Encouragement To Keep Running This Grueling Race

Here in Oregon, we've been officially ordered by the Governor to shelter in place since March 23rd, but schools were closed as of March 16 making this the end of the 5th week at home and 7th week with kids at home. It's becoming a grueling task that feels a lot like the middle of a long race. We've passed the novelty stage of the first couple weeks, made the necessary adjustments to our lives to create a "new normal," and now we're living in that reality with no end clearly in sight. Our legs are tired, we're mentally fatigued, but the finish line is still several miles out.

It's hard to wake up every day to the same thing, knowing today will be just like yesterday and probably tomorrow. The routines are getting stale.

It's hard to balance working from home with managing the kids' online school schedules, screen time, physical and emotional needs. All of this, without being able to have friends over or go somewhere to expend energy.

It's hard not to be able to see friends, go on trips, visit coffee shops for a change of scenery, and spend time with loved ones. The loneliness and isolation are definitely kicked in by now.

We've come to the phase in therapy where the practical advice has already been used and now the best thing we can offer as consolation is the fact that we're all tired of this and ready for it to end as well. We're over it.

Tired of This Transition

For many people, this has been the time to give up. Forget those workout routines. Eat whatever. Stay in bed. Watch another season.

I can totally understand the temptation to do this. When you've been holding on for so long, your grip gives out and you just want to stop fighting it. When you've been sacrificing to get through this but it doesn't feel like it makes a difference because it just keeps dragging on, you just want some comfort. Real, guilty pleasure kind of comfort.

I think we're all ready for a change. We all want something different and some semblance of "normal life" to return - even if it's just a hair cut or massage. Something that makes us feel better, more like ourselves (we haven't seen that person for nearly two months!).

The hardest part of the race

As a runner who has completed 8 half marathons (that's 13.1 miles each time), I'm very familiar with this feeling. For me, it comes on around mile 9 and lasts until mile 12, which can be about a 3-4 mile stretch. It can be so grueling to hit that part of the race where you've already run a long way but still have so far to go and you're tired. Your music doesn't help anymore. You don't want energy from the hydration stations. You just want to see that last mile and be done.

I prefer to run alone. I like setting my own pace (I get too competitive when running with someone else), listening to whatever I want (I prefer not to talk), and deciding on my own route so I knew where I'm going.

When I get to mile 9, however, I've found myself becoming a much more social runner. I'll often find someone running at my pace and stay close to them. When someone passes me or if I pass someone, I often encourage them by saying something like, "Keep it up! You're doing a great job!" or "You're really keeping me going!" Many times other runners will do the same. It feels so good to know we're all tired and ready for it to be over, but also thankful to have each other out there to run with and be inspired by.

That's where it feels like we're at with this coronavirus economic shutdown.

Keep running the race

I just want to come alongside you and encourage you to not give up, keep going even though it's hard, push through the pain, and find some small thing to focus on and appreciate until that last mile. It's hard now but it will end soon and we'll be sitting together inside enjoying the hot soup and oranges, proud of ourselves for surviving.

I don't have any advice or tips to help you. I just want to offer to share my struggle with you, join hands, and finish running together. You can keep me going when I want to quit and I can keep you going when you want to quit. Between all of us, none of us will quit and we'll all make it to the finish line.

Start Counseling in Tigard, Oregon Today

Our team of skilled therapists specializes in treatment for anxiety and depression. We understand how difficult it can be to keep going and stay positive despite the circumstances. Contact us today to talk about how we can help you start feeling more productive and confident, or to schedule an appointment with one of our counselors. We offer both face-to-face (in-person) counseling sessions and online video counseling to residents in the state of Oregon.

More Mental Health Services at Discover Counseling in Tigard, OR

Not only can we help with your anxiety and depression, but we can also help navigate these difficult life transitions. Especially, the grief and loss we are all feeling right now! We know that this is an especially difficult time for engaged couples, couples on the brink of separation or divorce, pregnant, postpartum and parenting. Basically, everyone is facing some type of stressor right now. Please let our therapists help you navigate this difficult time.