Where Amy Runs

With the outdoors as our refuge during COVID, the arrival of fall and the chill in the air that accompanies it brought an anxious, unsettled energy. Plus, we had an incredibly divisive presidential election coming up. I entered this race with trepidation...wanting to be present, yet a little scared, but mostly wanting to live and take advantage of this opportunity...because who knew what tomorrow would bring? I warmed up in a mask, then took it off just as I was about to start (our start times were staggered and runners naturally spread out as the race progresses).  I played "tag" with some folks over the course of the first 8 miles as we settled into our respective rhythms. But after those first 8 miles, I found myself completely alone for the remainder of the race. I used to thrive on crowds and competition, but at this moment I was quite alright running solo. COVID had trained me in embracing solitude!  The last half marathon I ran ( the SoNo Half ), was my fastest time ev...