Running to Work

Anxious to test my new Brooks along a scenic route nearby, I ran the first of three miles last night a bit faster than usual, around 6:50. The plan was to run the second one slowly and then pick it up for the final mile, which according to my watch I ran in two minutes and 36 seconds. I don't remember bumping any of the buttons against anything, but realized it could have collided with the host of bugs that come out at night. The idea seemed a lot nicer in my mind: follow a trail that runs along the Potomac River, where one can see the Washington Monument and other historical sites across the water. Unfortunately, every mosquito and his brother wanted to see the sites, too.

Still, night running - after the kids have already gone to bed - may end up becoming the norm on weekdays, unless I can rouse myself at 5:00 a.m. for an early run. I shouldn't restrict myself to just morning or night, though - I've seen some of my colleagues adopt some creative approaches to working out during the day. A few run during their lunch hour, though how they manage to also stretch, shower and eat - assuming they do - is an impressive time management feat. One co-worker even keeps a suit at work and occasionally runs his 11 mile commute. I wondered if I could run the six miles to my office and make it through a full work day. But given that system-wide D.C. metro repairs will strand thousands of commuters this summer, running just might be the best way to get downtown.