WOW, I take a few days off and you guys get chatty, lol! I lost all my quotes, so...
Return to racing: I think I need more data. More science. More understanding of how it really spreads. I am considered very high risk based on previous complications from flu, AND I can't get the flu shot thanks to previous adverse reactions. So I'm well-versed in all the hand-washing, not touching your face, social distancing things we're all doing now: I do most of them every race. I wasn't as strict about it during 2019 Marathon Weekend as I usually am, or should be, and I got really sick. So part of me is more fearful now, and part of me thinks I just didn't do as much as I could have to protect myself, and I won't make that mistake again. If doing all I normally would do to prevent flu is shown to also work against COVID, I'll feel better. I agree with others that the corrals are what worry me most. I like to start from the back of my corral, which is helpful, but in the past, I was "encouraged" by volunteers to get up into the big group of people instead of hanging back some feet away. I imagine that won't happen again for a while, so IDK - maybe that will be okay, too. I don't have a race scheduled until W&D and I feel like by then I'll have more info to work with to decide if it feels okay or not. I doubt any rules from race directors will influence me, TBH: it'll ultimately be a personal decision.
Hydration: I can't use belts - just too uncomfortable. For years I've used a 12oz handheld bottle and refilled it in races at water tables, and in training at public water fountains. With COVID-19 on the scene, I'm not comfortable using public fountains anymore, so I invested in a couple hydration vests: an Ultimate Direction Race Vesta and a CamelBak Circuit. I've used both a couple times and LOVE carrying fluids that way instead of a handheld bottle! I have found that I prefer using the soft bottles in front vs. a reservoir in back: I feel better balanced that way, and the weight of a reservoir in back made my back ache (I have scoliosis, so YMMV.) Both are super comfortable - no chafing, no bouncing, no pinching. I think I'll probably go that route for future races for a while, too, and avoid altogether water stations that may spread germs.
Electrolytes: I live in FL and run outdoors all through summer, so I use a LOT of electrolytes. My stomach can tolerate almost anything, but I like the convenience of Nuun tabs. For distances longer than around 10-12 miles, I also use Tailwind - sometimes on its own, sometimes in addition to Nuun, depending on weather.
Earbuds: still rocking the YurBuds I got on sale years ago, lol! Nothing else is as comfortable, and IDK what I'll do if the three pairs I have ever die. Apparently sweat + hair product and/or + sunscreen makes the YurBud covers slippery and after around 5 wears, they stop sticking in my ears properly, so I pull off the covers and wash them with warm water and dish soap, air dry, and I'm good to go again.