There is a verse in the Bible that I have always found both humorous and frightening. It goes like this:
18b Why would you have the day of the
Lord?
It is darkness, and not light,
19 as if a man fled from a lion,
and a bear met him,
or went into the house and leaned his hand against the wall, and a serpent bit him. (Amos 5:18b-19)
One of my unofficial resolutions of the year was to run. To my satisfaction I have been building some consistency for the past weeks, running most weeks three times a week. The distances vary between 2.0 miles and 4 (the farthest and only once attained distance). As I got to run more I realized that my shoes are inadequate for my endeavors. I lost one nail and my toes were not liking the harsh treatment. I was recently blessed with a small amount of money so I decided to purchase a pair of actual running shoes. My previous pair was the cheapest type of 'running' shoes. I think the low end models should not really qualify as running shoes. They are more like shoes you
can wear running, but probably shouldn't. Anyways, I went to the Adidas store at the Outlet Mall (it's the way to go). The running "expert" Matt showed me around and had me sold on this pair of adidas running shoes. It also happened to be the same model he was wearing. 35 minutes later I walked out of the store with two pairs of shoes (they had some indoor soccer shoes on sale) and a Notre Dame t-shirt. Grand total $67. That is why I love Outlet Malls.
I got back to my sister's house and I thought I should try out my new purchases. After a small inner struggle with the wind outside and laziness inside, I decided to do it. I geared up, chose the soundtrack (Frou Frou) and went for it. Oh man was it different. I kind'a nodded when the guy was explaining how they bounce the shock and propell you on your run. But actually it felt significantly better. My toes were not hurting and my feet felt comfortable. Stil, it was hard and I still don't enjoy running all that much. It's definitely growing on me. I've run that route around my sister's house before but today I was going a little farther. I felt good on my way back, I was close to the house, enjoying my Frou Frou soundtrack, when I heard what seemed to be growling and barking. Sure enough I turned back and there was a mean (average sized) dog chasing me. I did not realize this until it was right behind me. What I am about to describe happened in about 10 seconds. However, for the comprehension of the audience I will retell it in slow motion. Having noticed the dog on my tail, I turned around and tried to make a run for it. I thought the dog might be intimitated by my speed and amazing zig-zag skills. Well, as soon as I turned around I tripped and fell right in the middle of the road. Now the road is a side road, but it is still a busy one. As I was falling, I turned back to see where the dog was. I realized that I would not have a lot of chances were I to stay on the pavement. Somehow as I fell I kicked the dog in the face with one of my legs as I was breaking my fall with my elbows. In an instance I was up and running in a different direction. I ran off the road into some trees and looked for a twig, branch or someone's misplaced sword. I found a twig. I grabbed hold of it turned back at the dog, who was still barking and growling and I asked him if this is how he wants it to end. As I was talking with him, thinking how in the world I was going to get out of the tense situation I heard the dog's master call the dog. I pointed to the dog that his owner is calling him and it should probably go see what he wants. He did not buy it, he still wanted a piece of my legs. Eventually the owner came over and grabbed the dog, asked me if it had hurt me. I said no and we rezumed our lives. Needless to say I walked the rest of the distance.
So, in conclusion, I really like my running shoes, but I am seriously considering if running is worth the risk. Maybe I should change the route. If you missed the connection with the verse here it is: I was trying to take care of the problems my previous shoes were giving my toes. As I was enjoying the freedom and comfort of my new shoes I ran into a bigger problem.
Comments (1)
You're ability to tell stories in a humorous way is impressive (at least I hope you were trying to be humorous because then I would just be a jerk if you weren't and I don't need that on my conscience since I've already made one lady cry this week). Point being... I laughed, but don't worry... I gasped in all the right parts.