Running for the bus or train and actually catching it

I’m no runner.

Strap a pair of flashy sneakers on me and snap on an elastic sweatband and I generally have no idea what to do next.

But when the bus is coming around the corner or the train is pulling into the station, watch out man, because I am off. Yes, no matter what I’m wearing, no matter what I’m doing, no matter who I’m talking to, if I see the faint possibility of catching that bus at the last second, then I’m gunning it.

We all know that Just missing the bus is something you’d find over in The Book of Annoying, that nonexistent netherlist that also features: Finding out your shirt is inside out partway through the day, When the public bathroom only has one slow lukewarm hand dryer, and When the cashier needs to replace the receipt tape in the middle of your transaction.

But when you run and actually catch it, that’s a beautiful moment.

First off, it means you managed to wait the absolute least amount of time possible. You didn’t check your watch four times and constantly stare up the street for the bus to appear on the horizon. No, you put your head down and bolted and ended up hanging around the curb for 0.0 seconds. Not bad!

Secondly, you score a little Mini Workout High. Who cares if your cheeks are glowing, your neck’s glistening, and you almost twisted your ankle on the sidewalk? You don’t, because you just got some cardio in. Now you can crumble into your plastic orange seat satisfied your arteries shook off some fat chunks from the plate of danishes you ate earlier.

Lastly, you give everyone else on the train some entertainment through the Horse Race Bettor effect. See, everyone else sees you walk onto the platform, bug your eyes out, and bolt into Super Businessman as you start your race. It’s an adrenaline rush as they cheer you on. Will Dress and Running Shoes Lady squeeze between the newspaper boxes? Will Stroller Mom get her two-year-old up the escalator past Teenage Cell-Phone Mob? There is drama, there is tears, and there is cheering.

People, when you frantically wave at the driver from fifty feet away, leap across the platform, or jump through those slowly closing doors, you made it. Stare up at your fellow passengers, take in a few deep breaths, and smile big with your sweaty face.

You just won a gold medal in being

AWESOME!