Hello 2021!

“The only constant in life is change.”

– Heraclitus of Ephesus, 500BC

By Dave Kraus

At no time has this proverb been truer than in this past year. 2020 gave the world more change than it knew what to do with. The Covid pandemic has made it a historic year on every level. From “masking up” to quarantining to soaking everything in sanitizer, almost every aspect of life in America has changed.

One of the places that changed drastically was the sports and fitness world. When the pandemic is finally over, some of these changes will again go back to how it was in the “before times.” But others are here to stay, and they will transform our participation and enjoyment of both personal and group recreation and fitness.

How have things changed for upstate New York sweaty, dirty sports enthusiasts? We wanted to find out by seeking out some knowledgeable opinions from a variety of areas.

Cycling – Steve Fairchild is general manager for Grey Ghost Bicycles with stores in Glens Falls and Saratoga Springs. A cyclist and racer himself for over 30 years, he says the pandemic has been a mixed bag for cycling in general but good for his business – up to a point. “For as terrible a thing as this has been, it’s been a positive to the cycling community. A lot more people have been riding, but the social aspect has kind of gone out the window. Here at the store, we saw bikes that were 30 years old coming out of the woodwork for new people to ride, and that’s awesome.”

But every event he knows of was cancelled, including Janey’s Ride, named for Steve’s wife, a cancer survivor. It’s an annual Mother’s Day fundraiser for the CR Wood Cancer Center at Glens Falls Hospital. “We looked at seven different ways to do it,” he said, “But the virtual thing hadn’t been ironed out yet, and we decided it’s just not safe to go ahead.” As for the business, “It was a good year overall, but the inventory shortages kept it from being a banner year. There was no way to keep up with demand because inventory was nonexistent. That’s across the board for bikes and repair parts – every aspect of the industry.”

For 2021, Steve sees more new riders and a lasting growth in the cycling community. “These new people are going to be saying to themselves, ‘Hey, this is what I did 20 years ago, and it is fun. Plus, we have some of the best riding anywhere,” he said. He also says if you want to get equipment, “Don’t wait for spring. We have more than 100 people on the list for certain models that may become available, and that’s only a drop in the bucket, compared to how many inquiries we get.” And this is true for other area bike shops, so get your order in soon.

Running – Kristen Hislop runs her own coaching business and since 2017 she’s also been race director for the Freihofer’s Run for Women, one of the major road races in the Northeast since 1979. In 2019 over 2,300 runners took part, but in 2020 the pandemic forced it to go virtual. Even so, Kristen was overjoyed when the nine-day online event drew 2,022 participants. “We made the decision to go fully virtual in April. Thankfully we still had a great event and were able to raise money for three area non-profits. While it looked and felt different, it allowed our four originals to continue their 41-year streak. It also allowed mothers and daughters to continue running traditions, and it gave many women something to look forward to during a tough time.”

The Freihofer’s Training Challenge couch-to-5K program also moved from in-person group workouts to video sessions. But most other races she knew of were canceled or virtual, except ARE Event Productions races, including the Helderberg to Hudson Half Marathon and Upstate Classic, which were physically distanced and based out of the Altamont Fairgrounds. The entire local running community largely lost the social aspect of running together. “A lot of people missed the social aspect, camaraderie and seeing friends. Running, a lot of times you’re chitchatting the entire time, and that’s what I think people started to really miss. Plus, many say they don’t compete but they do compete – against themselves. They don’t individually push themselves to the same degree like they do when they’re in a group.”

For 2021, she thinks the outlook for the running community is bright, and while it won’t be easy to come back, the regional running scene is strong. The Freihofer’s Run is planned to be a live event with capped entries, plus a virtual component. The Training Challenge will also offer a hybrid format with live small group sessions and a virtual option. For individual runners, Kristen says her best advice is to set a goal, then believe in it. “It could be to cross the start line, lower blood pressure, or aim for a PR. Get outside and get help. It’s amazing how much training with other runners makes you love the sport more.”

Triathlon – The multisport community has also paid a steep price for Covid, says Jim Gazzale, a triathlon and running coach who is entering his second year as president of the Capital District Triathlon Club. Every triathlon in the region was cancelled, including the club’s own Crystal Lake Triathlon, and club membership fell from 195 in 2019 to 130. “Endurance athletes in general were logging long hours of training, and for many of us with the goal of showing it off on a single day in a race. Without those races on the calendar there was plenty of disappointment.”

Jim says that to cope, many triathletes are taking a step back to focus specifically on one of the individual disciplines of swimming, running or cycling. But despite the interruption, he feels the high interest in the sport will persist and athletes will come back once the pandemic has passed. “There’s countless tri, cycling and running clubs, so the interest is certainly there. Even with the pandemic people were eager to get in the water for open water swims, which CDTC held this summer with safety precautions, and I think that has a lot to do with the level of desire and commitment the typical athlete has.”

He added, “If you’ve done triathlon and finished, you know and understand the overwhelming sense of accomplishment that you got. It’s hard to match the feeling of crossing the finish line. I’d ask them what other sport offers as much opportunity as tri does? I think it would be hard to find something that blends all the multisport aspects together.”

Health and Fitness – There’s little doubt that the indoor group fitness setting took a huge hit from the pandemic, and no one knows better than Erin Breslin. As Director of Marketing and Membership for the Capital District YMCA, she watched all nine of the organization’s locations close on March 17, and only four have reopened following strict Covid protocols. There’s no prospect of full reopening until spring, when activities can go outdoors. In the meantime, 20,000 of their 37,000 pre-pandemic members have either ended their memberships or put them on hold. “That’s devastating, not only for the people providing health and wellness, but for those who rely on the fitness industry to provide them with help,” Erin said. “It’s been a struggle for them. Even for those who have the right equipment, not being able to work out with trainers and other people has been incredibly challenging.”

While the Y continues to provide services such as childcare and summer care, other YMCA services have been interrupted, including support groups for cancer survivors and Parkinson’s patients, and serving as host site for Red Cross health and first aid courses. To cope, “We’re teaching resilience right now – how to survive in a way that keeps you safe and healthy. We’ve had to reimagine every aspect of each of our buildings to safely welcome our members back.”

Only 33% capacity is allowed, she said, but because of social distancing, that often means only 25%. Spinning classes are now in the gym, and basketball has been reduced from full games to only shooting hoops, two to a basket, and bring your own ball. The Y’s part-time videographer has also gone to full-time as many classes and lessons are now offered virtually. “Now if you want see your favorite instructor on Tuesdays you can do a live Zoom. You can see people you’ve missed and connect with them.” She added, “We’re continuing to face challenges as no business is sustainable at only 33% capacity. But our commitment is unwavering, so we’re finding new ways to connect to our members.”

For 2021, Erin asks people to keep in mind how many safety precautions have been put in place. From Sept. 1 through Nov. 30, 2020, YMCA’s across New York recorded 1.1-million-member visits, but only 35 total Covid cases for a positivity rate of only 0.003%. That’s ten times less risk than being hit by a meteorite on your way to the gym. “Don’t give up on those locations you’ve relied on, and don’t think because you haven’t seen them or heard from them, that they’re not working to show up for you.” This also true for other gyms and fitness centers who are making adjustments as they struggle to survive the pandemic.

Paddling – Paddlesports have provided a welcome outlet for many – if you already have the equipment, says John Nemjo, who’s owned and operated Mountainman Outdoor Supply Company since 1993. He currently runs six stores and says if you don’t have the equipment yet, then get ready to navigate a buying landscape that he said has been “insane.” “Kayaking, canoeing and paddle boarding is the ultimate social distancing outdoor activity,” he explained. “But this past June we’d get a shipment of a hundred kayaks delivered on a Friday afternoon and by Sunday afternoon they’d be gone. We just couldn’t get ‘em fast enough.”

“Paddling is an easy access sport,” John said. There’s no permit required, few spots are off limits, and there are many spots that are motor free, adding to the attraction for people in search of calm, quiet waters. That has led to huge demand for the boats plus all the extras including paddles, PFDs and car racks. Mountainman sold 3,000 boats last year, despite their stores being temporarily closed in the spring. John has 2,000 ordered already for the 2021 season, but even this early they’re fielding calls from several states away.

For 2021, John says if you already have a boat then “congratulations.” Even with all the new boats sold, “Once you’re on the water there’s not much overcrowding. For people who really want to get away, there are plenty of places.” If you don’t have a boat, he advises checking back, following Mountainman on social media and signing up for their newsletter, where they usually announce a new shipment. Other area paddle shops also saw a big increase in interest, sales and participation.

Hiking – To many, Adirondack Park and the Adirondack Mountain Club are one and the same. The 30,000-member club is the largest organization in New York devoted to outdoor education and responsible recreation in the forest preserve, and its Heart Lake Program Center and Adirondak Loj in Lake Placid are the unofficial gateway to the High Peaks Wilderness. 

ADK’s director of communications, Ben Brosseau, said this past year brought historic levels of usage to trails, trailhead parking and programs, even as the club was left short of help after volunteer programs were cancelled and seasonal staffing were limited. Trail maintenance crews were limited, and the Summit Stewardship Program that relies on NYSDEC funding was also heavily reduced. “For a lot of the outdoor experience organizations, like guides or canoe outfitters, they saw huge spikes in use,” Ben said. “But there was a lot of strain on our visitor and land management resources, particularly at Heart Lake, and Forest Ranger rescues were at an all-time high. There were a lot more novice users and more people made mistakes.” On a typical weekend in 2019, Ben said the Heart Lake parking lots would usually be full by 6:30-7am. But in 2020, the lots filled as early as 5:15am, and consistently filled between 5-6:30am for most of July and August.

For 2021 he said the club is preparing for more record-setting usage, adding staff, continuing anti-Covid protocols, and being ready if things tighten down again. And for hikers? “Most every day in July and August will be busy so plan accordingly,” Ben said. Parking lots will be full at Heart Lake and latecomers may have to park as far as three miles up Adirondack Loj Road. On a weekend, he continued, “The only way you’re going to maybe get guaranteed parking is if you get there very early – before sunrise.”

“If you’re looking through an app and you see lots of reviews, then it’s a sign that’s a high use hike and might have parking issues. Come with backup hikes in mind and ensure that you pack the Ten Essentials: adk.org/packing-the-ten-essentials.” 

Be prepared, do your research before you go, and be ready to put Plan B into action. That’s good advice for any of these fitness pursuits in 2021, because the only constant in life is change. Cheers to healthy, active living!

Dave Kraus (dbkgrafik@gmail.com) is a longtime area cyclist, photographer, and writer who is always looking for new, interesting ways to experience the outdoors in upstate New York. Visit his website at KrausGrafik.com.