I was pretty proud this morning. Instead of sitting around dreading having to run three miles today, I just got dressed and did it. Is this progress? Or is this caffeine? Who knows.
For some reason my calves were killing me today. My breathing was great. Everything felt fine. But my calves were going rogue on me and deciding I could just run without them. Not bloody likely, calves. I kept hoping they'd jump on the bandwagon eventually; they started cramping at about 2.5 miles. My body's individual parts are just as stubborn as their owner, apparently. Also, a muscle cramp will make you contort yourself into crazy shapes in the middle of the road. I felt as though I should bring a hat and set it on the ground in front of me during those moments; I think I could collect a fair amount of tips during my performance.
I finally got my legs under control and started to run home, trying to finish big. My time today was a little slower than usual, and I was trying to bring my average up on the last push. Then I saw something shiny; a pink iPod shuffle was just lying in the middle of the street. I stood there, thinking about what to do. Ruining my time. Over a shiny object. Should I try to find the owner? It looked pretty banged up. Maybe the universe was giving me a present for running. Maybe it doesn't even work.
In my moment of distraction I heard barking, which is nothing new. All the neighborhood dogs bark at the passing runners. It really is just background noise at this point. But this barking grew closer. I turned around and saw this tiny, hairy dog barreling towards me, planning to probably eat me. The owner was chasing it yelling, "Charlie! Charlie!" Charlie?! Charlie was trying to eat me. I am thinking Spike or Jaws would be more apropos. Charlie sounds like we should enjoy a cup of tea together. This was not a Charlie. This was a bloodthirsty animal trying to take advantage of my "oooohhh, something shiny" moment.
I decided in the wild I'd probably be eaten rather quickly. My instincts took a minute to kick in. However, I finally began to run for my life, pink iPod in hand, Charlie not close behind. I was trying to yell something, but I was a little short of breath. It came out, "Why... leash.... Charlie... Help... Tired." Something like that. Soon Charlie gave up pursuit and returned to his owner, still growling at me. The owner was apologizing, but at that point I was just ready to get home.
On that note, everyone should use a leash. Even if you're dog has a friendly name like Charlie. And if anyone lost a pink iPod in my neighborhood, you're welcome to have it back. But beware of Charlie on your way.
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