Life in 2020 (Running, Peloton, COVID, WFH)
It’s been a long, long time since I’ve blogged. Ever since Instagram came along, blogging has become less and less relevant. Blogs in general seemed to become less personal and authentic in their content. Bloggers became brands and blog posts were just a way to sell something. Slowly, I became uninterested and walked away.
But lately I’ve been wanting to come back. I’ve felt the urge to write like I used to, in diary form. Just share my day to day happenings, thoughts and feelings. I won’t be sharing links on social channels to get more blog views. Instead, I’ll keep it a little secret. If anyone pops on over here like the old days, that’s cool. You found my diary. If not, then it’s just for me. Just like it was in the beginning.
Rather than recapping my entire life this past year, I’ll just cut to the chase. 2020.
Johnna and I moved in together in mid-January and it’s been amazing. We found the perfect little two-story townhome to rent a block from the ocean. I’ve never been happier and never loved my geographic location more. We can walk to coffee shops, restaurants, yoga studios, wine bars and breweries . Well, we did before COVID at least.
Being quarantined with someone you love deeply, who still hasn’t proven to have annoying habits has been pretty ideal. I feel very fortunate. I don’t think we even had a chance to get annoyed with each other because about 3 weeks into quarantine, Johnna got a dogsitting gig at a mansion about 25 minutes from here. It was a no brainer considering she’d lost her primary job and it was a source of income. So she’s been off doing that and I join her a lot of the time. But during the week, I prefer to be home, cozied up on my own couch, running along the ocean and playing with my new favorite toy, the Peloton. I get “me” time, enjoy my personal space and we see each other when we feel like it. (She returns tonight, so I’ll update on any annoying tendencies in a few weeks.)
life at the mansion
I swear the Peloton has been like a therapist through this. It took a month to arrive but it was so worth the wait. I never understood the obsession until I got one. It gives me the same unexplainable high as running and it feels equally as cathartic. The instructors are incredibly motivating, super positive, raw and just REAL – Robin makes me full on cry sometimes. I am in love.
Running has also been a constant. When I’m anxious, I need to move. I need to get that energy OUT. Move it, shake it and release it. Thank god for running because I just lace up, head out and leave it all on the road (or at times, the treadmill). I’ve been running 4-5 days a week through all of this. Even though there will be NO races in the foreseeable future, I am doing run workouts that are making me stronger and faster. There is absolutely no reason to do so, which makes it even more enjoyable. It’s like making art in the sand. It will disappear as soon as the waves come in, but you’re making art for the sake of making art. I’m running just to run and getting faster and stronger just because. I won’t get to show off my fitness in a race or with a medal – it’s all for me and there is something really special about that.
I’ve fallen back in love with running by myself, rather than with friends. I use running like I used to – as a time to process my thoughts and release, like I mentioned earlier. Running with friends is lovely and motivating; it’s a beautiful way to connect with others. But running solo is the best way to connect with yourself and I had no idea how much I missed that.
allbirds new runners
Through this crazy time I’ve read a LOT of books, run a lot of miles, drank probably a few too many glasses of wine, but overall it’s been going ok. Some days I lose it, but most days I feel grateful for everything I have.
Beaches are slowly opening back up and I am able to dip my toes in the water again. That feels like freedom. Living near the ocean is one of the greatest gifts I’ve ever experienced. I have become fully dependent on this close proximity to the Pacific. I can’t even fully explain why it’s so special, but it is. And I never take it for granted. Hence choosing home over staying in a mansion with Johnna.
I’ve been working from home this entire time which is something I’ve always wanted. No commute less time wasted on hair and make-up = way more free time and happier Kate. It’s incredible. I never want to go back to my old way of life. But I despise the insane amount of video calls. They’re sucking my soul dry. And the sound of my chat box dinging practically sends me into a spiral at this point. Constant communication may be the death of me. But I’m very grateful to be employed and for the opportunity to work remotely. I just hope in the future we can chill on the meetings and let each other actually work.
Like everyone, we’ve had to cancel all of our travel. We were supposed to be in Mexico earlier this month for my birthday, so Johnna brought Mexico to me instead (photo above). We were also supposed to be in France, Italy and Switzerland next month running the entire Trail du Mont Blanc. That one stung a little. Travel can wait and we’ll get there eventually. For the time being, we’re getting by with little road trips and lots of time outdoors.
Johnna, Benny (our pup), and I are headed to Mount Laguna tomorrow for some camping. We have a secret spot where *fingers crossed* we won’t see another soul. I plan to unplug, disconnect from wifi and reconnect with Johnna since she’s officially done with her mansion gig. It feels like she’s been gone forever and is finally moving back in. (It’s been 6 weeks). We’re going to have re-acclimate to living together and seeing each other all day, every day. I can’t wait. I’ve missed her and Ben in our home big time.
That felt good! I want to remember these crazy times and what I was doing and thinking and feeling. Hopefully I can keep it up and I’ll be back in a few days. If you did find your way back here, leave me a comment below. So curious to know if anyone will see this.
Stay healthy, stay safe and try to stay sane. Sending love to anyone who happens upon this.
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