No Race!

 In the evenings after work, I often do see people racing to the subway train. It's compelling to participate in the amazing race, not only because it's good for one's health, but also because it allays the fears of "falling behind" that often assail people in the big cities. I have to say that recently, I have taken to walking more quickly in public spaces, simply because it gives me a more vigorous approach to the rush hour. I am much less tired when I use the time between places to do a bit of exercise.
  I think the trick to walking fast is not to do so with any destination in mind. I manage this by getting up early to go to work, so that I am not impelled to rush when I get to the office. When I am leaving work to go to an event with volunteering or school, it's not so easy to tell if I will reach my destination on time. But at least I can tell myself that some of that "getting there" is beyond my control anyway, so it's best not to have that goal in mind so much.
     Does running fast mean that it has to be a "race" to get from A to Z? This is interesting, because for me it becomes a symbol of what urban life often seems like. I have heard the expression "rat race" many times, and this evokes for me images of animals chasing each others' tales to get to the finish line or to the top of an echelon. But sooner or later, one feels the frustration of knowing that such a race has no end. I might be ahead one day (so to speak) only to find myself supplanted the next day. Perhaps the only person one can really "outdo" is oneself, and even here, one must be careful not to burn themselves out with unrealistic expectations.