* "Growing Up, I Used To Run Alone In Remote Places..." *
*
...on the fireroads and horse trails by my house...
never giving it a second thought that I might
be taking some risks and gambling with my safety.
*
They were much simpler times, before personal
cell phones, when a hand scribbled note was
what we left on the dining room table stating
our where-abouts.
*
Still, I was young and stupid and I thought
I was invincible...looking back, I was just really
lucky and somehow never crossed paths with any-
thing evil.
*
You would think the time that I found the deer
leg poking out of the dirt on
Earl Canyon Fireroad would've registered that
a mountain lion could be lurking near by and
possibly attack...
*
...or the time while running in the dusk,
down the same fireroad, narrowly missing multiple
rattlesnakes camouflaged by the deep sand...
*
What would I have done if luck were not on
my side? I was so far up the mountain, noone
would've heard my calls for help.
*
It was passing the grungy hobo man, while hiking,
that ended up being my true wake-up call...this
happening just a few years ago, well after seeing
the light, and swearing never to run alone in
remote places...
*
...as we passed each other on the trail, I was
instantly sickened by the dead silence that
hung over my usually well traveled training loop.
How was I suddenly all alone...where did everyone
go...
(?)
*
My heart racing, lodged in my throat like a
huge grapefruit...my ears ringing...my head
spinning...my mouth was dry, I couldn't swallow...
instantly, I felt 20 feet tall...Fight of Flight
had taken over.
*
I held no eye contact and safely hiked past the
scary man...firmly holding my hiking poles ready
for battle, if need be.
*
Breaking into a run the moment I was out of view,
I could not get down the mountain fast enough...
*
...My lesson was learned! From that day forward,
I stack the deck in my favor...I no longer
gamble with fate, but play by a very simple and
smart rule...
*
..."Safety Is Always Best In Numbers!"
*
*
*
"Happy, and 'Safe', Running!"
