I had so many clever titles for this post – but I don’t want to bury the lead. And I do want to give it to you straight. So first, the facts – Ben tested positive for Covid19 about 2 weeks ago. He had been very diligent about wearing a mask, social distance, washing his hands, etc. It’s unclear who he got it from, but he traveled recently and must’ve been exposed at some point.
I’m share this update because it’s important, a good reminder to stay safe and diligent and to be open about how it impacted me. We’re not talking about running or eating, this is more of a journal post.
If you hate it – skip it.
If you love it – let me know.
If you hated it, then loved it, then were ‘meh’ about it – you probably have low blood sugar and should get a snack.
How did he get Covid19?
He had to travel to Florida and got tested as a precaution when he got back to California (he’s here for work right now). He didn’t have any of the major symptoms. We were both shocked that he tested positive for Coronavirus since he followed all the ‘rules’ in terms of hygiene and distance guidelines.
I stayed with him the night he got back from his trip. He picked up Chipotle on the way and we shared food (read as: I ate some of his burrito and I was probably double dipping in the guac). So when he tested positive the next day I had to quarantine with him since I’d been exposed.
Even though we shared food and he was breathing within inches of my face the first night – I tried to make a reasonable effort to not get it (per my mom’s suggestion based on people she’s known where not everyone in a household gets it).
He stayed in the bedroom most of the time and set up fans in the windows to circulate the air (he researched that well ventilated areas are helpful for prevention). He wore a mask when I went in the room to give him food. I stayed and slept in the other room. I sprayed him with Lysol (kidding!).
Please note: While we’ve tried to figure out contract tracing by going over his steps – we don’t know when or how he got it. There might have been human error at some point. His first flight was cancelled and he had to go back the next day (baggage claim, security, car rental -2x). He ate at the airport. I understand that masks and hand washing are very important best practices to keep yourself and your loved ones safe. And him wearing a mask could’ve prevented others from getting it.
My Covid19 Test Results
I waited the suggested number of days to get tested myself and took the PCR test (there’s also the option for the rapid test, but it’s not as reliable).
My test came back – negative.
I’m not sure how I feel about that. Before I was tested and got the results I had to act like I had it and I missed Halloween and my niece’s birthday. I already had to miss out on the 4th of July due to a similar situation. Boo.
So even though this sounds bad – I want to be open and honest about how I feel. It sucks. I’m sad.
I’m sad I had to miss out on seeing my nieces’ on Halloween. They’re at this amazing age where they’re so cute and they really like me (I know they’re be too cool for me one day)! And I miss them so much! Then, to miss my niece’s birthday – ugh, I feel so bad. Because of social distancing – it was a small gathering to begin with. And she and I had been talking about her birthday for months.
I feel guilty and sad and anxious. And a part of me feels like – all the sacrifices would’ve been easier to accept if it turned out I did have it. I would’ve seen it as though I was protecting my family by not going… instead of missing 2 special days because of a false alarm.
I know I did the right thing. I had to err on the side of caution. I would NOT want to expose anyone to Covid19.
But being exposed, having to quarantine, not knowing if I had it, missing out on family events during a time when being able to see family like that are already so rare…then finding out I didn’t have it so I might have to do this whole sad song and dance again?! It made me sad. And I want to be happy so bad.
In summary: It’s okay that I feel this way and I want to share all my honest feelings. But I have perspective and realize if my biggest heartbreak this year is that I missed out on family parties and not that I miss a family member that passed away due to Covid – I’m very grateful.
I’m very blessed and lucky that I didn’t get sick. Ben didn’t get very sick. He didn’t get anyone we know sick. He got a contract job a few months ago in a time when a lot of people have lost their jobs.
I’m so thankful we’re okay. I hope you’re okay too.
Please take care of yourself. Stay safe. Practice all the proper social distancing and hygiene suggestions from the CDC. Tell your people you love them. Get enough sleep. Take care of your physical and mental health.
xoxo – Monica
NOTE: I’m not a doctor or medical professional. If you are sick, suspect you’ve been around someone who is/was sick or want information on Covid19 – contact your doctor. See the CDC website for more info here.
Pile on the Miles Virtual Running Challenge – Day 10
It’s Pile on the Miles Day 10 and since this post is so long I’m using it as the POTM check-in. Please chime in with your running update here or on today’s Instagram @RunEatRepeat post!
Run Eat Repeat and Ben – Partial Update
*Who is Ben? – Ben is my ex. I used to blog about my life on a daily basis and he was a big part of it, so long time followers know him/us. Right now he’s in California and we’re spending time together… a lot of time when we were quarantined together.
*Are you and Ben getting the band back together? – I don’t know anything. If you have a direct line to God or a time machine and can see the future – please find out and let me know. Thank you.
See my Instagram @RunEatRepeat for a recent cameo Ben made on my reels and be sure to follow for more.
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Wearing a Face Mask While Running Outside
Mega long-time lurker here. I have never commented before but I got so excited to hear about Ben! AFTER ALL THIS TIME! I’ve always thought you guys really balanced each other out. Opposites attract and all that. Just chiming in to say that I am most definitely on Team Ben. Actually, I’m the leader of Team Ben. I don’t know if there’s a Team Joshua or a Team George, and I don’t care. Team Ben all the way! I hope that you both get to spend more time with each other and figure out this thing called life together. Holding hands.
And since I’ve never commented and probably will never comment again, I want you to know that I strongly believe that I’m a marathon runner in a fat girl’s body, and that some day, I, too, will be a runner. Definitely not today, and definitely not next year. But sometime in the next 5 years. Okay maybe not a marathon. HOURS of running?! Whoa no thanks. What do I do while I run besides try not to die? Count cars? Maybe a half marathon? Ok definitely a 10K in the next 2 years. Yes, a 10K. Anyway, you inspire the inner runner in me, even though you’re way WHOA about running. My inner runner and you would be best friends. Me and you,.. well. I don’t know. You run and I’ll hand you cups of watermelon juice as you whiz by me in my lawn chair. Deal?
I hope that you have a great holiday full of snuggles and love.
Long time reader as well, and like the others, these are the posts I miss. My podcast listening was limited to work-related stuff on my commute, and now with working from home, I don’t even do that. Blogs, though, I can read but I miss the personal aspects.
Doh! Also so sorry to hear of this news and hoping all in your life are healthy.
Long, long, long time follower here. I’ve never been a podcast fan at all., so I was sad when you changed and started the podcasts and pretty much cut out the personal blogs. Sorry about Ben getting the virus. Hopefully he has no lingering after affects.
No time machine or direct line to God, but I certainly am a sucker for happy ever afters. Hopefully you and Ben have that.
Thank you. I don’t know if I’m just emotional today or what – but this gave me all the feels.
Agree with all of the above – old school blog read who misses the older format of blogging! Not just from you, just in general. Would love to see good old fashioned blogging about your life again!
So sorry to hear you both went through this. My son was ill and did the testing/quarantining and fortunately he was negative. I empathize with your feelings of missing out and being negative. He was upset it took so long to get results and he miss 14 days of stuff. There are so many emotions and a lot of anxiety that comes along with this virus. The fear of judgement that you might have “done something wrong” and put others are risk is real. We need to be mindful that this is a pandemic and people will get sick – even if they do everything “right”. Happy you are on the other side of it all and enjoy a special Niece/Auntie celebration. They will never get too old for fun Auntie!!
I hope is doing okay. Thanks for sharing.’
I’m not sue if I am to add my but did 3 miles today
Chiming in to echo what others have said- love reading these posts about your life again (though the topic of this particular post wasn’t great news) ! Would love to hear how you and Ben were able to find your way back to one another, if that’s something you’re open to sharing :)!
I’ll be honest I hardly rad blogs anymore but Ben?!! Back?!? I hope you’re doing as well as can be with that. I’m sure it’s all the feels.
Long time reader but haven’t been as interested when the posts decreased and podcasts increased. Sharing your life connects you to your readers. I’m thrilled you and Ben are together for however long it is supposed to be. Miss the personal stories where your personality is relatable and shines
These are the posts that I always click over and actually read. I am sorry to hear that Ben contracted COVID-19 BUT I am glad to hear that he is recovering. Do you think you could maybe cutback a bit on the podcasts and bring back the day in the life posts again?? These are what are fun (not the getting Covid Part lol) and easy to read .
I second this comment! Also wanted to add that you do a killer podcast, they’re just not my thing.
This is what I wanted to say too! So sorry for Ben. Happy you’re ok. And I miss reading your blog and about you and your life!
Longtime reader who doesn’t run anymore but does love Ben stories. This was a VERY exciting post and made my day. Please more life, love, family, cat, and food.
Thank you <3 The podcast makes it hard to get feedback so I super appreciate when you chime in here!