Talk About a One Two Punch!

I was surprised when I noticed this morning that it had been two weeks since I wrote the title of this post and I have written nothing since. I’ve picked up my phone two or three times with the intention of doing this post and each time put it down after just trying to organize my thoughts. We’ll see how it goes this time. 

So what is this 1-2 punch I’m talking about? The first is one that affects everyone worldwide as we find ourselves in the midst of a global pandemic with a new deadly disease. Covid19 Coronavirus. As I write this on May 26th we will be going over 100,000 deaths in the United States. A mind boggling number that just increased my anger and frustration every time I hear or see some fool complaining about having to wear a mask infringing on their “rights”. While this pandemic has brought out a lot of good in people it has really shown how there are so many self centered, self absorbed, egotistical, selfish, oblivious, assholes there are in this world. And of course that starts with our President whom I believe history will show is the worst President in our countries history. The fact that people still support him does little to instill confidence in the American people to get it right in the future. 

And then some people just get it!

I’m Blessed that I have a place to live, not many expenses and a steady income. It’s hard to watch the financial toll this is taking on others. A difficult part of this entire experience has been the quarantine or social distancing that has gone on for over two months now. While some restrictions are loosening I’m still having to pretty much stay isolated because I’m in a high risk group twofold. First because of my age and second because of an underlying health issue. And that is where the second punch comes in. 

On May 4th I finally received a diagnosis for the cause of my anemia that has caused me to be so tired most of the time. I have what is called Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria or PNH!

After receiving the phone call from my oncologist/hematologist I decided to do the virtual 5K I had signed up for.  It was Fit You Seek - Run You Must. It was a tough one because I was feeling extra tired and even though it was a relief to get a diagnosis it was pretty draining especially after I started looking information up online. The kids also did a Baby Yoda race (virtual) in Missouri. 

The first Saturday in May our “Reunion Run Group” did another Virtual Neilson Challenge. These virtual events are certainly not a replacement for or substitute for actual events but they are still a way for us to at least participate “together” and continue building shared running memories. 

I’m still planning travel and events in the future obviously the pandemic and my own health future will have a lot to say about what will or won’t actually happen. I just have to keep looking ahead to better times. 

My third virtual event for May was sponsored by Eclectic Edge Racing and again donated to various charities here in Eugene. It was the Sloth Trot 5K. I actually did both June races twice because I went with Brandy to do hers. I just didn’t time those. 

My constant companion throughout this quarantine has continued to be Charlie who got a summer haircut this month. 

What’s next?