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My COVID-19 Furlough

My COVID-19 Furlough


I found myself on a forced vacation at the same time my kids were on spring break this past week. To be fair, I had planned on taking this week off, however, the original plans were much different. Let's talk pre-covid.

I've never been to Zion National Park in Utah. Neither had my wife or kids. Last October, when my friend suggested we run a 50K taking place in mid-April, I was all about it. My kids were on spring break, so we could make a family trip out of it. My wife supported my running and was a coach of sorts in preparation. We were all looking forward to the trip, getting some fresh air in Zion, and connecting with friends and family.

I had run one 50K a few years ago and bombed after 21 miles. This time I had the foresight to know I didn't want to have to walk the last 10 miles. My goal this around: don't bomb. My commute is about 16 miles if I run, and I thought this was perfect training. My general schedule was run home from work at least once per week, and then one smaller run for good measure. I was really in the swing of things in December, and was running to or from work three times per week. The friend that invited me is also training, and we motivate each other through our Strava runs and phone calls.

Now it is March. I feel good about the race; I know I'm not going to bomb. I also know if I put in some more effort in the next month and a half, things may go really well. However, we all know where this is heading. Coronavirus. Cancellations. No family vacation, no reunion, no Zion.

My company plans a furlough the same week we had planned to go to Zion in mid-April. So, my family and I had a forced family vacation at home. It wasn't the awesome, inspiring, thought provoking, reunion of friends and family we thought it would be. But it was restful, peaceful and wonderful.

We had great weather and the beaches were not closed. Bike rides, walks and playing in the backyard among the warmth of the sun were the norm. I was soaking up time with my family like I wish I could when life moves faster. I can't say I am upset at all about my forced family vacation. During this week and since the stay-at-home orders in general, there has more time to connect. I am amazed how much I miss when I'm spending time commuting and working away from home.

This time has reminded me how quickly things can change and how we can change. My goals are not the same anymore; I have seen life with different spectacles and been shown what is really important.

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