Interrupted

At work today

There are numerous negative factors I’m faced with when running at work. Most notable is the chance at being interrupted by an emergency call. Secondly, the only route I have is a mind-numbing loop around the station, which entails running on a road with a significant chamfer. The final factor is the timing. Due to duty obligations the most convenient time to run is 4pm or after 10pm. The first time option usually occurs during the heat of the day and the later takes place when I should be sleeping.

The heat was too much to handle today, so I elected to start my four mile run at 9pm.  I generally dread running on duty. Today was an abnormality to the typical run at work. Within minutes of starting the first loop I felt a sense of smoothness in my stride. The run was nearly utopia in nature, until interrupted at 1.5 miles for a motor vehicle accident call.

The incident wasn’t time consuming and I eagerly hoped to return to my run without a change in those prior feelings.  As soon as we arrived back at the station we were dispatched to an apartment fire. The fire was easily manageable, but unfortunately the occupant had significant signs of smoke inhalation and burn injuries while trying to extinguish the fire and locate his dog prior to our arrival.

The two incidents lasted the better part of three hours. Once the paperwork was complete I returned to my run. I never quite settled into the same graceful rhythm I had a few hours prior. Although, I give myself an A+ for dedication to finish my workout at 1am.

I’m lucky to have a job than gives me the ability to run while on duty, but it is not always a perfect scenario.

Run:

4.0 miles

42:42

10:40 pace