John 8:32 "Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." NIV

Saturday, May 8, 2010

Take me to jail...

I was super stoked about this morning's run. I had planned to run 11 miles all by my lonesome. I took my iPod (loaded with Mamma Mia and the Beatles - thanks, Angel) just in case I couldn't make it.

As I turned the corner out of my street, I saw an older man running ahead of me. As I caught up to him, he started to walk - so I figured he just finished.

I said, "Hi!"
He said, "I wanted to stop to see who else was crazy enough to be up this early by choice and out running."
I smiled.
He said, "So, how far you going today?"
I said, "trying to do 11 on the Millennium Trail, you?"
He said, "I got 10 down... wanna run together?"

(I start to freak out. I do not know him... what if he is a murderer... you know the "normal" reaction, right?)
I said, "Okay... I run about 10 to 10:30 miles on my long days... will that slow you down?"
He said, "Nope... just right."

And off we were. Come to find out, I run by his house everyday. Bob has a cute dog named, Maggie and a beautifully manicured lawn. As we talked, I found out that he was in the Navy for 26 years and now works for a Defense Contractor in VA. He has two children... all grown up. I never got his age, but he son is 40, so at least upper 50's.

It turned out to be an amazing 7 miles. Yes, that is right, I did not get my 11 in, but I really liked the conversation. He thinks we ran 9, but Lola said a little over 7. (I did stop it each time we walked. He liked to walk a little after we ran up big hills). It was nice to have company. It was nice to feel safe (after I stopped worrying that he would hurt me). I am not at all disappointed. In fact, we made a plan to run next Saturday too (on a trail where the miles are marked - yay for me). Don't take me to jail - I am not officially training yet. Come June, you may need to take me away if I cut down my long run!

I might not talk too much next time. I think we got out all of that initial conversation. I think know we can just run... and talk when things come up... but just run. Most of you know that I have been looking for a running partner for a long time. I did not think it would be a man in his late 50's, but maybe that is just what I need. Isn't God amazing? I have been praying for someone to run with... and this morning he appeared! And I did not need that silly ole ipod!

I know a couple of you have 1/2 marathons tomorrow. I will be praying for your safety and for you to be injury free. I am in awe of all of you mothers out there that give so much to your family, your job, and even find time to make the sport of running - fun! I am blessed to get to know you a little through this bloggy world and hope one day, we will meet at the start (or finish) line!

Happy Mother's Day, ladies!!!!

16 comments:

RockStarTri said... 1

Great stuff on hooking up with a running, non ax murderer. I've found that most runners, especially those doing early morning runs, are good people and running with people makes everyone run better.

Marlene said... 2

Wow, that's great! Nothing like an impromptu running partner!

Stormee.M said... 3

That is so great ! You just never know ! Running partners are great to have ! Have a wonderful Moms day :)

ajh said... 4

I am not sure I would have taken him up on his offer. Good for you because you did and it worked out.

H Love said... 5

love love the picture. crazy who God puts in our path. 7 is better than zero...hope next week goes well.

saundra said... 6

So cool you met someone to accompany you on runs! It makes things so much easier sometime.

Unknown said... 7

That is fantastic! What training program are you using for your marathon? I start in June as well.

Anonymous said... 8

good job on the run and isn't it cool to have a running partner?

misszippy said... 9

I love that you met an unexpected partner! Very cool...may you have many more nice runs together.

Trish said... 10

Wow! What a great story! 7 is mileage I can only dream of!!

Julie said... 11

Wonderful! I am glad that you had a great run with a nice running partner:) It is nice running with someone...it will make you stronger and faster. I love the picture Jen!

Ewa said... 12

most people are good it is only our fears that make us suspicious of others. I am glad to hear you had such a wonderful time. What a great lesson in trust.

Amanda said... 13

Awesome answer to prayer and I bet it was someone you never thought would be your running partner :) The more exciting thing is you probably have exactly what this man needs :) Great job on the run!

chris mcpeake said... 14

random runner hookup are awesome. got to love that

Miriam @ Sometimes Sporty said... 15

That's awesome. I would love to meet new random running partners. When you meet someone new there's always so much to talk about.

Lindsay said... 16

very cool! i'm glad he was not a weirdo ;) lol. i would have had similar thoughts! you never know these days, unfortunately. hopefully he will become a good, occasional running partner for you.