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Seen On My Run

"It's dangerous to go alone" etched into the pavement

There wasn’t a pandemic happening when this was scratched into the pavement, I reckon.

I came up with a new #SeenOnMyRun game during tonight’s four miler.

  • 1 pt for every discarded face mask you see on the side of the road.
  • 2 pts for every motorist you see texting while their vehicle is in motion.
  • 3 pts for every cyclist you encounter on the sidewalk.

I scored 7 points. Three of those came from a cyclist I decided to play chicken with. I won. And then in my head I was like, “that’s right, bro. I’m not gonna be pushed around anymore!” which is a weird thought because I don’t think I let people push me around in life much and also nobody really tries to so it’s like my tired brain just saw that very obvious metaphor and put it to use without regard for the fact that it doesn’t apply.

But still. This non-event occurred on a perfectly wide, low-speed block that doesn’t have on-street parking and it’s ridiculous that that dude was riding his bike on the sidewalk right there anyway. Learn the laws and get out of my way, effin cowboy.

I’m never more of a misanthrope than I am when I’m running. I don’t know why. My inner monologue is just a stream of vitriol when people are in view. It’s kind of funny, which means I cycle through pointless ire at my fellow humans and bemused amusement at myself until I stop running and become normal again.

1,000 points and you win the game if you see something on your run that brings you joy, no matter how many cyclists you have to contend with on the way.

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