Out of a Rut, and On the Run

Over the past few weeks, I've been rearranging my habits with the intent to be more free in my movements in and around Silver Spring.

For 10 years, I've been walking the mile and a quarter to and from work, packing a shoulder bag with me - sometimes carrying things to and from work and not making any use of them.  The bag was useful, as it could carry anything I needed, but it also encouraged me to take things I didn't really need, and no matter how much or little I had to take, I always had to lug the bag.

As I've begun running again, I thought it would be nice to be able to run to and from work, with the option to take an indirect and longer route sometimes.  I thought I could also run the 1.8 miles from work to Takoma Park on the evenings I have yoga classes there, rather than taking the Metro train down.  But running with the bag was not an option.

In the past couple of weeks, I've tried it out, running to and from work a couple of times and down to Takoma once.  But to make this work on a regular basis, I had to figure out a way to have the things I need at work and pare down the volume and weight of things I routinely pack back and forth - ideally to just keys, ID, a little cash and a credit card, and my phone.

I'm fortunate to have a gym at work where I can shower and change.  After mulling over some ideas, I've arrived at a plan that I think will work.  Monday morning I can walk to work, taking a little back pack with things I'll need for the week - mostly clothing.  Friday evening I'll pack it back home.  For the rest of the week, I'll be free to run in either direction whenever I want to.

The final piece of the puzzle was a good way to carry my minimum essential items.  Yesterday I got an Amphipod hip pack at REI that seems perfect for the job.

This morning I packed my weekly supplies to work.  After work, I strapped on the Amphipod and my Xero Shoes huarches and jogged up the street to a yoga class.  After class, I ran home, taking a 1.8 mile route down to Sligo Creek Park and up to the house.

It feels liberating to be able to decide on the spur of the moment whether to walk directly home or take a run through the park, or to hoof it to Takoma rather than riding the train.  To get that freedom, I had to rethink a lot of habits and assumptions that I had built up over the years.  It is great to get out of a rut.