Struggles of a Road Runner

Today was a beautiful day for a run. The high was 72 degrees, it was slightly overcast, and there was a decent breeze coming out of the North (in this town where hills are non-existent you substitute with wind). With weather like that I thought I would put in a longer than normal run, I thought seven sounded good. And for the most part it was a great run. The actual exertion of energy was great, the run itself was great, the surroundings were not so great.

Today I took a route I had never taken before. I figured that since I would be going longer, I should hop on some longer stretches of road. I started off heading South and hung a right onto Highway 6. I was a little worried about this just because there is something intimidating about a 6,000 pound steel box traveling much faster than I am. But I found out that highway running is much better than urban trots. For a little over one mile it was a very smooth run.

And you know, maybe it was because I ran a smooth stretch of road on the highway, or rather the smoothly paved shoulder of the highway, but I just was unhappy with the urban section of my route. If anyone reading this is not a road runner or cyclist, heed this information that I am going to give. Move over!

There isn't sidewalk everywhere. As a result, sometimes I have to run on the street. I don't like it anymore than the motorists I am sure, but I have to. I try to look behind me regularly, and then move off the road while the car passes me. But I am human and not even close to perfect. And here is where the move over comes into play. If there is no oncoming traffic, why can't motorists move completely into the other lane? Are they that lazy? Too comfortable riding in their leather trim seats fast on the highway to obesity, heart disease, and becoming another statistic of America? Well I am sorry it is so hard to turn that wheel. And this is only the first degree of offenses.

Some people decide, 'I guess I will drive 60 mph no more than 2 feet away from this kid, but I better yell something while I do it!' Real cool people. What good does it do? You are driving way too fast for me to hear more than a millisecond of whatever you are saying! And chances are you are saying something like, 'Get off the road!' Well, no. I'm a pedestrian, I get the right away. Again, my first choice is the sidewalk. Sometimes I have to run on the road, so respect me. But today it got a little worse.

In my last mile today, as I always try, I picked up the pace of my run. I am by no means fast, but I try. And this gets me pretty tired, out of breath, and a little edgy. But that shouldn't matter really, because no one should mess with me as I wouldn't mess with others. But today was ridiculous. Today these kids slowed down to my speed and for nearly the whole mile they hassled me. 'Run Forrest, Run!' So I turned my head to see what they were doing and I think they tried to pick a fight with me. 'What are you looking at asshole?' Well, I am looking at the kids who slowed down just to hassle the guy who is just minding his own business on a run.

I just don't get it. What is the fascination? I am just a guy that is trying to better myself. Give me a break.

Just a little rant about today, I feel better though.

Also, I came across a great album the other day, for anyone who is looking for some good music. It is by Tom Morello, guitarist for Rage Against the Machine and Audioslave. He goes under the moniker of The Nightwatchman and the album's title is 'One Man Revolution'. A man, an acoustic guitar, and some powerful messages. Give it a listen if you feel like expanding your taste.