The cheapest morning commute

My morning commute is pretty unique. And it may be best suited for fellow runners (congrats, marathoners!), though I think there's something for everybody.

Nearly every day I run to and from work, about 13 miles total.

Readers can feel free to start shaking their heads, but check out the benefits:

Financial:

A continually reloaded, unlimited MetroCard works out to about $1,350. With that saved dough, I can have a fancy $26 brunch every Sunday and break even. 

Or you can spend all $1,350 on this pizza.

Physical:

Running has a ridiculous amount of health benefits. In the morning, I run 7 miles to an NYC recreation center ($12/month for access to all the recreation centers in NYC, including pool access) where I take a quick shower and change clothes thanks to my insanely compact, lightweight Blue Seventy backpack ($45). Then, a stroll to work. After work, I change back into my running clothes and run another 6 miles.

With this approach, I've sandwiched a very decent workout around a very sedentary workday as a psychotherapist. By the time I arrive at work, I'm not waking up. I'm fully awake and calmed. 

Emotional:

Imagine you didn't have to ride the subway to work. It's leaps and bounds above what it was when I was a kid, but it's still dirty, dense, and doesn't consistently work/follow a set schedule. 

Compare that to running. I breathe fresh air and get to see my community each morning and night. The city is emptier, since so many folks are actually on the subway. 

I get to cross the massive bridges we've constructed and view the gorgeous New York City skyline that I might otherwise miss. And I never have to worry about "Train traffic ahead of us" or when we'll "Be moving shortly." I know I'll always arrive at work on time since I run the same pace each time. I know when I leave work, when I'm going to get home.

Rather than exercise feeling like a chore that gets in the way of me getting to work or going home, it is part of the process. And each workday starts with me already feeling like I've accomplished something. 

It's easy to miss in transit that this is a beautiful city.

Social/Communication:

If someone needs to reach me, they can. I'm not straining for a phone signal. I'm listening to a podcast, the news, or some music. If my wife and I concocted dinner plans but we're missing some ingredient, I'll get the message en route and pick it up. I also am constantly finding great places in my neighborhood as I take slightly different routes depending on which traffic light indicates I can "Walk."