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The satisfaction in running to make it

There's a certain gratification of just running full-out for a train and just barely making it.

I saw that Saturday night when a pretty 20-ish lass stumbled headlong onto the Red Line car at Granville, laughing and smirking at having actually made it.

She throws herself into a seat, totally out of breath, and just exclaims: " I ran a full block to make this train." She was talking to just whoever was in hearing distance.

Stark reality set in a minute later when she also remarked: "Of course, it won't mean a damn thing if I have to wait 20 minutes at Howard for the Purple Line."

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satisfaction of catching train
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|feeling after doors slammed in face|

That actually made me laugh out loud. :)

Watching people run to catch the bus is one of my favorite morning-commute games. I like to guess whether or not they'll make it, or if the bus driver stops for a second to wait.

It's not as fun to be on the participant side of that game, though.

it also doesn't help that there are no heaters on the southbound Howard platform. It was nice waiting for the purple line today in the 5 degree cold (weather).

Then there's the feeling of running and catching the train. And it just sits there. With the doors open. Other people casually stroll on. You see the conductor walk by. And you finally catch your breath. Then the doors close. And reopen.

or ... not running for the train because you don't want to get there and have the doors close in your face only to have the train sit there long enough so that you DO get there just in time for it to leave right as you approach it, leaving you to realize ... 'hmm, if i *had* run, i totally would have made this.'

A few years ago I was running up the steps at the Randolph stop to catch a Brown line. Of course I hear the "ding dong, doors closing" when I'm a few steps from the top. Unfortunately for me it had just rained and, stupidly, the wood decking on the platform runs toward the tracks/train and when wood decking is wet, its super slippery. I rounded the corner at the top of the stairs and the doors started closing. I tried to put the brakes on but slipped falling flat out on my back and getting my foot caught between the train and the platform. Luckily for me the conductor saw me and didn't take off which would've ended with me probably losing my foot. I will never ever run to catch a train again - its not worth it.

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