b'Staying in shapeThe Olympics are still a goal for one doctor, while a strength and conditioning coach gets creative to keep his players fit.Duriel Hardy, doctor and runner It might seem that Dr. Hardy has sacrificed a lot to become a doctor and a marathon runner. But he Dr. Duriel Hardys passion fordoesnt see it that way. long-distance running was I think that when you really love something, you a bright spot during the longfind a way to make it happen, he told us. He said months of the pandemic. the love that he has for his sport and profession is Dr. Hardy, who told us he haswhat helps him push through the fatigue and lends been running since he was 11,him the energy to give it his all. was invited to compete in theEven though it can be tiring to be working such U.S. Olympic Trials in 2020long hours, I get re-energized every time I see a after a great run in a mara- patient get better with treatment, he said. thon in California. He ran the 26.2-mile course inFor Dr. Hardy, the pandemic meant some big 2 hours, 18 minutes, and 21 seconds. Hed justchanges at work. To keep patients safe, we gravi-started running in marathons, so he wasnt too dis- tated to telemedicine, he said. That was especially appointed when he didnt win a spot on the Olym- convenient for many of his patientssome living pic team. Instead, he set a new personal goal: toas far away as Florida or Ohio. Doing a neuro-qualify for the 2024 Olympic Trials. logical exam is difficult over the video, so that has Setting a goal and pursuing it with passion werebeen challenging, he said. But as we learn more nothing new for Dr. Hardy. In medical school, hewith technology, we have learned creative ways. found an interest in neurology, especially autoim- Dr. Hardy said the pandemic made his marathon mune disorders of the central nervous system,training harder. It has been difficult for him to which includes the brain and spinal cord. He alsoset goals because races were canceled and he discovered he enjoyed working with kids, becausecouldnt test his performance. He also wasnt able of their positive outlook and resilience, he said.to train with other people, so that made it lonelier. And that led him to pediatric neurologyand sixAnd gyms had been closed, too.more years of medical training. 47'