Lordy, what an ordeal in catching the 6:33 yesterday. I left the office with 13 minutes to spare, two minutes less than I prefer. I got to the 28th Street station just as the 6 train was ready to depart. I ran to the turnstile. So did another guy, and we both paused in an awkward “Shall we dance?” moment, Metrocards at the ready. Eight seconds wasted. During our stalemate, some weasel departing the train seized the moment and exited the turnstile in question. Another five seconds wasted.  

Still, the (packed) 6 train sat there, beckoning. I finally got through the turnstile and ran the 35 feet to the train. “Hold the door!” I yelled to a tiny Mexican man on board as the doors began to shut. Within three feet of the train, the doors found each other. The Mexican man didn’t move. We stared at each other through the window. I mouthed something unkind.

I looked down the track. Nothing coming. I looked at my watch. 6:23, ten minutes until departure. If I missed it, Little G might be asleep when I got home. I decided to forego the subway.  

I looked for a cab, even though it was hard to justify eating $2 for the subway, then another $6 for the cab. Nothing was available. I looked at a gypsy cab…10 bucks? 20 bucks?

 

Nine minutes to go, 14 blocks to cover, plus the 1-plus block slalom through Grand Central.  Like O.J. in the old Hertz commercials, I took off.  

I huffed and puffed in the 17 degree night, Hush Puppies (or whatever they are) creaking under the strain. I bypassed a circuitous sidewalk detour at 36th, running in the street like the bulls of Pamplona were on my heels.

 

I got to Pershing Square at 6:31. This might just work, I thought as I waited for the light. 

 

I read the departure screen at full speed. Track 33. A break.  

 

I climbed aboard the 6:33 with about 20 seconds to spare.  

 

I’ve got to make things easier on myself.

SPRINT BY THE NUMBERS

Blocks covered: 15

Time elapsed: 9 minutes

Near fights: 5 (man at turnstile, other man at turnstile, man on train, man on street, woman on street)
Blisters: 2 (one bad)