There’s Always Next Year

“… a butterfly flapping its wings in Brazil can produce a tornado in Texas.”
                                          Edward Norton Lorenz

Somewhere in China, a mutation in the RNA sequence of a coronavirus, likely originating in a bat, set off a chain of events that affected the entire world. RNA sequences in viruses are constantly mutating, except this mutation allowed the virus to bind easily with human cells. This random event in a microscopic infectious agent, coupled with a person coming into close contact with the bat, started the pandemic and is the reason I won’t be able to complete my goal of running the Victoria Marathon.

When I started my blog, I knew I may not complete all my goals for my sixtieth: the full Birkie, a triathlon, and a marathon. I just didn’t expect it would be because of a pandemic. I was able to complete the Birkenbeiner although it was replaced with a virtual race; however, my planned triathlon at Sylvan Lake was canceled, and now the Victoria Marathon has also been canceled. As a result, I’ve decided to just write off the entire year and try again next year. I plan to do all three events again, except I will ski only the half Birkenbiener, rather than the full. I am disappointed to have to try again next year, but compared to what others experienced during the pandemic, I have nothing to complain about. 

What I have found out this past year is that I’ve enjoyed writing my blog and want to continue, but with a different focus. As I have gotten older, I have come to understand the importance of remaining healthy, both physically and mentally, and it is my goal to remain as active as my body will allow me. Therefore I will continue to blog about my training, but I also want to include other activities that I am passionate about, like canoeing, hiking, and swimming. Aside from physical activities, I also want to write about interests of mine that help me remain active like traveling, camping, and volunteering.

Finally, to remain mentally active I want to write more stories. I have more stories I want to tell about my past before my memory fades, like spending my summers on my grandparent’s farm, and also some current stories I don’t want to forget, like what it’s like being a grandparent for the first time.

I wish I had a crystal ball and could see what next year brings. Who knows what new chain of events a butterfly’s flapping wings have set in motion. I hope you continue reading my blog and see what unfolds.