Since the majority of my running takes place in the weee hours of the morning I am sure I have had many more encounters with animals than if I was to run in the evening or sometime during the light hours.
A few of my stories.... and I will keep my favorite to last.
One morning I was running along a dark road, the road I run every morning I run because it is the one leading away from the neighborhood. While I was running I heard this rattling coming from the opposite side of the road. Since it was dark, I couldn't see a thing. Well, I am not that far in the south, but early morning runs without being able to see anything - all thoughts were going through my mind. Turns out it wasn't a rattle snake (yes big imagination) but rather a sprinkler system in a new neighborhood on that side of the road.
Another morning I was running along that same road when off in the distance I saw something coming towards me in the middle of the road. As it got closer I saw that it was a red fox, and it saw that I was an intruder in it's early morning stroll down the vacant road. Even though these are very small I have heard they can be mean. I guess he thought I was big and mean, so we both stopped dead in our tracks and slowly walked around each other. On the way back through that stretch on my return run I was very observant.
I was up in Indiana for Thanksgiving, and as everyone else was sleeping I went for a 5 mile run. This was an area I didn't know anything about, and should have driven it before I ran it - especially in the dark. The run went good, even with the multiple dogs (untethered) scaring me. The highlight of this run was having 4 deer see me and bound across the road right in front of me.
My favorite story includes a dog. As with any runners dogs can make you very nervous, especially when they come running up to you at 5:00 in the morning when nobody else is around, and you don't know if they are mean or friendly. I have had my share of dogs chasing me, even nipping at me, but this morning was different. This dog came running up to me, and as he got closer I could tell he was friendly and just happy to see me. That being the case I still watched him very closely, but wasn't concerned. This dog followed me, running with me (all over from side to side of the road - almost causing accidents - making drivers made at me not controlling my dog) He continued to run with me as I ran out onto a main road, and at one point was leading me a little bit when I turned into a different neighborhood. He stopped turned around and continued to follow me. He followed me for almost 4 miles before taking off into a third neighborhood. It was the most interesting run I had run in a long time, and the run went by really quick.
OK, how about you? Do you have any funny stories about running and animals? I would love to read them. Please post them in a comment, or if you have a blog, maybe you can post your funny story there and let us know in a comment that you did.
I am sure you all have much better stories than I have, especially if you have been running longer than I have.
I have also posted this over in the running forums at Running Ahead. Check out how that thread is coming along here.
**edit** I thought of one other - There was one morning (early as usual) that I was running through a neighborhood. I came up on an area I always do, but this time out of nowhere a bird of some sort like a small pheasant burst out and flew right past the back of my legs. I could feel the wind go by he was so close. I about fell down I jumped so high. I would have loved to have a heart rate monitor on right then.... I bet I would have spiked it :)
Luckily, I live in an area where I won't have many encounters. However, on a long run(18 miles) a couple years back I have come across a Coyote. The Coyote actually came after me, he crossed the street, but didn't look, and got hit by a big rig. I was terrified. It happened on my 16th mile, and I think that was my fastest mile.
ReplyDeleteEven more scary than that, my wife and I hiked Half Dome, in Yosemite, last year. On our way back down the hike, we found ourselves 20 feet from a big black bear. I'll never forget looking at the bear's eyes, while my wife reaches around me and hands me a pocket knife and a very small can of pepper spray.
Hi Tim,
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your stories! Especially got a kick out of the sprinkle that suddenly "morphed" into rattlesnake! ;-) Things can certainly appear to take on a life of their own or jump out at people in the dark. I once had a real encounter with a rattlesnake, but definitely would've preferred encountering your neighbor's sprinkler instead! ;-)
Also loved the tale about the dog that followed you on your run. Guess he was just looking for a good running partner, eh?
With all of your amusing stories, you must be great company on runs! Do you ever go on runs with your friends?
I find it makes long runs far more enjoyable & we often forget we're running! Of course, solo runs are great for getting much-needed alone-time & providing a great space for contemplation & solace.
Which type of runs do you prefer -- social or solo runs? Or do you like them both equally as much?
Well, I've got lots of stories about "animal encounters" that I could share, but strangely enough haven't had any recent ones to report. However, a few weeks ago I did blog about some children & small animals who ran alongside me for a while. The article's somewhere on my blog. Will dig it up & post it here as soon as I can locate it. Oh wait, found it. Here it is: http://seecoreyrun.blogspot.com/2007/12/run-3-week-2-bthr-strength-training.html
BTW, thanks for becoming a regular reader & commenter on my blog. I really enjoy reading your thoughts/comments & have posted replies. Also have added you to my blogroll. Look forward to continuing our conversation about running! Kudos to you for getting back into running. That's really wonderful & admirable. You sound like you really, truly are enjoying the process of becoming a runner again. And of course, congrats on all of your fitness & health accomplishments! Look forward to reading more.
Sincerely,
Corey the Cyberpenguin
Whoah, fatmanrunning, those must've been some experiences. Once, when I was hiking & camping along the Appalachian trail, a black bear rustled against our tent & startled making these strange grumbling noises, but I didn't realize it at the time. I thought it was my tent-mate snoring!
ReplyDeletefatmanrunning, Actually Tim,
ReplyDelete(Idon't like calling you fatmanrunning, because you won't be for long)
You make me look like a wimp! those are pretty scarey!
Cory,
Yea, the dog was really kinda cool, but at the same time made me nervous because I was worried about it getting hit by a car - or them swerving to miss it and hit me! Then, I am sure they all thought it was my dog that I wasn't controlling too.
:( I wish I had someone to run with. You would think that in a largely populated area I would have some kind of running group or something but every time I have looked I have come up empty. Most of my friends don't run, and the couple that do I have tried to get out with me and they say they will but never do.
I got my neighbors running about 9 months ago, and we run a lot of races together. I have not been able to hook up with them to train because of when they need to run and I need to run. Plus they always try to push themselves hard because all they are worried with are 5 and 10k's and I need to get the easy runs in to go for the distance.
Oh how I would love to have someone to run with :( I train by myself, so for now that is what I love. :)
By the way - both of you! Thanks a ton for stopping by and commenting - I really appreciate it!
I used to run in the very early morning hours (3AM) just to get my run in before I had to be to work at 6am. At that time of morning the sun had not come up as you are aware and the animals of the night have not gone back to bed yet.
ReplyDeleteI run along a country road coated with woods on either side at times. I was running along by myself one morning, I have no idea what was in the bush that made the large rustling noise, and I did not stop to investigate either, I picked up the pace quite a bit though and logged that as my quickest mile that morning.
While visiting my cousin in Missouri, I was out running in the morning (sun up on this) and a red fox ran across the road in front of me.
Interesting and scary stories. Last week I was running through a subdivision on an 8 mile run and went by a home that had a Bull Mastiff wandering around in the unfenced yard. One never knows what's going to happen. My long run yesterday was similar, but it was a German Shepard that was loose in the yard, running along the frontage barking at me. I always assume they're going to come after me. So far, so good.
ReplyDeleteRunning through the inburbs of Atlanta had me cross paths with a large loose dog... not usually a big worry but this one came right up behind me AND BIT. I of course yelled at it and scared it off. I had sorta been looking forward to that run so I went ahead and did 10 more miles. Luckily later that day I found the dog, and the "owner" who didn't really take care of it and never got it shots.
ReplyDeleteI gave him a piece of my mind, got the dog picked up by the humane society for a "rabies quarantine", and finally made it to the hospital (mostly to get it all documented and a few days of antibiotics).
Other sightings include a turkey, a red fox, and some deer.
I like to hear others stories. Thanks for the comments all.
ReplyDeleteHoosier, where in Indiana do you live? I used to live in Logansport for a few years. (I know - I actually admit that?)
Gotta love dogs as a runner don't we?
Doc, you actually continued running 10 more miles after being bitten? Hard core runner you are :)
I have a million funny animal stories.. I have a hands down favorite though.
ReplyDeleteI live in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania (read: farm country). Most of my long runs are on lonely back roads bordering farms and large expanses of land. Makes for great scenery and funny animal stories...
So anyway, I'm on a long run (don't remember the distance) and about halfway through. I come upon a farm house where a goat is outside grazing. It takes one look at me running down the road and starts walking towards me. I tell it to stop and it stops... then starts coming again. After repeating this cycle like 5 times, it just started full out chasing me. Anyhow, the whole encounter ended with a mennonite girl coming out and retrieving the goat (by the collar mind you).
The funniest part of the story, to me, was that this was the family pet. I remember thinking that the goat was going to buck me with it's puny horns. It had me laughing for the next 3 miles.
Animal stories - I used to be a meter reader for the water company in Oregon. I liked to run from house to house - combining work and running. But I got chased by dogs A LOT! Big dogs, little dogs - people sending their dogs out to get me because they thought I was going to turn off their water. Very annoying. But most of my being chased by animals resulted in my falling in the street. Which is the funny part. Not the dogs. Just imagine for one minute, a girl in a florescent orange jump suit, running, and then falling in the street...all the while being chased by a spaniel. Eeek.
ReplyDeleteEric - I have to say - I have not been chased by a pet goat, or any goat for that matter :)
ReplyDeleteSarah - yea, that is funny - the funny part about most of my encounters with animals is that I too am the one that ends up looking funny - they are just being themselves.
Animal stories - I used to be a meter reader for the water company in Oregon. I liked to run from house to house - combining work and running. But I got chased by dogs A LOT! Big dogs, little dogs - people sending their dogs out to get me because they thought I was going to turn off their water. Very annoying. But most of my being chased by animals resulted in my falling in the street. Which is the funny part. Not the dogs. Just imagine for one minute, a girl in a florescent orange jump suit, running, and then falling in the street...all the while being chased by a spaniel. Eeek.
ReplyDeleteI like to hear others stories. Thanks for the comments all.
ReplyDeleteHoosier, where in Indiana do you live? I used to live in Logansport for a few years. (I know - I actually admit that?)
Gotta love dogs as a runner don't we?
Doc, you actually continued running 10 more miles after being bitten? Hard core runner you are :)
Running through the inburbs of Atlanta had me cross paths with a large loose dog... not usually a big worry but this one came right up behind me AND BIT. I of course yelled at it and scared it off. I had sorta been looking forward to that run so I went ahead and did 10 more miles. Luckily later that day I found the dog, and the "owner" who didn't really take care of it and never got it shots.
ReplyDeleteI gave him a piece of my mind, got the dog picked up by the humane society for a "rabies quarantine", and finally made it to the hospital (mostly to get it all documented and a few days of antibiotics).
Other sightings include a turkey, a red fox, and some deer.