Well.

I don’t know what more to say at this point that doesn’t sound cliche or like a platitude.

While COVID-19 pandemic news and measures have been wreaking havoc on our routines and culture, here’s a list of things that have happened over the last few days:

1. I reached my fundraising goal this past week for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Several people donated some “Feel better soon, Winty!” donations that brought me to $2,141 raised this year ahead of America’s Most Beautiful Bike Ride in June. I’m honored that my community, through me, has donated $10,001 all time for this cause since 2017. I’m very grateful for all who’ve supported this ride!
2. My back started feeling much better late last week. I haven’t ridden my bike in three weeks at this point, and it’s now just feeling like a minor discomfort rather than debilitating pain. I’m going to get back on my trainer tonight and start training again. Fingers crossed it goes well and I can resume training on an ongoing basis.
3. Like many things around us, Team-in-Training has now suspended all official in-person training events. As coaches, we’re not permitted to gather with participants even in an unofficial basis as a precaution against COVID-19 transmission. This seems extreme but at the same time, the concern is easy to understand, particularly from a cancer organization. They’re now trying to provide virtual support to help us help keep participants engaged and training. Social distancing has become the hottest new thing since, I don’t know, heat.
4. We don’t know whether AMBBR will be cancelled yet. The organizers and TNT have said that, for now, it’s still on.

This has been a huge shift in just a few days that could last a while. The future remains unclear and there’s a lot of anxiety and stress on TV and social media. It’s hard not to internalize it. We’re isolating at home, but I’m finding positivity in creative endeavors (I baked brownies this weekend and am going to work on other hobbies).

I’m going to do my best to take care of myself and (especially for) the others around me. It seems timely that my back is now getting better; during these days, it’s even more important to finally be able to ride my bike.