Movement in a Time of Quarantine: Taking to the Trail with Tracy Cockerham
April 20th, 2020 was to be the “proper” running of the 124th Boston Marathon, but, things have positioned themselves in the way. Namely, a global pandemic. That said, our own Tracy Cockerham is not standing by and simply waiting until the September 14th makeup date… Instead, she’s taking to the self-created 26.2 twisty mountain trail outside her door, and pulling in Virtual Team IMPACT for the ride. Read on to learn all about it and get inspired to create your own unique event that does some good in this here world of ours. And if you’re up for it, raise a cowbell in her name on Monday so that she might here you all those miles away. Connected by concerted cheers (in the time of Covid…)!
IMPACT Melanoma: What’s your daily routine like given this time of quarantine?
Tracy Cockerham: Good question! It took a bit of time to get into a groove with a routine. I’m sure it was the same for everyone. We were all moving 100 miles an hour and suddenly came to a screeching halt. The first couple of weeks were largely spent trying to figure out the safest and most effective ways to keep the refrigerator and pantry stocked. As soon as we figured that out, we moved into a good rhythm of work for IMPACT and ensuring that our oldest son, who has Down Syndrome and lives with us full time, is remaining as active as possible given the circumstances. Our days are comprised mostly of work and long daily hikes and we end our days with a family movie.
IM: The Boston Marathon was scheduled to be run this coming Monday, April 20th, but obviously, it’s been rescheduled for Fall. This is a race you’ve run in the past. Does it sadden you that traditions such as the Marathon are being interrupted by this global pandemic?
Cockerham: Well, it’s just heartbreaking. I’m so sorry for all the athletes who worked so hard to get there. As you know, I was not on the team this year, but I’m always there supporting them whether I run or not. My heart is also just broken for the City of Boston, there’s really nothing like that 3rd Monday in April in Boston, is there? And then of course, so many people depend on the funds raised by the charity runners in Boston’s marathon every year, so it’s left a gaping hole. I know it’s not cancelled, just postponed. And while I know this pandemic has serious consequences – from loss of life to economic crisis, and social distancing and sheltering in place is saving lives, we can’t ignore milestones and other meaningful life events that are being missed…and people grieve them…from high school graduations to sporting events….
IM: What are you doing instead? Sounds like you won’t be sitting still…
Cockerham: NO! Definitely not sitting still! After I lost my son, Connor, to melanoma in 2014, I found that the best way for me to manage anxiety and depression was through exercise. I was active before his diagnosis, but after his passing it became a much bigger part of my life, whether I’m running or hiking or just out for a walk. Once the decision was made to postpone the marathon I decided I’d do my own 26.2 right here on the central coast of California where I live. So Monday morning I’m going to wake up just as I would on race day and walk out my door to my “start line”. I’ve got the race mapped on the roads and trails near my house and while it will involve several “loops” and a lot less cowbell and cheering than I’d actually hear on race day in Boston, I will still be able to carry that Boston Marathon spirit. There’s just nothing like it. I have to say though….I’m glad there’s not a sweeper car at this race because I am not trained for a marathon so it’s going to be more of a hike! My goals is to be done before dinner!
IM: You’re an ambassador for Virtual Team IMPACT. Can you tell us a little bit more about what that means and what the importance of this team means to you?
Cockerham: Sure. Virtual Team IMPACT is for anyone who is passionate about reducing the incidence of melanoma. Whether you’re walking a 5k, hiking a mountain, competing in a triathlon or an all-night dance-a-thon, anywhere in the world, you can now do it on behalf of IMPACT Melanoma. For me, being a part of this team means that I can keep doing this important work, building awareness about the dangers of melanoma and the importance of sun-safety and prevention, of skin checks and early detection, in every part of my life. It means that perhaps another mom won’t lose a child, another family won’t lose a loved-one. In most cases, this disease is preventable. I want people to know that.
IM: How can folks get involved with this endeavor and the Team in general?
Cockerham: So you can follow me Sunday night and on Monday on social media. Check out IMPACT Melanoma on Facebook and Instagram. I will also be posting on Instagram (@tracy_cockerham) during my “race” and people can follow me there.
For more information about joining Virtual Team IMPACT, check out the information here:
https://old.impactmelanoma.org/events/team-impact/virtual-team/
IM: As an advocate, what can you say about IMPACT Melanoma it’s mission, and how this Virtual Team is a unique opportunity to those who might not be familiar with any or all of the aforementioned entities?
Cockerham: Very simply, our mission is to save lives by reducing the incidence of melanoma. We do this through awareness and educational campaigns about sun-safety and early detection. We also provide support and advocacy for those struggling with melanoma though Billy’s Buddies. IMPACT means Improving Melanoma Prevention through Awareness, Care and Teaching.
IM: What’s the importance of having a little fun, even if we’re all subject to quarantine / social distancing?
Cockerham: Clearly, this situation could not be more serious. Health and safety are the highest priority right now. We MUST recognize and remember that there are people suffering all over the country and the world and there has been great loss of life. There will be another Boston Marathon and there will be a time when we can all come back together, but right now our job is to stay at home, stay safe and save lives. We are all grieving right now, grieving the loss of normalcy. I think that we need to give ourselves permission to have some fun and my gosh, if you have an opportunity to laugh, grab it!
IM: What can we expect out of you when the 124th Boston Marathon commences on September 14th (if all goes “to plan”)?
Cockerham: I will be at Mile 17 cheering on TEAM IMPACT! (I’m planning to be back in the race for the 125thrunning!)
IM: What are your top five tips to maintain sanity during this curious time?
Cockerham: This is a good question and I think what’s working for me now may change over time but the most important thing for me was finding a routine. The first 10 days of home isolation I had no routine and I felt overwhelmed. The things that are keeping me sane are talking often with friends and family – whether its just on the phone or over video chat, getting outside every single day, doing this work with IMPACT Melanoma (because melanoma didn’t go away just because of a pandemic) writing and remembering that everything has a beginning, a middle and an end…even a Pandemic.
IM: What are your top five tips to practice safe skin health now and forever?
Cockerham:
- Do NOT suntan. No tan is a safe tan. Period.
- Wear protective clothing, including sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat.
- Use sunscreen, apply it correctly and re-apply it.
- Limit time in the sun
- Know the shadow rule. When your shadow is shorter than you are tall, the suns rays are at their strongest.
For more information on how you can get involved with Virtual Team IMPACT and help do good in your own, unique way, click here!
