WTF M-NCPPC*?

I run enough on the Rock Creek Trail that I've learned the location of many public porta-potties. Sure, they're unpleasant, but far more pleasant than the alternative, which is peeing in the woods and risking getting poison oak or poison ivy in places you really don't want it. Besides, I'm pretty sure I can't identify either species. So I wasn't too worried on Sunday morning when I went for a run and, as I was parking, noted that my body felt it was time to be rid of all that coffee. I knew there was a porta-potty about a quarter of a mile from where I parked. As I ran up, I saw it wasn't there anymore. No matter, there would be another one about a mile away. When I arrived, that one wasn't there either. Hmmm. Well, that sucked, but there is another one about one more mile after that. Also not there. I'm smart enough that I started to see the pattern, so I can't say I exactly expected the next one to be there either. It wasn't. But, that particular porta-potty had been next to a community clubhouse/sports facility, so I figured I'd just use whatever facilities they had at the clubhouse. As I ran up, I was relieved to see there were bathrooms on the outside of the building. Finally! Success! Except when I tried the handle, the door was locked and there was a sign that said "These facilities for use by permit only. Use porta-johns provided by M-NCPPC." Arrrgghh!! By this time I was almost halfway through my 7 miles, so I just continued on to my turnaround point and finished my run. I contemplated going in the woods, but the trees don't have leaves yet, so there was no hiding from the hundreds of people frolicking outside on the first nice weekend in months. The silver lining to all this is that I stayed motivated throughout the run to keep my pace up!

*Maryland-National Capital Parks and Planning Commission