As someone who runs on the sidewalks in the city, I have a few enemies, pet peeves, etc. Below are a few, and I am sure that they apply to non-runners as well. Enjoy and let me know if you have any to add.
The wind: Yeah, it blows. I know this is the windy city, but give us a break. My route is pretty much north and south and I swear that it is in my face when I run south and it is in my face when I run north. Even when it isn’t that bad, I never feel the same gusts at my back that I do in my face. Give us a break! Give me a boost in the back every once in a while. I believe we like to call them swirling winds; well I call them sucky.
Snow and ice: Since it is winter, this is fresh on my mind. Ice is an obvious one because I would rather run and not slide down the street. I have taken a spill or two and I am sure it was pretty funny for those who witnessed it. Snow is trickier because if it on the ground, I can’t see what’s under it and it could be ice. Boo. It if is currently snowing, it is a hassle because depending on what kind of snow it is, it can hurt when it hits your face or get in your eyes. Boo.
Other people: Let me start by saying that no matter who you are, you can’t text/talk on your cell phone and walk in a straight line or maintain a normal speed. No. You. Can’t. You would be surprised how many people don’t walk in a straight line even when there is no reason for distraction. Maybe it’s a fun game people play in their heads to wander to each side of the sidewalk as they get to their destination. I don’t know, but I do know that if I am coming up behind you, I need to pick a side to pass you on. Please pick a side right now. Numerous times have I committed to a side because people seem to be leaning a certain way only to have them pull a switch as I am right behind them. Near catastrophe ensues. I guess I’m aware enough that I’ve never crashed in to someone but I sense that one day it will happen, and it won’t be pretty.
Along those same lines…swinging doors and fences: I run on the street side of the sidewalk. This can mean I am on the right or left side depending on what side of the street I am on. I will always move to the right side when people are coming, but this is a safety issue. The last thing I need is to have someone walk out of business or apartment and have the door nail me in the face. I have come within inches of this and it was enough to have me move to the other side of the sidewalk. I really don’t want to crash into a glass door or cast-iron fence, let alone crash in to the person who came out.
Traffic: Honestly this is the least of my worries. I don’t listen to music so I can hear my surroundings. I slow down at stop signs and stop at lights. Plus, during the week I am out at 5:00 a.m. and on weekends it is about 7:00 a.m. – neither of these are peak driving times. But cars are bigger than me and could present a problem. One thing that bothers me is cabs that slow down because they assume that because I am on the corner waiting for traffic, I must need a cab. Is my hand raised? Does my running attire scream, “I need a cab?” Please don’t slow down when I am trying to cross the street and make me wait and wonder what you’re going to do. If I need you to pick me up, you’ll know.
I am sure there are others I will think of throughout the year, but those are the key ones for now. As for my week, it was a good one to kick off the year - finding $6.27. That does include an extra weekend because my last post was the total for 2010, so it is a little high for one week. I love finding paper money and I found two $1.00 bills this week. I saw some interesting stuff that I will have to tell you about another time. I have rambled enough. Until next time, have a good week and check back next Sunday!
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