Living overseas has been a real wonder, and I have loved nearly every aspect of it: the diverse cultures, the traditions, the gorgeous landscapes, the history, and don’t get me started on the amazing food!
The country acted quickly with shutting down most things before COVID-19 had a chance to majorly impact Germany. While businesses are slowly (and I mean slowly) opening back up with new rules and regulations, I can’t help but wonder what our remaining time here will be like?
I had an opportunity to catch up with Sergeant First Class Heather Boyd and ask a few questions. Boyd is an inspiration, and I had the privilege to work alongside her at the Army Ten-Miler. There is a degree of “grit,” and if you’ve read a few of my other columns, then you know what I’m referring to.
Boyd has faced obstacles and managed to persevere. There are a number of roles that play a prominent part of her life.
Who would want to jump out of an airplane before it lands? After all, there are steps you can walk down. But it happens to be the same person who tackles the JFK 50-Mile Run with a portion along the Appalachian Trail.
America has always been shaped by our resilience. We’ve endured multiple wars: one that gave us our freedom, one that threatened to tear us apart, and two that involved attacks on US soil.
We’ve faced economic depression, fought against civil injustices, and worked for a better tomorrow. Even now, as we face an unprecedented pandemic that has turned our lives upside down, we are working together and taking care of each other.
We are going through interesting times now. Many of us are adjusting our lifestyles in ways that we have never had to before. This is the time to look after one another.
I have asked some athletes about the impact of COVID-19 and changes to their lives. All forms of athletic activity are undergoing changes and restrictions.
The new balance includes furloughs, working from home, daycare, and homeschooling. And somewhere on the list is fitness.
Here are some comments about changes from coaches and athletes themselves.
Join Anika Matheidas as she shares her journey of dealing with TRICARE when diagnosed with a blood clot and how she had to advocate for her life (literally!).
The first step is always difficult. You have to understand that there is a goal to be achieved. The fear of the unknown can make you hesitate and question your ability to succeed.
Psychology Today defines fear as, “an emotional response induced by a perceived threat that causes a change in brain and organ function, as well as in behavior. Fear can lead us to hide, to run away, or to freeze in our shoes. Fear may arise from a confrontation or from avoiding a threat, or it may come in the form of a discovery.”
Fitness, for some, is automatic, almost natural, and little thought is required. To others, fitness requires a well thought out plan. The plan can include having a partner on the journey to offer moral support.
“Mom, if a hawk came swooping down and tried to grab me, would you be able to save me?” a little boy, about 6, asked his mother.
“Oh, I would take a stick and whack him,” she said.
“But, what if an eagle came. He is much bigger and probably stronger than you. What would you do?” he persisted. It was a warm spring day and I was 10 feet behind them.
“Honey, I would throw a rock and beat him off with my fists,” mom continued.
“So, if a bear jumped out right now, I would be dead, wouldn’t I?” he said, with increasing anxiety.
“I can only say I would do everything I could to protect you,” she said.
The world is terribly scary to a little one, especially with the scourge of the COVID-19.
Time for some tough talk! The year has started, but have you? Maybe you made some resolutions but never put them to paper let alone execution. It’s time to be real with yourself and ask the question, do you care about health and fitness? If you don’t, you can stop here. If you do, continue to read.
An overriding obstacle for many people is not having the confidence in themselves to succeed. You don’t need to be judged by anyone, and you don’t need their approval. Your choice for your fitness program is personal and what makes you feel good and happy.
Years ago, I went to an aerobics class and lasted one session because I felt so embarrassed that I couldn’t keep up. When everyone was up, I was down, and I couldn’t didn’t catch on. So, I did what many of us do and returned to my comfort zone.
Most people around the world are being exposed to information overload on the COVID-19, also known as the Novel Coronavirus. Over the course of four days, my adopted home of northern Italy (where we are currently stationed) has gone from simply hearing about the virus (like everyone else) to being front and center of a news onslaught. Italy now has the third highest rate of outbreaks in the world and an astonishing 200 confirmed cases in those four days. This has everyone in the Veneto and the surrounding regions trying to make sense of what is happening and where to go from here.
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