Sharing the Road

I had a bizarre thing happen to me yesterday as I was finishing a nice ten-mile run just a mile or so from my apt. I was running in the middle of a long straight road (Oakcrest Rd. coming up from Cayuga Heights) and I kept looking back every few seconds to make sure there were no cars coming behind and I could see zero cars ahead of me. Then about a half-mile ahead a SUV turned onto the road (from Triphammer Rd.). I continued to run in the middle (because there was so much snow on the side) until the truck got like a quarter-mile from me and then I simply moved off the road to let the beautiful Lexus Land Cruiser go past. When he got close to me I could see some movement inside the vehicle. I thought that it could be a customer of mine from Watercress waving to me which sometimes happens. Then as I focused in I could see a very elderly man holding his prune-like hand up with the middle finger extended! I couldn't believe it! I was shocked because, first of all, I wasn't even on the road and, second, there weren't any other cars coming. I turned around and put my arms in the air asking, "Why?!" and then I yelled, "Happy Holidays!"

This isn't the first time I have had minor altercations on the road. I usually try to not take it too seriously either and try to "kill them with kindness" if approached.

Any other runners, walkers, or cyclists have any funny stories along these lines? Let's hear em!

I had a good week getting back into training even though I was also fighting off a cold that still won't seem to let go.

Miles for the week: 40

Monday= Rest/hot tub
Tuesday= Speed work 8.5 miles total- Ran to and from 800m horse track off of Hanshaw Rd. and did 3x (800,600,400,200) at a 5:32 /mi. pace- 1-minute rest in between intervals and 3-minute rest in between sets-- Tough work out!
Wednesday= Rest/ lifted weights at Island for an hour in evening
Thursday= Rest/ feeling sick
Friday= 8.5 miles- middle 2.68 at a 6:15/mi. pace
Saturday= 10 miles-hills- ran downtown via Cayuga Heights and back up Remington Rd.
Sunday= 13 miles- ran from apt. to Etna and back

I will have a little reprieve from the slush, ice, and snow for the next few weeks but realize that I will be returning for at least two of the nastiest months weather-wise in the Ithaca, NY area. Hey! the way I look at it...it makes you tougher right?!

Quote of the week: "If one can stick to the training throughout the many long years, then will power is no longer a problem. It's raining? That doesn't matter. I am tired? That's besides the point. It's simply that I just have to."----Emil Zatopek