No Rest for the Weary: the Larry Lee Invitational!

       As the pandemic persists, we have witnessed and experienced the results of the wide variance with which communities, states, and countries have practiced 'pandemic hygiene', ranging from physical distancing, hand washing, and other habits becoming part of our new normal. As the rate of COVID cases increased, government officials first encouraged, then mandated many of the foregoing measures to stem the tide. As the numbers then began to wane, the call was then to 'open up' (understandable from both a psychological and economic perspective), after which we have witnessed a wide range of variance with which individuals have continued to comply with earlier hygienic practices (in contrast to those we have seen being 'reckless'). Which has in turn contributed to our most recent experience of a second 'surge'

       The Larry Lee Invitational, while not born in such a dramatic crucible, nonetheless taught me lessons in complacency, in the importance of giving it your all until you have crossed the finish line (literally and figuratively). A common workout for our high school cross country and track team was doing intervals (e.g. 10-12 quarter miles with a minute or so rest in between). Larry Lee was one of the more soft-spoken members of our team who, after observing a collective tendency for us to store up some energy for the final interval, decided to go out strong (i.e. 'surge') the second to last quarter mile. As no one wanted to be last (as you would have a shorter rest), we all chased him, of course, which meant we had less left for the last quarter. Larry's way of 'keeping us honest'. It is a common practice, on the part of many coaches and business leaders following a successful run, to remind their followers that they will probably have to redouble their efforts if they expect to repeat such a feat.

       I trust you can see some parallels with our current circumstances and those yet to come in the near future. We are reminded in part by this second surge what it took to initially bring the number of COVID cases down, through our individual and collective efforts/sacrifices. It is not time to let our guard (mask) down. For we are now in the Larry Lee Invitational. May we finish this race strong.