First Track Tuesday of 2026

Era of WTF… Resistance and Joy

Today felt like the first day of school. The kind where you barely sleep the night before because you’re so excited. Over summer break, you didn’t get to see your friends, and now you can’t wait to see everyone and catch up. That’s exactly how I felt.

After summer track ended in July, there was nothing for five months. I know the break was much needed, but the excitement to get started again was real.

This morning, I was at the Reggie by 5:45 a.m. We’re supposed to be there by 6:00, and 6:34 is when we start.

Luckily, the 26-degree weather wasn’t too bad. There was no wind, and everything felt calm. Unfortunately, the Reggie was locked, so we had to wait outside. Once inside, it smelled like Track Tuesday. As people slowly walked in, there were hugs, “Happy New Year” greetings, catching-up conversations, and smiles. It was great to see old familiar faces—and new ones too.

The workout for today was 8–10 400s with a one-minute rest. My indoor track math was rusty, so I had to ask how many laps made a 400. Two. Got it—twice around. We were running at a 10K pace, which came out to about 2:22 per 400. Got it.

We did our 8-minute warm-up, stretches, and then we were off. I saw folks from Pioneer, Trailblazhers, LiveFitArmy, BMR, and the Heartbreakers.

Even in this place of joy, I was fully aware of what today represents. January 6th marks the day the Capitol was raided—when people and police were attacked, and our government was assaulted by a mob. Many of those who carried out that violence were encouraged by the man in the White House at the time. I remember watching it unfold on TV in horror as the destruction continued.

What’s striking is that none of the newspapers are talking about it today. This should be front-page news everywhere, but it isn’t. This is where we are—when everything is controlled by oligarchs, and facts or opinions that don’t align with those in power are punished or defunded.

This morning, though, was my joyful place. Being in a running community—having fun, supporting each other—felt amazing. This is where I want to be. I chose to be in this space.