more time to swim, bike, and run.
After being away from a pool for a year, I went back to the pool to swim during off peak hours. I ran/walked at the indoor track in off peak hours. I increased my outdoor social circle to bike, swim, and run and entered the Gigantic Bicycle, Central Cascade 500, and Half Ironman WA events. As the borders were closed between Canada and Washington, those who signed up for Half Ironman WA and lived in Canada were not able to come. The Canadians deferred to 2022.
In 2021 with so much uncertainty, I kept my social circle to outdoors and did not do much indoors with friends, except for close family. While many younger friends were flying on planes and socializing like pre-pandemic, I was one of the more conservative senior gals. This worked out ok since most of my friends like to be outdoors.