2020 Recap

As we continue to see COVID-19 cases soar and the number of hospitalizations continue to rise, I continue to feel anxious, sad, mad, and at the same time thankful. I am anxious about all the potential for sickness and death. I am sad to see so many people suffer from the direct effects of the disease to the indirect effects the disease has had on people's livelihoods and their ability to provide for themselves and their families. I am angry that our country has not done a better job at containing the spread of the virus. And I am disgusted with the injustice people of color continue to endure at the hands of the white authority. I don't really feel like i have done much to try to counter this injustice but I have to mention it because I feel strongly about it and mentioning it is the absolute least I can do. 

The United States put a man on the moon over 5 decades ago. We have robots that can dance and AI assistants that can make dinner reservations for us. We can replace parts of the human body with artificial parts and have mastered a myriad of other medical technological innovations. And the list of amazing accomplishments goes on an on. However, when it comes to containing COVID-19, we have not done such a great job. Sure, it is not easy. I know that. But it seems like as a society full of super rich and super smart people, we could have done better. That is just how I feel about it.

And now onto the last emotion. Gratitude. I am thankful for so many things. I will list some of them here:

1. I am able to work from home 100 percent of the time. In fact, my productivity has gone up since moving to a WFH schedule.
2. My wife and I have both been very busy at work which helps keep our minds focused on positive things. 
3. I lost 10 pounds since the first lockdown in March.
4. I have gotten leaner as I have added weight lifting into my training regiment. 
5. I have added more Yoga, Pilates, and other types of training to supplement my running and biking (no swimming right now).
6. I get more sleep since I don't have to commute to and from work.
7. I walk more which seems to have many benefits. 
8. I have saved money on eating out as I eat at home the majority of the time. 
9. I drink more water than I ever have in my life I think. 
10. I took the first college class I have taken since the early 90s and found it challenging but also really fun. I am looking forward to next semester for the next class.
11. I completed all 34 Ironman Virtual Racing Club events and got recognized as an IMVR legend. HA! 
12. I am on my way to completing a 21 day IMVR Club challenge where the grand prize for doing all the events is a free entry into a 2021 IM event. Fingers crossed. 
13. My wife and I have started playing cards and other games while listening to our favorite tunes as an alternative to simply watching TV. This seems like a healthy way to spend more quality time together although we are still enjoying many quality shows (currently watching The Queens Gambit). 
14. My family has stayed healthy during this trying time.
15. At work, I have had time for leadership courses and other technical training which is helping me become a better manager and a better technician. 

As I close out the year, I am hopeful that there will be more vaccines available leading to the eradication of this virus so we can all go back to doing some of the things we love doing. In 2021, I am hoping to toe the line at least some of the races that were deferred from 2020. I am hoping to learn new things and add even more variety into my training with the hopes of becoming fitter and more well rounded physically and mentally. 

Thankfully my 2020 experience has been mostly positive in comparison to so many people in the world who are suffering and I feel quite privileged to be in this position. Who knows what 2021 will bring but I hope we start to move in the right direction. 

I may write another recap with some of my 2020 Strava Stats just for fun but until then, Happy New Year everyone. Peace and love to you all.