Ready To Run

Yesterday, I ran twice while wearing nice shoes, a dress, and carrying two bags.  I ran to first catch the bus and later the subway.  An adult running to hop on public transportation may seem ridiculous anywhere else in America, but it’s a completely normal and daily occurrence here.  We sprint to catch buses, trains, cabs, rickshaws, or anything else with wheels.  We’re left with no choice when competing with hundreds of other people or relying on someone else to get us where we need to go. 

I once said that I would never run.  A lady only walks (and, I’m definitely a lady).  Except, now, I could probably enter field day at an elementary school and leave the kiddos in the dust. 

My morning routine is as follows… I briskly walk to the subway to warm-up for the energy I’m about to exert.  I get on the subway.  I step off the subway and immediately start to run to the bus stop.  I usually steamroll a few children, but can’t stop.  There’s no time.  I then fly around the corner of the subway entrance at a deadly speed.  I hit about 50 feet of open sidewalk and sail past storefronts.  Skirts, dresses, or high heels don’t slow me down. 

Penn Station is the running Mecca of New York City.  Businessmen with briefcases, fancy women in stilettos, and tourists toting suitcases run.  It’s total chaos at times.

I’ve watched Ben sprint two blocks in a suit to make the train.  I’ve had goodbyes cut short because the bus came early.  I’ve instinctually left family behind upon hearing an approaching rumble on the tracks.  I’ve seen elegantly dressed couples exit performances at Lincoln Center and dash toward the subway.  I’ve witnessed parents dragging their children down the street in attempt to make it on the train before the doors closed.  Nobody is immune to the need to run. 

So, consider this a friendly reminder for your next visit. Pack comfortable shoes and be ready to join in the races.