New Speed work

I've developed a new form of speed work. Expect to see it written up in Runner's World before long, of course. I like to call it "Train Sprints", namely because it is practiced by people running to catch the train. You can also call them "5PM Sprints" if you want.

I started doing this new form of speed work when I started my new commute two weeks ago. Let me explain...I finish work at 4:30 PM. There is an express train (read: less than 30 minutes) to Naperville departing from Union Station at 5 PM. You'd think 30 minutes would be ample time to get from one end of the city to the other.


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Oh no, my friends, you greatly underestimate A) Chicago traffic and B) Chicago construction. Oh and C) Buses that don't run on schedule for reasons A and B.

Basically, if I am rolling out of my office as soon as the clock strikes 4:30 PM, and if I get the #125 before 4:35 PM, and if the bus lets me off at Union Station before 4:55 PM, I can make the 5 PM train. Of course, what happens when the bus drops me off is another matter. I have to do a fair amount of shoving, dodging, and elbow-throwing to get off the bus. And then I have to cross the street like a true Chicagoan...jaywalking. Or jayrunning of course. Then it's an all out sprint to get to the terminal, which usually happens around the 4:57 PM mark. But it's not over yet. You see, people have already boarded the train since it's probably been in the station since 4:30 PM. That means that the first 4 cars are already full. I'll be damned if I'm going to stand for my entire train ride after just having done speed work! So I have to dodge and race down the platform until I see a car that looks a bit more hospitable. But I have to be careful. Sometimes it's best to jump on and keep walking towards the back of the train so I can at least get on the train.

If the stars align and the buses fly, I can make the train AND get some speed work in. If not, I just look like another schmuck waiting for the 5:22 express.