Sunday I went to the W&OD trail to run. I wanted to run 5 miles so I figured I'd run 2.5 miles out and then turn around and run back. It was 47 degrees out when I started and I felt great. I was wearing a long sleeve shirt and shorts. My hands were cold at first but then eventually I couldn't feel them. I'm sure I had a smile on my face. I saw 4 deer along the trail. I noticed after the first mile and a half that it was beginning to get dark. This daylight savings time thing gets me every year. I honestly thought it wouldn't get dark till later. Well, by the time I got to my turn around point the sun had set and it was even darker. I knew that if I didn't hurry up I probably wouldn't even be able to see the trail anymore. There were a few bikes that passed me with their lights on and I'm sure they wondered how I could be so dumb and be out there running in the dark! Needless to say I began running faster and faster. When I got back to the car and looked at my splits I could see how much faster the last mile was compared to the first.
The following day someone mentioned to me that there were two reported cases of indecent exposure recently on the W&OD Trail in this area. I later read the article online and found out that one of the cases had happened the day before my run on the same trail...(creepy)Fortunately I didn't have a run in with that guy.
I am thankful that I had a good run and was kept safe. I will not make this dumb mistake again.
9 comments:
Glad you made it back safely! And glad for your faster splits on the way back too! Thanks for your comment on my post today. :) I love that you wrote that you never realized how much happier life would be with children in it. so true.
Hats off to you for all that dreadmill running! But glad you got a chance to get out--and it does get dark so early right now. Glad you were safe.
Stay safe! I am a big chicken when it comes to running in the dark.
Damn...this is the second post I've read about creepy dudes assulting runners. What a shame. Glad you were safe.
sketchy! glad your run was OK. i am definitely always a little nervous about running in the dark, even if it is still 5-6pm. heck, even in the early morning when no one else is out - mailboxes make me jump!
that's my least fav part about treadmilling in the winter -- getting all sweaty and then going outside in the freezing cold!
Nice run and glad the weird people werent out when you ran.
Be Careful! Luvya
Ick ick Nasty on the flasher!! Definitely lucky you missed that! I run in the dark with a flashlight here but so remote I'm more likely to see a cougar than a pervert! Glad you made it safe and got a speedy run out of it!
Getting caught in the dark can really be scary when you are out on the trails. It's amazing how quickly it gets dark out there. Take care and stay safe! I really have lots of respect for anyone that does treadmill running.
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