We’ve all been there.
We’ve all shared a similar experience.
We’ve all wondered why.
I’m speaking of the inevitable encounter each runner ultimately has with a certifiable, card carrying a**hole behind the wheel.
I had mine today.
There I was just a couple of miles into a nice run, passing through the histori
c Grandin Village, a quaint little neighborhood district featuring a restored theater, bookstore, restaurants and shops, when this maniacal motorist suddenly decided he needed to liven things up by speeding through this pedestrian friendly area.
In addition, he also apparently determined his lane was shrinking and therefore proceeded to bear down on me as he hugged the curb.
We’ve all shared a similar experience.
We’ve all wondered why.
I’m speaking of the inevitable encounter each runner ultimately has with a certifiable, card carrying a**hole behind the wheel.
I had mine today.
There I was just a couple of miles into a nice run, passing through the histori
c Grandin Village, a quaint little neighborhood district featuring a restored theater, bookstore, restaurants and shops, when this maniacal motorist suddenly decided he needed to liven things up by speeding through this pedestrian friendly area.In addition, he also apparently determined his lane was shrinking and therefore proceeded to bear down on me as he hugged the curb.
Fortunately, a quick step to my left put me on the sidewalk and out of harm’s way but as he passed, I couldn’t help but notice the look (and universally recognized gesture of displeasure) that was forthcoming from his vehicle.
I was sorely tempted to return said gesture along with a discarded brick I saw on the sidewalk but instead, I continued on and as I did so, I wondered what might have caused him to behave in this manner. In an effort to give him the benefit of the doubt, I surmised that perhaps there were unknown circumstances which contributed to his actions.
For example:
* Perhaps he burnt his toast earlier in the morning. We all know how badly that can impact one’s day.
* Or maybe, when he left his house, he inadvertently stepped in a recently deposited pile left by an unleashed wondering mutt.
* It’s possible, I suppose that he isn’t a Saturday Guy and therefore harbors deep seated resentment towards those who are.
Whatever the reason, I didn’t let it ruin my morning.
6.1 miles today.
“The human brain is like a railroad freight car -- guaranteed to have a certain capacity but often running empty.” - Anon
I was sorely tempted to return said gesture along with a discarded brick I saw on the sidewalk but instead, I continued on and as I did so, I wondered what might have caused him to behave in this manner. In an effort to give him the benefit of the doubt, I surmised that perhaps there were unknown circumstances which contributed to his actions.
For example:
* Perhaps he burnt his toast earlier in the morning. We all know how badly that can impact one’s day.
* Or maybe, when he left his house, he inadvertently stepped in a recently deposited pile left by an unleashed wondering mutt.
* It’s possible, I suppose that he isn’t a Saturday Guy and therefore harbors deep seated resentment towards those who are.
Whatever the reason, I didn’t let it ruin my morning.
6.1 miles today.
“The human brain is like a railroad freight car -- guaranteed to have a certain capacity but often running empty.” - Anon
1 comment:
Although I'm sure the guy you encountered was just being a jerk, I am always surprised when I talk to my non-running friends about "those crazy runners in the street". I tell them that we have a right, 2 abreast actually, to run against traffic. And most of them honestly (their my friends, so I believe them) didn't know that they are supposed to yield to us. But, then these are the same people who don't yield in the grocery store parking lot, on base (at work), or anywhere else that there is a crosswalk of sorts.
I always enjoy reading your blog. The post about Italy holds a dear place in my heart as my parents are Italian, and I have never been fortunate to visit and see where I'm from. Thanks for sharing your experience!
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