I’m not the fastest runner, but somehow I was able to outrun the Covid-19 virus for more than four years.
That all changed last week when I crashed down hard on a sleepless night with seemingly uncontrollable sweats and shivers. Next came the sore throat and fever, and soon after that I noticed my “gas tank” was cut in half, if not into a third: Just loading the dish washer or wiping down a counter was leaving me winded.
The at-home test confirmed what I had already suspected: I had Covid.
Following the pattern of hydration, rest, and isolation, I was thankfully able to quickly fight off the worst of my symptoms.
That’s not to say the process — specifically the exercise limitations — was easy. I steered clear of running to give my body a better fighting chance against the virus. That was a tough decision to make, because I always want to be on my feet and taking steps to get better, but now that I’m mostly on the other side of this virus I believe I did the right thing.
Based on my understanding from other runners who have gone through Covid, the next step in the process will be rebuilding my strength. I’d love to say running is my priority, but for now my goal will simply be to maintain a brisk walk without getting gassed. I’ve got a lot of work to do, but after spending days cramped up in my home, I’m delighted to finally have a chance to get back out and restart the training process.
Am I frustrated? Sure. But I’ll take a setback over the alternative. I think by this point almost all of us know someone who has lost their life to this virus. It puts a lot of things into perspective and makes me thankful for the gifts that I still have.
I’m eager to see you all on the running paths again, once I have the stamina!
1 STEP BACK, 3 STEPS FORWARD
Adam Harriger, a former track and field standout for Chambersburg and Elizabethtown College, still has plenty of pop in his legs.
Harriger, 29 and now residing in Akron, returned to Chambersburg last weekend to showcase his talents at the Run Your Ice Off 5K. Harriger clocked a time of 16:24 to crush the field of 327 runners by more than 30 seconds.
Julian Clark, a sophomore at CASHS, ran to a third-place finish in 17:32 and he was joined in the Top 10 by Chambersburg’s Boston Vincenti (5th in 18:33) and Michael Day (8th in 19:06). Amanda Balzer, of Chambersburg, finished as second female in 20:01.
The field featured many other fast times, including speedy efforts from Greencastle’s Matthew Smith (19:48), Waynesboro’s James Smith (20:02) and Ryan Kelley (21:16), and Chambersburg’s James Kinton (20:07) and Bill Dann (20:14).
And now, a look ahead:
Groundhog “Almost” Half Marathon: Sunday, 9 a.m., in Gettysburg. This 12.87-mile fun run starts at the Gettysburg YWCA and ends at the famous Ott House in Emmittsburg, Md. Look for the event on runsignup.com.
Cupid’s Chase 5K: Saturday, Feb. 10, 10 a.m., in Harrisburg. City Island will serve as the backdrop for this race, which benefits individuals with disabilities. Check out the race on events.elitefeats.com.
Indian Rock 10K: Saturday, Feb. 10, 9 a.m., in York. The York Road Runners Club Winter Series resumes with this race. Learn more on yorkroadrunners.com.
Also: Frozen Snot 13.5 Miler (Saturday, in McElhattan); Groundhog Jog 4 Miler (Saturday, in Punxsutawney); Pirate 5K/10K (Saturday, in New Cumberland); Training Grounds Trail Run 5K/10K (Saturday, in Denver); Cupid’s Chase 5K (Saturday, Feb. 10, in York); Ninja 5K/10K/Half (Saturday, Feb. 10, in York); For the Love of Max 5K (Sunday, Feb. 11, in Annville); Shiver by the River 5K/10K (Sunday, Feb. 11, in Reading); Tri to Help Indoor Triathlon (Sunday, Feb. 11, in Lancaster).
