Wake UP !!

Today’s blog is more for info and something to pass along to friends and relatives that may not really understand the dangers they pose of the roadways with their vehicles. OR,,, Sometimes it is good/fun just to rant about something.

Wake up ! It never ceases to amaze me ( sometimes that doesn’t take so much) how people driving a multiple thousand pound vehicle appear to be paying attention to everything and anything except,,, where they are aiming their missile! That’s right, this rant is for all of the folks out there that think their computers that keep the car engine running, will also with a bit of hocus pocus, will point and aim that dang thing. Here is a news flash. Your vehicle does not have a brain in reference to avoiding killing someone, even if it has the capacity to parallel park itself when you let go of the wheel and hit a magic button. You folks who are runners or cyclist know what I am ranting about. It never fails to be on the road and have an approaching vehicle that comes at you like it has a multi million dollar government tracking devise that the driver has set to a auto kill staging format for any and all pedestrians while on my way to work or for that matter their next Big Mac. It is somewhat a little relief when you see the drivers eyes widen about the width of the road when they notice you at the last moment and jerk the wheel violently so much so, that they clearly have attended the Richard Petty driving school. Otherwise they would have their vehicle sideways in a real Nascar fashion. At least we have to consider the premise that these folks are not intentionally attempting to kill us but just plain slackers when it comes to their driving skills.

While I am on my box about careless drivers, I am about fed up with folks to that seem to believe their tires can’t dare touch the yellow center lines of the road to allow a little sliver of space for us. Really? Lets see; no oncoming traffic, no vehicles parked in the roadway of the oncoming lanes, so what is the deal? I usually find this scenario with elderly folks. Yes I can say that because I am almost one myself. These drivers seem to think that the Po-Po is just around the corner and heaven forbid if he saw their tires touch that holy yellow line. They would surely be pulled over, cuffed and stuffed for one of Americas most heinous crimes, touching a yellow line with your tire while moving. How about this? Get the heck over before you kill someone! The lawman really will cut you some slack for avoiding the possibility of killing a pedestrian. But what if there is oncoming traffic? How about you slow down enough to wait until you can provide enough of a space for the pedestrian?

I realize that this crazy idea would cause you to loose a whopping 10 seconds but my experience is that most elderly are going no where and have all day to get there. ( See prior note about my age) For any of those that may be much younger, I leave you with this, I think you can spare 10 seconds a lot easier than 10 years in the slammer. Think about it.

 Lace em up and be careful out there. The crazies are always on the roadway and you are in the crosshair.

You Are How OLD??

I made it out this morning for a 7.5 miler but late as usual. The heat and humidity was typical Columbia torture, hot and painful.  I was at about mile 3 when I spotted a runner headed my way on the opposite side of the road. He was still a good distance away but I could tell he was moving at a fairly slow pace. His steps were labored. It takes one to know one,, huh? Anyway, as he approached I noticed he had begun to slow to a fast walk. I didn’t have to guess what the problem may have been. It was certainly the heat had beaten this guy to relent to a conservative smart pace. I always admire runners that have the gift or lack of in reference to being so hard headed. I usually want to deny how hot it is or the spots I am seeing in my vision are just some pesky knats and surely I am not so dizzy that I can’t continue on to complete my pre planned run. Right.

 Anyway, I decided to cross over to the other side just to see if he was OK and determine if I knew this guy. As I approached him, I recognized him from a prior encounter about 3 years ago while I was about in the same location while training for a marathon. He was an older gentleman but still out there on the pavement,,, in the heat. We discussed the heat and humidity along with our latest race events and outcomes. I was actually thankful that I had taken the time to grab a quick break and catch up with this guy named Sas. Yep Sas is his nickname that he uses. He still has an accent from somewhere and I don’t mean from around SC or the USA. He is a very interesting fellow. He then decided to ask me how old I thought he was. I always hate being in that position with that sort of question but instantly knew I would give him the benefit of the doubt and shoot for a little lower number than what I really thought he was in his years. I am always concerned that I will tell someone they look much older than they are. I had guessed around 68 while I was actually thinking he may be closer to 70. He laughed and then informed me he was 83. Yes, 83 and running in the Columbia heat in the mid 80’s. I was inspired and told him so. It was actually a great moment of encouragement for me. I have stated on numerous occasions that I desire to continue running until they pick me up one day in a 6 ft box on the side of the road or trail. Yes, I am really OK if I am out running when God takes me to my permanent home.

 I would also mention that this guy had suffered a heart attack some years back but refused to let that put him out of our sport. He also stated that his last race had been on a trail at a State Forest. He did stumble over a stump and fall but still managed to finish. Do you understand why I was encouraged so much on this mornings run? I told him that my goal was to follow his lead. I wanted to run until the end. I wished him well and thanked him for his encouragement by example. I think both of us were grateful for the short visit. So what is the point about this morning run? I am not one who seeks to find people to talk to. I value my time alone on the pavement. No interruptions from anyone or anything is what I desire. I actually attempt to avoid anyone that I do not know as a good friend. It is strange for me to stop someone running and start discussing anything. It was just one of those serendipity moments that life sometimes brought our way. The problem is that I usually miss them. So I guess you could say that the heat was a good thing today. It caused me to stop and check on another runner. It caused me to be encouraged that I may have another 15 to 20years to run. SO, lace em up and don’t forget to take your time to discover that taking a break in the heat can do more than provide a chance to catch your breath. It may allow you to be encouraged by the person you stopped to help.

But I don't Want To Run

If you are honest with yourself, this thought has crossed your mind a few times within the last week. With the temperature hitting upwards of a regular 103 degrees it takes a certain level of determination to hit the road. I mean, just dealing with the melting rubber off of the sole of your running shoes is enough of a distraction. Never mind the thoughts in reference to your last will and testament being up to date. After the first few miles you quickly realize that the chances of you returning home without having a heat stroke  or dying occur to be  seemingly feasible. I think that is why it is so important to not just run smart but to run extremely smart. I mean that a mistake in this heat could be really lethal. Even if we run with some regard to the heat we could still find ourselves in a dangerous situation that may not be fatal but may cause us to have to suspend our running or even worse yet, retire from running altogether. That second one for some of us would be almost as bad as dying in the heat. I have no idea what I would do if I couldn't run. It continues to be my physical life support to relieve stress and think through life's questions. So, I am thinking I need to ad to my statement. It is not that I don't want to run, it is, I do not want to run without being very careful to make certain and run smart. Remember, Run to Run another day. Besides that, I have another 70 mile relay in September to run. I would really be upset if I was the cause that prevented me from participating with my other 3 team mates. So, lace um up and be careful out there. You really should not be worried about that last will and testament being up to date you know.