New Year, Same Challenges

One of the hardest things to learn, in running and in life, is patience – and running has a way of teaching us patience whether we want to learn or not. In 2020, many of us had to learn to enjoy running solo for the first time and to continue our training even with few opportunities to test it. Except for a few weeks in the summer, I spent much of 2020 injured and unable to run – surely the biggest test of patience for any longtime runner. I did get a lot of pleasure from long bike rides and walks that took me to parts of my city I’d never explored, and while I didn’t think of these as cross-training at first, I intend to keep the habit. I also recently signed up for a couple of distance challenges ( because I can walk them if necessary). They’re my first virtual events, and I’m amazed at how energizing it is just to sign up and start recording my progress.

I’m fortunate to be immersed in the world of running every day. It’s a privilege to help shape the stories that inform and inspire Canadian runners, and my hope is that poring over your copy of Canadian Running is a kind of reward for your patience during these trying times. As we start 2021, let’s agree to be optimistic that this year will be better. And while we all patiently adapt, let’s encourage each other to expand our running repertoire to include things we might not have tried before (cross-training and virtual races being just two examples, p.36). Try a bodyweight workout at home (no equipment required, p.16). Layer up with some new winter gear (p. 48) and check out the best recovery tools (p.58). Make a delicious and nutritious soup (p.12) and enjoy a hot soak while reading about the people we think made the biggest contributions to Canadian running in 2020 (p.30).

Happy New Year, and may running bring you joy and good health in 2021.