runners beware

I woke up unmotivated this morning. My hope was to wake up early and go for a nice long run in the early hours. Nope. It was not until I read Maddie's "You know you need a shower when" post, that I decided it was a beautiful morning and I should not pass up getting out for a run. Well of course, if Maddie ran 12, I had to go further and planned a nearly 15 mile route. One of the things I like about living in a small town is the ability to run out in the country. I don't know, there is just something about running on gravel roads...(it actually reminds me of our annual run at Mr. Gorham's house in high school - too bad there are no pancake eating contests at the end of my runs anymore! Nancy - we are still the champs!)

"Unexpected Visitors"

I had two unexpected visitors on my run today. The first showed up around mile 2 and was a short, broad shouldered, golden lab. The little guy stuck with me for about 3 miles. I actually had to change my route so I could run him back to his house. I am pretty sure he was planning on running the entire thing with me.

The second visitor actually showed up a bit before the lab, but I didn't think anything of it at that point. Around mile 2 of my run I stopped (I know I know - I am so out of shape!) to do a bit of stretching and a pickup pulled over to ask me if I was the one selling the house up the road. Our encounter was less than 15 seconds and he was on his way as was I. Down the road, I saw the truck again. I saw him parked at a house - but as I ran by, he backed out of the drive and passed me again. Creepy - but, still not too worried.

As I got to the point where I decided I should turn around to bring my lab friend home, THERE WAS THE TRUCK! Pulled over on the side of the road, car parked, but not turned off. OMG. I ran by, gave a quick nod, picked up my pace and pulled out my phone. {On my long runs I wear a water belt (trying not to use the term fanny pack - because it is totally not! Just don't know what to call it) and when I remember I throw my phone in one of its pockets - just in case.} Nic was planning on driving my route on the way home for lunch, and I am sure he was not expecting a call from me - "You HAVE to come and pick me up on 160th St. NOW." The truck then proceeded to turn around, but parked again a short second later. I was just about to call the cops, but decided to just quicken my pace a bit more.

The truck was now out of sight and the lab's house was just up the road. I knew Nic was close by so I stopped by the house to see if I could return my running buddy to his owners. After checking the house and one of the barns, I didn't see anyone and continued on my way. Then up ahead - a pickup...slowing down. I knew it wasn't the same one, but did I scare ya?! I pointed to the dog suggesting "this yours?" It was. Farewell running buddy, it was fun! Then a short 10 seconds later, my knight in shiny armor...I mean a dusty golf, appeared on the horizon.

Well, my route was 10 miles shorter than expected but I learned a valuable lesson:
Running is dangerous and you just shouldn't do it.