A Day in the Life: Angela Vinton
This is the first of our “A Day in the Life” series, featuring RCTC members and how their personal and professional lives have been affected by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, in ways both big and small. Our hope is that by sharing each other’s stories, we can continue to connect as a running community and paint a picture of how everyone’s managing during this difficult time.
Our first story features Angela Vinton, marathoner and veterinarian residing in Hillsboro, Oregon.
How has the last month been for you?
Emotional. My husband is an airline pilot, which puts him at high risk of exposure due to constant travel in close quarters with people from all over. Then there’s also the question of whether the airlines will furlough their pilots. I hate the not knowing what will lie ahead and it changes every day.
What’s changed for you at your place of work?
We are only seeing sick and injured pets right now, and doing only “curbside appointments”, meaning the owner waits in their car while I examine the pet and then call them to discuss the case. My introverted self loves it! I wish we could keep it like this even after the pandemic!
What’s something others might not realize about the work you’re doing right now?
The equipment we use is, for the most part, the same equipment used in human hospitals. Because of this, we are no longer allowed to do any elective procedures or surgeries (to save PPE and supplies). Surgeries are the basis of my practice, and my passion, so not being able to do them has been tough.
What differences have you noticed in the ways that your communities are operating? (Whether that’s your place of work, neighborhood, clubs, inner friend circle...)
On our days off, Ryan and I always go to our local taphouse for a beer. With that closed, we’ve taken to daily virtual happy hours with a couple friends (and the owners of the taphouse).
Have you had to make any adjustments to your schedule or routine for yourself or other members of your family?
My schedule has mostly stayed the same. My husband, who is normally away from home 50% of the time, is now home 100% of the time, and I’ll be honest, we get on each other’s nerves a bit!
How has running/fitness fit into your life with everything that’s going on?
To try to reduce my exposure risk as much as possible, I am solely running on my treadmill right now. I find it a good time to catch up on all of the Netflix shows everyone’s talking about (Tiger King anyone?). My Barre3 classes are obviously cancelled, so I’ve been trying to do the workouts at home instead, but I’m not nearly as motivated.
