Why is it that stupid drivers can so easily ruin a perfectly good run? Tonight my friend and I headed down to the store for our weekly Wednesday night run. We were about only 5 minutes in when a common occurence happened. Picture this:
- A group of at least 15 runners is running on the sidewalk, coming up on a driveway out of the mall
- There is a car waiting at the stop sign
- After about 2 or 3 of us cross in front of the car, the driver jams on the gas and tries to get out of the driveway before the rest of us cross in front of him
- Obviously not having the space to do so, he cuts ends up cutting us off
- One of the runners in our groups almost got his toes run over so he tapped the car's bumper with his hand
I haven't tapped a car myself, but have been cut off so many times I've wanted to, that's for sure. Anyhow, the driver didn't like this, threw his car in reverse, revved the car backwards down the driveway and almost took out a few more of us. He then got out of his car and started yelling profanities at all of us. I couldn't believe it!
I understand that drivers can sometimes get impatient and frustrated when there is a large group of pedestrians crossing in front of them. However, I don't think it's appropriate to try and squeeze a big steel vehicle in between helpless little runners crossing with the right of way! I've been with many runners who have yelled, tapped or even kicked cars that weren't looking out for pedestrians, but never have we been yelled at. This driver stood on the road, shaking his fist and swore at all of us for a good few minutes. It was ridiculous.
As a runner I try to be courteous and to obey all signals and run in a way that drivers can anticipate what I'm doing and where I am going. I always try to run in the most visible spot, in bright reflective clothing with as many flashing lights as possible. However, no matter how much you look out for yourself, there is always a driver out there who still thinks they own every inch of the road.
Frustrating.
Anyhow, we managed to run a good little run tonight. Which is surprising since my legs are like jelly after a particularly wicked Pilates class on the chair apparatus. Here's what we did:
- Total distance: 4.77 km
- Total time: 30:52
- Average pace: 6.28/km
It felt good tonight. It was warm too (a balmy 10 degrees) and boy did it feel good to shed a few layers and run without a coat tonight! Running is starting to feel good again and I think I'm feeling more energetic when it comes to activity. Yay - maybe I'll actually survive my plan to continue running throughout this pregnancy! I just hope little Reuben doesn't mind all that bouncing! Ha ha.
Tonight my friend and I headed down to the store for our weekly Wednesday night run. We were about only 5 minutes in when a common occurence happened. Picture this:
I haven't tapped a car myself, but have been cut off so many times I've wanted to, that's for sure. Anyhow, the driver didn't like this, threw his car in reverse, revved the car backwards down the driveway and almost took out a few more of us. He then got out of his car and started yelling profanities at all of us. I couldn't believe it!
I understand that drivers can sometimes get impatient and frustrated when there is a large group of pedestrians crossing in front of them. However, I don't think it's appropriate to try and squeeze a big steel vehicle in between helpless little runners crossing with the right of way! I've been with many runners who have yelled, tapped or even kicked cars that weren't looking out for pedestrians, but never have we been yelled at. This driver stood on the road, shaking his fist and swore at all of us for a good few minutes. It was ridiculous.
As a runner I try to be courteous and to obey all signals and run in a way that drivers can anticipate what I'm doing and where I am going. I always try to run in the most visible spot, in bright reflective clothing with as many flashing lights as possible. However, no matter how much you look out for yourself, there is always a driver out there who still thinks they own every inch of the road.
Frustrating.
Anyhow, we managed to run a good little run tonight. Which is surprising since my legs are like jelly after a particularly wicked Pilates class on the chair apparatus. Here's what we did:
It felt good tonight. It was warm too (a balmy 10 degrees) and boy did it feel good to shed a few layers and run without a coat tonight! Running is starting to feel good again and I think I'm feeling more energetic when it comes to activity. Yay - maybe I'll actually survive my plan to continue running throughout this pregnancy! I just hope little Reuben doesn't mind all that bouncing! Ha ha.