Isn’t that the title of a horror flick?  My experience this morning was a bit scary so I think that title fits well.  I might as well dedicate this blog to another list of the not-so-joyous aspects of running.  It all started at 4:45 am when my alarm went off.  I already mentioned how annoying that sound is and how difficult it is for me to pull myself out of bed.  But, I am getting used to it now and didn’t struggle too much to dress myself and cook up a bowl of instant oatmeal.  Sure, the drive was long… real long.  And, of course, it was pitch black outside.  Lets also mention the fact that this city doesn’t seem to like spending money on street lights… who needs those, right?

Well, maybe someone who is looking for a liquor store at 6:00 in the morning.  Seriously, I was looking for the liquor store parking lot… that’s where the team was meeting.  My arrival wasn’t as smooth as I had hoped because I actually drove past the liquor store unaware.  I drove for a bit and then realized I should stop and call the running coach.  Smart move.  She told me exactly where to go.  I did follow her directions and got back on the street.  Then the scary movie started playing.  A car was driving straight towards me!  What the?  I veered off into the grass median while the car swerved in the other direction.  Fortunately, it was early so there were no other cars and we were both driving at a slow speed.  I cursed at the other car under my breath until I realized that to the right of me was another road.  What the??  Yeah, I was the idiot.  I totally could not see where to turn because it was so dark!  Needless to say, I was lucky to make it to the liquor store parking lot… and it’s a good thing the other car didn’t follow me because he definitely would’ve thought I was a drunken idiot.

So, that’s another negative check mark to add to the fun sport of running.  Driving so early in the morning can be hazardous, especially when you are a zombie.  But that’s not all!  I have more to add to the list.  How would you feel if your running coach told you that you run like Phoebe on “Friends?”  Yes, it’s all about the flailing arms and legs.  If you want some good comedy, come watch me run!  Or how about the socks I had to discard because of all the blood that had oozed from my poor little toe!  And let me tell you that it burned when I took a shower!  Oh, but that wasn’t the only body part that burned… does anyone know what chaffing feels like?  Not so pleasant.

Running is fun.  Running is fun.  That is my new chant to keep me going back for more.  At least it makes for some interesting stories.  🙂