Happy Thursday everyone!
Ever since I can remember, my mom (who used to be an avid runner) always told me, “Always stop for runners.” This was before I knew what the word “runner” was and before I was 10. Way before I knew how to drive. We’d be driving along and my mother would see a runner and she would say, “Always stop for runners.”
I have followed that driving mantra for quite sometime even before I considered myself a “runner.” From a runners perspective, crossing a street can be an annoying task. You have to look both ways many times and watch out for the lame drivers out there who could give a crap about you trying to run without stopping. This is especially true in urban settings where many runners have no choice but to brave the busy sidewalks next to impatient cars.
Yesterday, as you may have seen on Twitter, I had a terrible run. I didn’t go into detail (it’s a little difficult with 140 characters or less!), but it just sucked. First off, I didn’t fuel my body properly that day. I woke up late (I had to work last night so I was able to sleep in a little this morning) and since lunch wasn’t too far off, I decided to forgo my traditional high protein breakfast. All afternoon, I wasn’t feeling my best. My stomach hurt a little and it didn’t help that my lunch wasn’t too healthy either.
When I started my run, I just felt heavy. My legs were weighing me down and my stomach was in knots. I pushed through as long as I could and decided to turn back around.
As I was running back, I had to cross a street with a light. As clear as day, I saw a “walk signal.”
I ran across the street and as I was running, a driver decided to turn anyways and almost hits me! He even had the nerve to wave as he was turning like, “Oh hi! You don’t mind if I cut you off, right?!”
Grrrrrrr… I was LIVID. At that moment, I ran as fast as I could back to my car (now I know what a 7 min/mile pace feels like! haha!). When I got back to my car, my heart was beating so fast.
Always stop for runners. Thanks, Mom. You have taught me well. Since the age of 16 when I first was able to drive, I’ve always stopped for runners. But this doesn’t only apply to runners… this applies to bikers, walkers, whoever looks like they are out for a workout.
Runners, walkers, bikers… whoever… have you had a similar experience?!
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Some of you may think I’m a little nutso. Obviously, not as crazy as someone is (who ran three marathons in 3-months! She’s such an inspiration! 
) BUT, I’ve decided to sign up for…
It’s on April 25th, 2010… The George Washington Parkway Classic 10-mile run in Alexandria, VA! My training plan for my half marathon is on May 2nd and it calls for a 10-mile run on April 25th. How convenient! I’ve always wanted to run this race because since it’s one of my favorite drives in DC, I figured it’d be one of my favorite runs too! The GW Parkway took me from Virginia to DC often and the views are incredible.
Oh and the best part?! One of my favorite new bloggers, Kristen from Puddles of Run, plus another DC friend and possibly another are signed up too!
Now, I realize that I will be in training for my half at this time. So, I am approaching this run as a fun time with awesome people. It will be relaxed and I won’t be attempting a specific time. I just want to complete it!
Thanks for reading and I hope you all have a super duper day!
cheers! (as I hold up my tea mug),
Julie
{ 16 comments… read them below or add one }
Since I run in my neighborhood I haven’t experienced this. The 10 miler sounds like so much fun and since your half training calls for it’s perfect. Good luck with training.
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It is amazing how inconsiderate and dangerous people behave. I am so glad you were not hurt.
Congratulations on entering the run. Have a great time!
Melinda´s last blog ..Delurking Day
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Yayyy!! I am so excited! I will have to “officially” announce this on my blog soon!
I am signing up tonight after school!
I also ALWAYS look and stop for runners, walkers, etc. I can’t stand running and having people look at me like I am in the wrong for going on a walk sign, or walking in a cross walk.
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THIS IS EXACTLY WHY I’m TOO CHICKEN TO RUN OUTSIDE-EEEEEK!! Glad you’re ok…and man oh man you are an inspiration to ME!! I love your running goals!!! I hope to get there one day!!! GOOD FOR YOU!!
Jennifer´s last blog ..Shuffle!
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Yay!! You go girl!!
I don’t really run or walk… but I do have a idiot car experience. EVERY single day a man comes by the intersection leaving my neighborhood…. and it’s about 7:30 AM and the bus comes at 7:35 to pick up students. Soo… this guy runs the 4-way stop sign every day. In his family-sized minivan. While kids are sitting out waiting for the bus.
On Monday I had enough.. I was waiting so when he blew through the stop sign, I followed him. Then called my good friend the county dispatcher and had him ticketed. I mean… that’s worse than not stopping for a runner – they’re KIDS. And I didn’t even feel that bad about calling the cops.
ClassyFabSarah´s last blog ..Me & My BFF
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Awww, that really stinks! I can’t believe that guy did that! How rude!
A friend of mine last year actually got HIT BY A CAR while running! He had the right of way and the car wasn’t paying attention and hit him. He broke his leg.
Be careful!! Good for your for teaching you young!
Amber´s last blog ..Much better
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I’m so excited for your 10 miler. Be careful out there and glad you were safe! Sheesh that is one of my biggest fears for sure.
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!!! I ran the GW Pkwy 10 miler last year
It’s a fun race – tough because there’s not many crowds till the last mile or so but it’s a pretty run. Good luck!!! I’m running the NYC More/Fitness Magazine Half marathon that weekend in Manhattan – it’ll be my first 1/2!! 
Heidi´s last blog ..Where in the World Wednesday
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I am totally jealous. I wanted to do the GW Classic, but had scheduling conflicts (Cherry Blossom 10 milers, 10K in Rockville and another 10 miler in Philly all in a month). Good luck with it!
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I hear ya! I know how inconsiderate drivers can be to runners… esp at nite in the dark. There really needs to be some sort of law enforced on top of the stopping for pedestrians.
I’m gonna be signing up for the GW Parkway Classic myself… hopefully we’ll see each other while we’re there!
Marci´s last blog ..Inspire a Mile…
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I’m a runner too, so I know what you mean. I always slow way down and move halfway into the other lane when I’m passing, and always stop for runners. Although I will say that sometimes, it’s a little irritating when I stop for a runner, and then they stop and freeze!
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I almost got hit by a car during last year’s bike ride (Tour de Cure)….there were about 40 of us riding together. Note: If you see a crowd of riders you can bet you will be slowed down. You will need to wait. You will need to be patient. And life WILL go on….if you dont hit someone.
Brandi´s last blog ..GET YOUR @$$ OFF THE COUCH!
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I have similar experiences ALL THE TIME. Also, in my city there aren’t sidewalks some places that I run so I’m forced to run on the road and I just think it’s SO RUDE when drivers don’t slow down to pass you. Pisses me off SO MUCH! Haha
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It’s not just runners that have the problem… I have near-hits at LEAST once a week walking to work. Generally, when I have a walk signal and someone slams on the breaks, blaring the horn, while they have a RED LIGHT and I have the RIGHT OF WAY, I just stand in the middle of the intersection giving them the finger until I see the blinking red hand. It infuriates the crap out of me, and you better believe if I am ever hit, I am suing like crazy.
I will say that bikers annoy me quite a bit too… even though it is illegal, we have a lot of bikers on the sidewalk on my way to work. They just bellow out “coming through!” and proceed to nearly plow down any pedestrian in the way. Hello, it’s a sidewalk! Not for you!
Disgruntled Julie´s last blog ..BIG, HUGE Favor!
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Ooo I was thinking of doing that one too as I’ve heard great things about the course! I’m already signed up for the Cherry Blossom 10 Miler… so we’ll see
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p.s. TOTALLY agree about stopping for runners.
Anne P´s last blog ..And the hungry monster was tamed.
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