The Pandemic Marathon…and more

December 2020 Newsletter

I clipped an article from the Cincinnati Enquirer in May, 2019. It featured a local man, Harvey Lewis, who was about to run his 21^st consecutive Flying Pig Marathon, an annual springtime event in our city. The article said it marked his 81^st marathon overall, and noted that he has run in events all over the world. The local journalist, Andrea Reeves, asked him to share tips with less experienced runners, and then noted six.

It occurs to me that we are all in a marathon at the moment, trying to get to the finish line of the pandemic. At times, this seems as daunting as literally running a 26.2-mile race. Harvey Lewis’ advice, therefore, will be helpful to all.

Below you will find the headline the journalist gave each tip, a few words on the topic from Harvey Lewis himself, and then an image I created to go with the tip.

Headline 1: Calm down. Have Fun.

Harvey Lewis says, “The number one thing would be just focus on having fun.” He reminds us not to get hung up on hitting a certain time, but instead to realize it’s a true accomplishment to finish the race.

Headline 2: Join a pace group.

Harvey Lewis says, “It really helps to use the pace groups as a buoy to guide them on their pathway.”

Headline 3: Water, Gatorade, repeat.

Harvey Lewis says, “Hydrating is so crucial.”

Headline 4: Think about your “why”

Harvey Lewis says, “Marathoners hit a metaphoric wall. What is it that is your driving force that is going to push you when you don’t feel like going further?

Headline 5: Don’t worry, be happy

Harvey Lewis says, “It’s so critical…[to keep] your mindset positive throughout the race and [to be] thankful for whatever you achieve.

Headline 6: Take in the moments

Harvey Lewis says, “In the midst of all this action, take a moment to savor the beautiful sunrise, the people you’re going to interact with, the great food at the finish line.”

I like comparing the pandemic to a marathon. Both are difficult journeys that require concentrated effort for a limited amount of time, and both come with a happy ending: the Finish Line.

 ***** 

Yearend reflection:

I am grateful for many things this year. In spite of the fact that life came to a halt with the Stay-At-Home orders of mid-March, I am amazed to realize that my website has not remained static, and indeed has changed a lot.

• Most notably, I have added a Book Review Section to the site. It boasts almost four dozen reviews and features authors from Paul Auster to Gabrielle Zevin.
• I have added Google Translate to the website and any blog is now available in any language!
• My Etsy shop has new items too. I have gone from selling two patterns to selling six – the newest one just premiered the first of December.
• And most important, I have a lot of loyal subscribers – and new subscribers – who visit the website regularly. 

Thank you!

I hope you have enjoyed reading this newly formatted Quarterly Newsletter. If so…

Please tell your friends about me and ask them to join my mailing list.

Best Regards, Lorie