Runner Rage?!

Grouse Mountain Snowshoeing

Lately, I've been trying to get my mileage back up but because I ripped off 17 layers of skin from my feet when I did some snowshoeing a few weeks ago, it's been pretty painful. I made the mistake of wearing runners with rental snowshoes. I normally wear proper snow boots, but I wanted to "run" this time. Well, let's just say, I had some issues walking by the end of those 90 minutes. I could have been wearing the best wicking socks and slathered my feet in Body Glide and it would have still been a disaster because the snowshoes were just simply to heavy for the runners. The constant rain hasn't helped either. Wet feet and blisters, don't really work well together. It's frustrating but I've been making do the best I can. I've been using cetrimide and Polysporin along with blister bandages and wraps. I've also had to take time off of running and go to the gym for some cross-training instead. (Boo!) Oh well - you do what ya-gotta do! :-) Anyways...

Use Your Road Sense - Caution: Ranting Ahead

When I do go for my runs, I try to stay on the trails as much as I can. However, in order to get to/from the trails, I have to do some running on the sidewalks (road). I would say about 50% of drivers are pretty good about stopping/waiting and being otherwise courteous to me. Some even smile, wave or go as far as yelling something encouraging. I always use crosswalks, stop-lights and never just dart-out on to the roads in front of drivers. I wait my turn then walk across if it's a busy intersection. If it's dark out, I wear a headlamp and reflective clothing. The last thing I want is to be is a road pancake and never be able to run again. Unfortunately, many drivers think that just because they are in a giant piece of moving machinery, they think it's OK to intimidate me. If I'm crossing at a crosswalk while the flashing "man" is telling me it's OK to walk, you'd think it's safe. Well, it's not...

Yesterday, I had some jerk practically run me over, then flip me the bird when I stopped to shake my head. Super obnoxious! What people don't get is that I've been waiting for the light to change, too! Not to mention, PEDESTRIANS HAVE THE RIGHT OF WAY. I've even had people lay on the horn in the past. So, I stand in the front of their car and tell them to look at the flashing 'pedestrian-man-walking' sign. Not sure if those type of people should be driving, anyway. They'll be in an accident by the end of the day with that type of attitude. These sort of fiasco's put a bad taste in my mouth and leave me angry instead of happy at the end of my run. I keep picturing myself jumping onto the hood of the car and kicking out their windshield. Runner rage?! I think so! LOL. So the moral of the story is: If you're a driver, slow down and use your road sense! If you hit a pedestrian at a crosswalk it will be 100% YOUR fault! Just sayin...

Well, that is all... Thanks for reading. :-)