Saucony Ride 17:
As she pulls me over her foot, I wonder, “how fast are we going today?” I am hoping to pick up the pace and feel that sense of flying. However, after hastily slipping me on, we are out the door without even so much as a dynamic stretch. From the moment she takes her first strides, her feet are as heavy as the humidity laden air; there is nothing carefree about the stride or the mood. As we transition from pavement to the soft dirt of the streetcar tracks, it becomes clear that she chose her safe route, the 5 mile out-and-back.
Me, runner:
Most days I truly feel as though there are wins, but today is not one of those days. From the moment I crossed the threshold of the doors into the clinic, the chaos closed in on me. On days like this, running in the dark as the sun sets at 4:50 pm might be the last thing I want to do, but, of course, I slip my shoes on anyways.
I logged 962 miles of running this year thus far. Whether it be after a tough day in the clinic or a stressful study session, each of those miles brought me a profound sense of ease and a peace that contributes to my betterment as a human and a student.
Prior to matriculation into medical school, I worked as a medical assistant in a bustling dermatology practice that specialized in Mohs procedures. It was in this role that I first saw how impactful running is to my mental sharpness and capabilities. When I went days without a run, I approached the clinic each morning with hesitancy at the tasks lying ahead, as doubts blossomed regarding the impending mayhem of the day. The thoughts of calling insurance companies to conduct prior authorizations or of knowing the caseload was hefty, could be intimidating at times. However, on the days I spent the morning pounding through the streets, I entered the clinic with provoking ideas on ways we could tackle the excisions and procedures for the day in a manner that best served the patients. Not only did I show up brighter and ready to collaborate with my colleagues but taking the time to invest in myself gave me a better capacity to learn about our patients. Using my lunch break to sit with those undergoing Mohs or learning the names of our patient Trish’s grandchildren was made possible by allowing myself to reboot with a run.
Saucony Ride 17:
By the first stoplight, the pace is slightly quickening as her sweat drips onto my laces from above. However, the tension is unmistakable, as I can feel the strain in her legs with each step. We eventually wave to a few strangers, and regulars, as the breeze around us pleasantly cools, despite the damp air.
Me:
The usual route seems like the best choice this evening, as I fear my mind cannot handle the runner’s math of attempting anything new. After standing all day, my legs weigh me down as I attempt to quicken my stride. However, it feels good to raise my heart rate and let my mind wonder. Despite the dark night, I see some of my usual running buddies under the streetlights. Of course, we exchange the customary runner wave and head nod.
Upon starting medical school, running became even more of a lifeline during my first year, as my days transitioned from patient facing to anatomy lab and sitting at my desk. Despite the constant need to study, I ensured I maintained my running schedule, and I even went so far as to train for and complete a marathon during my first semester. Training for the marathon involved running in the darkness prior to sunrise, as well as finding creative ways to ensure I hit my weekly mileage goals. Running 20 miles the day after a set of exams taught myself that I possess grit, and I have the capacity to achieve the goals I set for myself. This sense of accomplishment and pride carried over into my school life. Harnessing this ability to persist in challenging situations, I approached studying and school with the mindset that I can accomplish my goals and tasks. The lessons learned from a long run thus shaped who I became as a medical student and how I approached difficult periods of learning.
Saucony Ride 17:
After the turn-around, she begins to hum and sing, and I know that the rigidity from 2.5 miles prior is melting. As the pace continues to hasten, the gaiety is clear as we dance down the avenue. Only a mile left, and the strides are airy and quick. As we approach her street, the leaden footfalls are a thing of the past.
Now in my second year, even more important than a grand long run, my almost daily out and back 5-mile route anchors me to reality and always allows me to find a fresh perspective on whatever issue I am contemplating. Having a space and time where I can exist and let my mind wander allows me to recharge and present the best version of myself to those around me. By having an outlet that allows me to be the most capable version of myself, I can then pour that into others. This has proven useful in one of my roles this year as a clinic director at one of our student run community clinics. Each Saturday, I arrive to the Ozanam Inn, a clinic for the unhoused, to serve as the morning clinic director. At Oz, we see over 20 patients daily while working with limited resources, space, and medical professionals. It is my task to manage the workflow of the clinic, while ensuring each patient is seen in a timely manner and feels respected. It is my belief that running allows me to manage this clinic effectively as it provides a space to both ease my mind and let it run wild.
Me:
I finally allow myself to lean into the utter pleasantness of the run and of how rejuvenating it feels to have 5 miles of time with just myself, my thoughts, and the perfectly curated playlist. I yearn for the time to go a little longer.
As I enter my clinical years and beyond, I am aware the time I can run may be shortened, but I am positive that, on the days that I can run, I will be a better student, resident, and attending. Thus, the hero in my life and likely the lives of many medical students, physicians, and healthcare workers is running and the shoes that carry us. Spending time wandering on my feet allows me to show up for not only myself, but also for others, especially colleagues and patients. My Saucony Ride 17’s carry me far during the many minutes and miles that it can require to regroup in my mind, and they are constantly working in the background to ensure I bring my best self to everything I do.
Saucony Ride 17:
After climbing the 3 steps to the door, she sits down on her stoop to unlace me before gently sliding me off her right then left foot. Immediately I go into the lineup of shoes next to the front door.
Alexandra Cecile Chimento
Latest posts by Alexandra Cecile Chimento (see all)
- Running Through It All - April 22, 2025
Looming in Near the Future – The Uncertainty of Scientific Funding as a Young Investigator