Page 8 - MidWeek Kauai - May 19, 2021

8 KAUA‘I MIDWEEK MAY 19, 2021
Running Through Life
‘Twas sad to learn of state Sen. Kalani English’s retire- ment last week due to lingering effects from the coronavi- rus. The East Maui/Moloka‘i/Lāna‘i senator is a “long haul- er” who cited the coronavirus’s effects as the reason for his premature departure. English caught the virus in November, yet still suffers with long- and short-term memory issues and other cognitive problems, including headaches. Stress can exacerbate symptoms. Thus, he retired after serving his communities for 20 years, routinely flying back and forth between four islands, including O‘ahu.
Sometimes, running alone is perfect for processing what is on my mind; while at other times running with friends is what I need.
Some days I feel drawn to run in the woods on muddy trails that muffle the sound of my footsteps. These trails require me to focus on what lies right in front of me and nothing else.
Jennifer Briggs Latham is an Episcopal priest in The Episcopal Diocese of Hawai‘i, and is currently a chaplain resident with Pacif- ic Health Ministry. In addi- tion to running, she likes to hike, and spend time with her husband and two children.
Chasing The Light is pro- duced by Lynne Johnson and Robin Stephens Rohr.
As a fellow long hauler, I’m truly empathetic to En- glish’s plight. I’ve had no sense of taste and just a minimal sense of smell since the coronavirus visited me in October. Aromatherapy, acupuncture, hot peppers, listening to Tan- gerine Dream ... I’m trying everything. Imagine suddenly not being able to smell flowers in your own yard or taste a cherished holiday meal for months. Like English, I had mild symptoms while briefly ill — fatigue, dull headache and no appetite for a few days. If you’re worried about a possible 48-hour reaction from the vaccination, you can handle it. The potential for suffering from “long COVID” in one of its many forms is far, far worse.
The author enjoys running in the Kuli‘ou‘ou area. PHOTOS COURTESY JENNIFER BRIGGS LATHAM
KELLEY
Earlier in life, when I was competing, my goal was to run as fast as possible, to be as fit and competitive as I could be.
It’s just me and the sensa- tions of the forest, without the weight of time. On days like this, my heart lightens with the freedom of the wil- derness.
Up to a third of America’s coronavirus sufferers report COVID-related health issues six months later, meaning that more than 10 million Americans are still suffering today. The coronavirus doesn’t care how tired we are of news stories, tier veer, distancing, wearing masks properly or washing hands. Unvaccinated, asymptomatic carriers risk spreading mutating variants as the insidious coronavirus persists. The coronavirus doesn’t take vacations, holidays or days off. It’s still not to be taken lightly, just because you know a guy who knows a gal who’s got a cousin who got the coronavirus and was “just fine.”
Think about it ...
“The thoughts that occur to me while I’m running are like clouds in the sky. Clouds of all different sizes. They come and they go, while the sky remains the same sky Falways. The clouds are mere guests in the sky that pass away and vanish, leaving behind the sky.” — Haruki Murakami
Sometimes, running alone is perfect for processing what is on my mind; while at other times running with friends is what I need.
ECOVID Continues
or me, the simple act of running has always been a gift,
very winter, we’re treated to the redundant, main- land news story of a guy looking at his car with its hood up, stuck in snow, sleet or minus-15 degrees
one that continues to bestow many blessings.
weather. It’s the same story, but with different guy and car every year. We’re now seeing something similar nightly with stories about the COVID-19 vaccination process. Must we be subjected to one more visual of a needle going into someone’s upper arm? Same drill (literally) — different person, city and site — every time we’re shown a “new” coronavirus story. We know what it looks like and how it’s done. So how about some different background footage as this vital, intelligent quest to vaccinate us all continues?
When I was in junior high, I began competing in track meets. Even though it’s ul- timately a race, I found the sport itself provided a sense of community, offering rela- tionships with people who were different from me.
common bond in the sim- plest of sports.
Now, speed is less im- portant, (although, I have to say, the desire to run fast will always tug at my heart). Today, running is more about balance, about finding the rhythm of the day, fast or slow.
On other days, the track calls on me to stride with speed and discipline, of- fering a kind of comfort in the certainty of distance and time.
Whether as teammates or competitors, we found a
Running has also blessed me with time for contempla- tion, a time to sort through problems, whether alone or in conversation with other runners who have wisdom born of other experiences and strengths. It lifts my spirit and brings clarity.
In life there are moments for the trails and moments for the track, an occasion for connection or an occasion for solitude. Which calls me today?
CHASING THE LIGHT
Jennifer Briggs Latham
john@thinkaboutithawaii.com