So, even though I strive to make this space a very non-judgy one, all about welcoming runners of every body and every speed and every distance, I will be the first to admit I would always throw shade at one kind of runner: the run commuter.
I know, I KNOW -- I am wrong (and we'll get to that) but I think my initial side-eye instance came from it being just too-D.C.-basic. By that, I mean, we're a city known for being Type-A and hyper-efficient and work-obsessed. (Heck, I am those things often too!) But there was something about seeing runners so clearly turning what, for me, was my sacred "me time" into just another way to hustle to get more work done, to work faster and harder. I'd seen folks cruising past, jaws set, backpack cinched on super-tight and think "dude, chill -- this is supposed to be fun!" I'm sure part of it came from the sort of chip on my shoulder I have about working in a field that is neither super high in status or pay -- I love teaching in the public two-year college and you'll hear me sing the praises of why it is the best job ever if you ask me what I do -- but I am used to people looking sort of pityingly when I'm inevitably asked what I do within the first two minutes of a party .... or my personal favorite, the think tank D.C. bro (how do I know this? Because he was busy loudly yelling into his latest-model iPhone the whole time so I got a lesson in his job) in a Georgetow park who once said "oh, I'd love to teach one day when I can cut back, you know, just to give back" and I had to respond witheringly with "It's also a pretty valid career, teaching -- not just charity" (at least his other half had the courtesy to be embarassed on his behalf, blushing down to the tips of her lululemon).
But, remember: "me time." Does that exist when you're a working mom, the definition of the sandwhich generation? Pretty rarely.
I remember how, when I was first teaching, I took the advice of a work mentor and made one day a month a "me day." Scheduling it for a weekday so it seemed more indulgent (even if that meant a bit of catch up on the weekend), it meant no work e-mail. No grading. No lesson planning. No "productive" housework like laundry. And no real plans -- just time to myself to do whatever I wanted. I would usually begin the day with a long run, then unwind with a long hot shower before grabbing my MetroCard and heading into the city, just seeing where the mood would take me (which was often my favorite used bookshop or the Impressionist section of the National Gallery ... and always involved lunch out and a gelato or other delight.
So, when I discovered last week that I had a sudden surprise block of free time, I was pumped: the "me day" that used to be once a month was coming back for the first time in years.
Only... I really COULD not take the whole day off. I had an application due for work. I was two weeks behind in grading. There was visible dirt on the carpet (and I saw the Tiny Overlord almost eat a dried leaf after dropping her banana on the floor that morning.)
So, I decided the best I could do was a "me morning." But, even with only about four hours, I still wanted to do a bunch of the things I can't do when I'm hauling an opinionated three-year-old: a long run without panting as I push 40 lbs of baby and 38 lbs of jogging stroller uphill, a chance to leisurely browse in some shops, a chance to sit in the sun by the waer while reading a book and having a treat that doesn't get sticky fingers in it.
Not much time to do it all. And, it was chilly enough that I knew if I ran into the city (it's just under a 5K on my most-used trail), I would be shivering once the sweat dried. (and I kind of also wanted to look not like the Sweaty Betty beastie I turn into because your girl gets a shine on fast).
So I swallowed my side eye fear and dusted off my favorite L.L. Bean lightweight daypack.
OK, we can do this ...
I packed it with a tightly rolled, lightweight sweater around the very non-required-reading book I was enjoyng that week; a light puffer vest; a scarf; a bottle of these mini facial sprays I'm obsessed with; the wallet essentials of ID, credit card, Metro card; and some water. I strapped that baby on and cinched it tight.
I started on my way. GORGEOUS leaves giving me my basic fall-loving-lady joy.
I LOVE ME SOME FALL AND I AM NOT SORRY!
But the pack was rubbing in a weird way. I knew those run commute bros were nuts, I thought. But I was already out. The air was PERF. So, I slowed down, and fiddled with the straps, pushing the pack up higher and even closer, and giving the chest strap and extra yank.
It wasn't perfect, but I could now only feel a little bounce. Certainly, I realized as I crested the first hill, it was WAY less taxing than the nearly 80 lbs I'm pushing with a jogging stroller.
As I neared the end of my run, crossing the Potomac, I even got an impressed head nod from another run commuter (who, TBH, looked like he was going for a land speed record -- either he was REALLY late or he REALLY loves wherever he was going).
After hitting the 5K mark just into the city, I slowed to a walk, taking in the October golden light on the river.
Anne of Green Gables was RIGHT
I found a bench to stop at, and slipped off my pack, switching out the sweat-soaked tee, giving myself a few fresh spritzes and a smear of lip and cheek stain, and slipping on my dry gear.
Not winning any fashion shows, but not a sweat monster
Feeling perfectly acceptable for the nearby chic coffee shop (sidenote: WHEN IS IT OK TO CHARGE OVER $6 FOR A CAPPUCCINO? ), I grabbed myself a goodie, took out the book, and just read and people watched.
I mean, it IS a pretty drink ... but $6.50?
Because I made the run the commute, I had time to linger nearly an hour, still enjoy some window shopping and book-browsing, and take the metro back home in time for lunch.
So: I'm a run commute convert. Plus, I worry more and more about how we can travel in less-environmentally destructive ways (hello CANADA was on fire), I have to get behind the fact that run commuting has benefits beyond just saving time. While I likely won't be running the 20 miles to campus any time soon (let's focus on getting to 13.1 first!) at least I've found ways to fit a bit more running into my life and get more joy in the limited me time I do have!
