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!!!!

17 comments:

RockStarTri said...

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...

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

Stormee.M said...

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

ajh said...

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...

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

saundra said...

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

Lauren said...

That's funny I've met a lot of my running partners randomly too. There is something about seeing someone else out there at the ass crack of dawn that just makes an instant connection :D

Unknown said...

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

Anonymous said...

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

misszippy said...

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

Trish said...

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

Julie said...

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...

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...

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...

random runner hookup are awesome. got to love that

Miriam @ Sometimes Sporty said...

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...

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.