I'd Rather Be Chased By a Man Than a Dog... Scratch That -- 1.3 of B210K

There are days, where although I have learned to love running, I don't want to go out. Saturday I wanted to sleep in. I wanted to make the kids' Fun Run an excuse to not do MY run. I wasn't loathing the idea of running, I just wasn't looking forward to it.

It was a really lovely morning. The temperature was moderate (for running), but the sun was still low, and it was peaceful out.

I was a pessimist because I had had such frustrating runs lately, but I prepped the best I could, including lacing my shoes loosey goosey, and set out.

I have had three wonderful friends suggest that my numb foot issue was because of a common problem of legs being irregular lengths. Fortunately I've already had my legs and hips tested, and much to the surprise of the doctors who checked (for my back injury in 2002), my legs are the exact same length. So I know that's out. I'm going with the too small of shoes, since I haven't gotten fit for running shoes, which you're supposed to buy a little large in case of swelling. My cross trainers fit exactly right for being cute little tennies.

Running into the park, knowing I had three loops to do, was both exciting (look how far I can run!) and hideous (look how far I have to run!). It was so barren and quiet. Where my virtual running partner, KNBO'R, comes up with lovely ideas of Harry Potter come to life when she hears a coyote, I come up with terrible concoctions in my head of attack by unleashed dogs.

You see, at this lovely park, there is a dog park that is very well used. Unfortunately for those of us who do not own/adore our four-legged comrades, it brings a feeling of unease to see dogs running hither and yon without leashes, in a public place. Of course if I ever have a dog, who I would know is safe, it would not bother me one bit. I must live up to my double standard.

As I ran, I jokingly thought to myself that I would rather be chased by a man (as in hubba hubba) than a dog. At that moment, on run three, finishing loop two, in the corner of my eye, I was startled to see a dog tearing after me! My heart went straight into my throat and I jumped off the trail to avoid the dog! Fortunately it wasn't snarling, or really "chasing", but rather "following" me. BLAH!!!! I continue running, the dog still following me. My heartrate returning to normal.

THEN out of the corner of my eye, I see something much bigger approaching! A MAN! Again, heart+throat+jump out of the way. It was a jogger. I swear. Maybe I need to change my music to The Carpenters.

The man was just a man jogger. I have come to learn man joggers must be men who practice for years on a treadmill before they go outside. Men joggers are FAST. And none of them sweat. And they all look like professionals. It's so rude.

The dog was still following me. Turning completely around, I see this poor 20something girl in flip flops, short shorts, and bohemian blouse, with long, dark curly hair and sunglasses (at 8am???), running as best she could after her little escape artist. Trying to call the dog off, and send it back, it was having too much fun following me. So I turned around and ran back to his owner, knowing the dog would follow me, but not listen to reason. Poor girl. (Yet I can't help but cynically think "why'd she take the dog off the leash at the regular park if she can't chase after it?" sigh.)

I finished my third of four runs, further than my other two runs, and feeling amazing. I don't know if it was the adrenaline that brought my second wind, but I was happy for it. I saw The Captain's tennis playing friends (from church) at the park, and waved.

And I ran home. I was part-way through my cool down when I realized what I did. I completed the run I didn't think I could do! 53 minutes start to finish (including warm up and cool down)!

I can't wait for week 2! As much as I dread always having to push myself and try hard EVERY day, I love learning that I can do this.

I loved that my foot finally didn't go numb.

I am glad I learned that I would rather be chased by a dog than a man.

I am thankful The Captain thinks it would be wise for me to run with mace.

I am afraid I'll mistake it one day for my inhaler.

HAHAHA.

Wouldn't that make a fun, horrifying story?