work – Page 4 – Emerging Runner

In years past my company has funded some extravagant summer outings that included cruises, expensive restaurants and visits to NYC landmarks. In recent years the budget for this type of celebration has been significantly reduced and our events have become a lot simpler.

Last year, instead of a big catered event, my division gathered in Central Park for a simple picnic. Activities were centered around throwing Frisbees and kicking around soccer balls. It was a lot of fun and we’re doing that again this year. Since then I’ve returned to running so I thought I’d introduce another aspect to the day: a Fun Run. It will actually be a 1.5 mile (2.4K) Run/Walk. I’m hoping the relatively short distance will be bearable in the mid-July, mid-day heat. So far the response has been good. I’m expecting a fair number to participate and though it’s structured to be non-competitive there will be a few race awards. Plus I’m expecting that some people will still strive for first finisher bragging rights.

AG is helping with the planning and others have volunteered to hand out water, direct runners and keep the time. I’m even thinking of printing out race numbers. It’s been fun getting this event together. If this goes well I could expand to more public racing. Perhaps, someday, I’ll be hosting the 1st Annual Emerging Runner Race Series.

Over the past few years I’ve noticed another commuter who always gets up from his train seat as we head into the East River tunnel and then proceeds to do calf and leg stretches as we come into Penn Station. When the doors open he’s already moving, bounding up the stairs on his way to work. I’ve recently noticed that this man wears running shoes and despite the fact that the rest of his wardrobe (coat, suit and tie) is all business I’m guessing that he runs to his office each day.

Although running to my office each day from Penn (approximately 1.3 miles) presents an opportunity to add more miles to my weekly total I don’t think I’ll follow his lead. There is merit to the concept but I don’t need to show up at my building each day looking like a damp washcloth. I did a great pre-workday city run a few weeks ago but that was in cooler weather and we wore real running clothes. Tomorrow afternoon Adventure Girl and I have planned a run in Central Park late in the day. It’s a 4 mile route that includes the reservoir. It sounds like a great way to end the work week and a good jumpstart to my weekend training. I’d like to start a running club with colleagues and members of my team because so many people from my office are runners. We’ve even joked about doing a staff meeting as a group run. Of course, it would be great if my company had showers available to people who wanted to break up their day with some exercise but in these days of cost cutting that’s not likely.

Emerging Runner

Tag: work

DIY fun run