“I try to get into a rhythm and zone out as much as possible, especially during the middle part of the race, but also keep an eye on the pace to make sure I’m not getting too far off of my goal. It always helps so much to have a buddy during the race or at least another person to focus on and pace off of. “

“Best running experience: Going to the Dominican Republic a few years ago by myself. Had a poorly drawn napkin map in my pocket to guide my way as I brushed past large banana leaves, jumped over tarantulas (already dead), through a tropical jungle to be greeted by a lonely strip of beach. Ran on the beach for a while. Yelled affirmations at myself in a cave. Threw a big rock into the sea. Endorphins on endorphins.“

“The setting was perfect: no sun, cloudy, crisp cool weather, some mud, some fog, and refreshing light rain showers as the race progressed. It was an incredible 10 miles on the City Creek Trail system with beautiful scenery, switchbacks reaching the top and back down to the end of the finish line.”

“One of my favorite things about running is the chance to explore new places. I traveled to Italy in 2014 for about a month, and I went for a morning run around each new city almost everyday. It was such a wonderful way to see the country!“

“I love hiking in the rain, precisely measuring my coffee on a gram scale, reading by the fireplace, and traveling (most recently to Tokyo, Japan and Okinawa).“

“The first time I ever had a 20 mile long run, I was terrified, but my friend said it wasn't a big deal and that he'd do it with me. I don't know what happened but I got so locked in and felt better and better with each mile and was so stoked the whole time. I finished feeling amazing and turned around to see my friend way behind me puking in a bush. He ended up buying me breakfast for playing it too cool :) Win win for me!“

“I feel fortunate to have a job that can readily be done remotely, and to work at a place already equipped with the technology necessary to make that happen. The biggest change has been for the people I represent–my job is focused on fighting for immigrant and refugee justice in and outside of court.”

“Rigler Elementary is a Title I school which means many people in our community struggle with access to food and basic necessities even when there’s not a global pandemic. Our students are multilingual (Spanish, English, and some Maya) and are sometimes the only English speakers in their household. Things like computers, WiFi connections, or even a private space to sit at home are privileges that many students do not have.”

“My organization is preparing for ‘the surge’. We are very hopeful at this point that it is not going to be as severe thanks to the physical distancing efforts in Oregon/Washington (Good job everyone!!!).”

“I’m fortunate to still be going to work but I definitely miss seeing my friends and I had to cancel my trip back home to visit my family.”

“Our American Indian and Alaska Native communities are some of the most vulnerable in this time. These communities already have less access to healthcare and it’s not uncommon for there to be multi-generational families living in the same house. The students we’re working with don’t always have access to wifi or a computer, something many of us take for granted.”

“The hardest part is that I can’t swim or rock climb. I have a lot of gym equipment at my house and a bike trainer so I am able to do all of those things. I live right by a park with trails and I am lucky that I can go to the base and ride my bike and hit all the trails over there. Just have to keep moving to stay sane!”

“I think just how much thoughtful planning is going on behind the scenes for the anticipated “surge”. How will we decide who and what order to call providers in, how will we decide which providers to leave out of this pool. I also love seeing the number of providers who have volunteered to be the first to be called if someone is needed. It’s a reminder that we are surrounded by amazing and brave people.”

“Currently furloughed, till at least mid-May at the earliest but I suspect that that will continue probably until August. With the whole industry shut down, I’m just trying to find creative outlets for myself so I don’t go crazy!”

“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!”

“Big Sur [is] the only race I've ever run twice and loved every mile, including the coastal views, the fresh strawberries, and the grand piano. It's also my marathon PR.“

“My best running experiences include the sunrises and sunsets during runs, the fresh smell of Spring at the track, the miles logged with good company and good conversations, the deep fatigue that you feel at the end of a long week of training and a long run, post long run naps, summer miles in sports bras...to name a few!“

“I had to double the 5k/10k at my freshman year college conference track meet. It was such a hot day that they had water tables on the track for the 10k. I ended up winning the race and my family was able to be there to see it!“