Running To A New Home

Despite all the problems I’ve had with various residents in my apartment building’s gym and despite many hurdles that I have had to overcome to enjoy the use of my building’s fitness facilities, never once have I said I would rather it not be there. Rather, I’m thankful each and every time I receive a hateful stare from a fellow user of the building’s gym and, life without those stares would be not life at all.

However, soon I will have to part ways with my building’s gym and all the memories (both fond and un-fond) I’ve had there will become just that, memories of the past.

With 5 months remaining until my dopeness pregnant wife CVSW gives birth to Baby Petes, the time has finally come to search for an abode that can accommodate the newest member of our family while still giving CVSW and I a little space to ourselves (and, in so doing, allow for the eventual arrival of a 2^nd Baby Petes). For the past month or so, CVSW and I have been on a whirlwind tour of Manhattan searching for that perfect place where our family can grow together, laugh as one and run as a team. And while, obviously, more space is our biggest concern, just because I have to stop running for a few moments to take a look at all available spaces, running itself is never far from my mind.

Upon entering any of the new spaces we’ve looked at, the seller’s broker will inevitably accost us to sell us on all the virtues of the apartment both hidden and in plain sight. For those apartments that pass muster in terms of the actual space and much to the chagrin of my betrothed, I’ll cut the broker off in mid-sentence and will proceed to launch into the following soliloquy in regards to the secondary concerns most important to me:

“Allow me to stop you right there, Broker. Before I even begin to consider whether my lovely wife and I should begin to think about possibly purchasing this space, let’s me ask you a few questions.”

Looking at CVSW, whose cheeks have noticeably become red with love (or, as she puts it, embarrassment), with a confused look on her face, the broker usually tells me to ask her whatever questions I have.

“I wasn’t looking for your permission, Broker, but that’s kind of you to allow me to ask my questions. First of all, is there a fitness facility somewhere within the confines of this building that is available for its residents?”

Now appearing more relaxed at the seemingly easy question, the broker will tell me that, indeed, there is a gym in the building for all residents, usually at no additional cost. With that out of the way, most brokers think my questions have been answered and will begin to walk away to talk to other potential buyers of the space.

“You may have answered my question, but it was but one of many I have. Do tell me, broker, is this gym available 24-hours or are there certain operating hours?”

Of the 18 apartments I have seen so far, not one broker has been able to answer that question. While they’ve told me that they can go check, I have yet to get a concrete answer during my visits as to the normal operating hours of these apartment gyms.

Among my other runner-influenced issues when deciding which apartment will suit my needs, are:

- Are the floors think enough to support a treadmill should I decide to put one in my bedroom, living room or any other space?

- Will the electrical outlets supply enough electricity to give a treadmill the requisite juice it needs to run (pun intended) properly?

- If there isn’t a gym in the building, where is the closest gym and does the building have any arrangements worked out (again, pun intended) with the gym in which the residents of the building will receive any discounts?

- What is the building’s policy on allowing resident’s personal trainers access to the gym?

- Does the building plan on establishing time limits in the use of the cardio equipment?

By the time I’ve completed my ‘issues list,’ I kindly thank the broker, who has usually become anything but kind, and tell her/him that I will consider the apartment and will let them know.

Like the lawyer who sifts through reams of paper when conducting their due diligence, any serious runner must also do their own form of due diligence when considering where to live. And, like running marathon, finding the best apartment tests your endurance, stamina and mental and physical toughness. But in the end, no matter whether you’re crossing the finish line after running 26.2 miles or laying in bed in your new apartment, all the work that got you to where you are will most definitely have been worth it.