As a duathlete, I look forward to races as an opportunity to test myself against others. However, as the daily COVID-19 cases in the U.S. continue to increase (as of this writing), I have to ask myself if racing is worth the risk for both me and my family. I value my health and given how little we know about COVID’s long-term effects on an individual’s health, I want to minimize my risk to exposure so that I can continue to compete as I enter my 50s this coming year. This means carefully deciding how I approach racing in 2021.
Because we were (and still are) in the middle of a global pandemic, the large majority of races on the 2020 calendar were cancelled or postponed. Truth be told, I was a bit disheartened about not being able to compete in 2020. This was going to be my year (at least in my mind). The bright side was that all my races were deferred to their corresponding race in 2021. That said, I am looking forward to the possibility of participating in locally sponsored events again as I move into the 50-54 age-group category. Most of all, I am looking forward to competing in the 2021 USA Triathlon Duathlon National Championships in May as I attempt Team USA qualification to compete at the ITU Duathlon World Championships in the future. It’s just a matter of patiently waiting to see what’s in store over the coming months.
Likewise, race directors are cautiously moving forward with plans for in-person events in 2021, albeit tentatively. It’s a given that events will be fundamentally different as we return after the pandemic. No more participants shoulder to shoulder waiting for the start of a race. Little to no spectators on the sidelines cheering. No high-fives or congratulatory hugs after crossing the finish line. No awards ceremonies. These changes may be discouraging for many athletes but they are necessary measures to reduce risk and ensure the health and safety of the athletes and volunteers.
The truth is that racing in 2021 is still up in the air. A lot of this depends on how the country approaches the pandemic going forward into the new year. If we can continue to work together to reduce the risk by staying home as much as possible, avoiding large, unnecessary public or private gatherings, wearing a mask in public, and getting vaccinated (which can be a touchy subject for some), I optimistic that races will gradually return by late Summer or Fall.
Yes, I miss the community. Yes, I miss the camaraderie. Yes, I miss the competition. However, I believe in health above competitive racing. The love of community, camaraderie, and competition should not put anyone in a position to take any unnecessary risks that can harm themselves or others. At the same time, it would be selfish to worry whether or not my next duathlon or road race will happen when so many people are worrying for their lives and the lives of their loved ones. I don’t expect everyone to agree on how I feel about this but given that the rate of COVID-19 hospitalization and death is higher in minorities, I personally have to take all factors into serious consideration not just for me but for my family. It’s a risk versus reward scenario.
We all can wish to forget that 2020 ever happened and try to resume a sense of normalcy on January 1, 2021, but there is still a lot of uncertainty ahead before things will really get back to normal. While I miss the excitement of competition and challenging my personal limits, if I have to miss another year of racing to reduce my risk of contracting COVID-19, then so be it. I’m okay with that. As long as I can maintain my health and still go out and enjoy running and all the things that come along with it, then I’m good. It gives me something to look forward to in 2022.