It would, of course, be preferable if one didn’t have to run for a train at all. In a perfect world you would stroll at a comfortable pace to the platform, hop on the train, find a seat and then the train would pull out of the station. In reality, I find myself cutting it ridiculously fine rather too often. And whilst I end up leaping on the train, puffing, I am really very grateful (and a bit pleased with myself) that in middle age I am still able to run the full length of the platform in my work boots with a backpack on.

Monet's painting of the Gare St-Lazare full of steam
Monet – Gare St-Lazare, 1877