Probably the most appropriate song I’ve ever had in my head during a run. Maybe it came to mind because I was thinking about pace, or going the distance in a full marathon some day.
Or maybe it was in my head because I’ve been listening to music on Grooveshark while working, and made it a point to find my favorite Cake tunes. I could have gotten to there in a number of ways, but it was perfect last night during my 8 miler.
I took it easy on the pace during the out half, because I wanted to be able to finish strong on the back. Finishing strong is always hard for me, since we live at virtually the highest altitude in Lebanon. Regardless of where I run, I always have to climb my way back home. I’m sure it’s good for leg strength, but it gets old.
I had a unique experience last night on my way back. At about 11pm I’m running down a sidewalk that is partially lit. A quiet street at night, no cars, enough light to keep from tripping over uneven sidewalks. Up ahead on the sidewalk walking in the opposite direction I see a dark figure. This always makes me a little uneasy when it’s late at night. I know it shouldn’t. Who would mug a runner? Some one who really likes sweaty wicking tees and gu?
Awkward moment… do I get off the narrow walkway and run on the street as I pass by? I’m already on the left side so it wouldn’t be dangerous. I’ve done that before just out of courtesy, but this time I decide to stay because I don’t want to look like I’m scared.
As the figure gets closer it looks BIG. Not necessarily tall, but BIG. It gets a little closer. I realize it looks big because the figure is wearing a black trench coat. Now I start to sweat a little more because, naturally, I associate black trench coats with school shootings and the guy from “I Know What You Did Last Summer”. Or maybe even the guy from “I Still Know What You Did Last Summer”.
I never bullied nerdy kids in school, and I’m pretty sure I never ran over a guy and threw his body in the ocean, agreeing with my friends never to discuss it again. So I shouldn’t have to worry about black trench coat guys. But it was easily upper 70s last night and there was no chance of rain. Obviously this guy had a little crazy in him. Maybe he wasn’t motivated by teasing or being hit by a car and thrown in the ocean, maybe he just liked murdering unsuspecting runners.
As I got within about 10 yards I see he’s got big headphones on, hands in pockets, and looks friendly. The mood lightens as I veer to the right and prepare to pass by. At about 10 feet he pulls his left hand out of his pocket… I tense up a little and watch for the ice pick, but the hand is empty. He raises it to his forehead and… what? He salutes me. That’s right. A military hand salute.
Quick eye contact, a small wave, and a “how’s it goin” as we passed. Close up, he looked like a nice kid, 17-20 years old. Once I was past him I grinned and wondered why he was out there in a trench coat, why he walked in such long strides, and why he saluted me. Maybe he was just nervous like me and we just have different ways of trying to hide it. For me it was the wave and the “how’s it goin”; for him it was the salute.
Anyway it’s been a good running week so far. Ran 6.2 on Monday night and 8 last night.
Before I wrap this up, I want to give a shout out to the trench coat kid. If some how you happen upon this blog young man, I want you to know, you made my night.
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