Quarantine Day 75. Normally I would run at least one day of the weekend. Actually, normally I’d run both. Even through this quarantine, I’ve been running, albeit not as consistently or purposefully as I would, if it were “normal times.”
But because of last weekend’s back-to-back 50-milers, I decided that I needed to take a complete rest week this week. That meant that I wouldn’t be running today.
I talk about all this because in many ways, running is an escape for me. In some run descriptions, I literally call running my “mental therapy.” Days when I don’t run seem emptier, and dryer. In my ATB100 run report, I ended the post by saying that my ideal day would essentially involve as much running as possible.
In a way, I love this. But in another way, I sometimes feel dependent. Runners (and many other athletes, especially endurance ones) often refer to their sport as a “drug.” It’s addicting. And sometimes, I feel that I justify procrastinating on things I’d rather not do by instead going on a run, because running is always productive (right?).
Enough ramble. Basically what I did all day today was continue cleaning my apartment — something I’ve needed/wanted to do, but have always pushed off on doing. Not basic vacuuming, kitchen/bathroom cleaning, etc. Actual cleaning by going through and throwing away useless stuff.
As I’m writing these notes now, I’ve been able to scan in hundreds of pages of old documents that I hoarded, and thrown away the physical copies. I’m still keeping some gems; I have an album for this purpose. Today’s gems include a high school report card, a letter from my sister from years ago, and my first deposit slip from first bank account.
I’ll have more to go through this week. I feel like I hardly make a dent in my stuff each time. But I think of it like body weight: I just need to make sure I throw away more useless fat and bloat while minimizing the stuff I buy and bring in (and at least make sure that I regularly use and get value out of anything new I get).
Losing weight is hard. As I write these notes, I’m tired.
I wish I could go for a run. Today: 5/10.
Text of the Day
All Alameda County residents are advised to stay home due to the civil unrest reported throughout Alameda County and the greater East Bay Area. Unless personal travel is necessary, we are recommending residents stay home due to the high number of police actions. Currently there are multiple reports of large, mobile groups of rioters and looters traveling throughout the East Bay Area. Travel on highways and freeways may be difficult or restricted as multiple road and freeway exit closures are expected.
For more info https://evbg.co/8sxwj .
