Dear Friends & Outdoor Enthusiasts:
Excuse me if this comes across as presumptuous…
There is much concern and controversy over whether Covid-19 can be spread by asymptomatic carriers by simply exhaling--possibly spewing small clusters of virion particles that could potentially linger in the air for more than a few seconds. In theory, one could inhale some virulent bioaerosol and perhaps become infected; or perhaps somewhat immune. The experts disagree. Uncertainty reigns!
When uncertainty prevails and social anxiety is aroused to widespread panic, we cope in our own way.
To those of us who cope by holding steady to our course, maintaining routine, and soldiering on despite the threat to ourselves and others, I think there is a risk in doing that. The inherent confirmation bias in our athletic identity is keen to keep up our exercise since it is essential to our fitness, health and happiness. We are apt to perceive a diminished degree of risk in associating with the healthy folks we go out to play with all the time.
To those of us who cope with real threats by taking greater precautions to reduce exposure to infection, I think there is a risk in letting our fears claim our lives. No one lives well under chronic stress. No matter what precautions we take now, predictions range from 40% to 80% of the US population becoming infected with Covid-19 in the year ahead. But the current focus is on “flattening the curve” so all those infections are more manageable by our beleaguered health system.
So what do we do as we strive to live well under current circumstances? Is there a sweet spot between being foolhardy and being overly cautious?
I'm not sure, but here are a couple of considerations and recommendations that I bet would serve our community well.
First, let's comply with all public health directives and advisories at this peak time of crisis. When going out in public where people transact business or places where folks tend to congregate, wear a face mask to reduce the low, but real possibility of transmitting the virus on to others-- just in case you have become an unsuspecting, asymptomatic carrier.
Second, let's refrain from going out in groups to bike, hike, run or feed our exercise habits. Even with social distancing measures out in fresh air, riding or running together poses a potential public health risk given the latest findings. I think it's a bad idea to risk breathing in others' effortful exhaust at this time of peak infection even if we can claim our own lane. The more people you exercise with, the greater exposure to exponentially increasing possible vectors of transmission even though the risk of becoming infected is very low in open air environments. My read is that most infectious disease experts would concur with this statement. And no one knows what the actual vs. perceived risk ratio actually is.
Third, I think it is imperative that we set a good example in the public's eye. Although I fervently argue that it is essential to our health and well-being that we get out the door to move and re-create to cope with the high stress of this global pandemic; and believe it is safe to do so in small groups when participants are cognizant of keeping their distance, I think we need to be seen as conscientious citizens acting for the common good. Bands of privileged people out doing their thing along the public byways during the height of this public health crisis transmits an unintended message that many in the greater community are apt to judge harshly.
For these reasons, I recommend limiting your outings to just you or just two for the time being. The one exception being family outings where all members live together.
Look, you have to decide how you're going to play it. I think these suggestions are worthy of your consideration. Just remember, it's not just about you. Your choices potentially impact all of us.
We are fortunate to live here in such a beautiful part of the world where we may be able to steer clear of the worst of the contagion. Embrace the blessings we share by being able to shelter safely, recreate outdoors, and live well despite these challenging times.
Until we can gather together again, take care of yourself and consider what you risk. Play it smart and stay well!
Freely abridged from a letter by my friend Hank Lange, coach and New England Ironman champion (1982).
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