As is my tradition post-turkey coma, I spent the Thanksgiving weekend thinking about all the things I’m grateful for.
- I’m thankful for my family and friends’ good health.
- I’m thankful for a loving first year of marriage.
- I’m thankful shy little Lucille has finally started to express herself freely.
Despite the divided political climate, the deteriorating environment and the proliferation of sexual assault across every industry known to man, there are somehow still lots of things to be grateful for this holiday season, from royal engagements to a new Star Wars installment to Fiona-the-hippo’s remarkable recovery. And let’s not forget how thankful I am for little lap dogs so tiny they could fit in your handbag.
I’m thankful each time I get a seat on the subway and whenever a lox bagel lands in my hands, but as an athlete, there’s one thing that makes me feel particularly grateful: cars that give runners a wide berth when they pass you on the shoulder. You, my dear conscientious drivers, are the real heroes this holiday season.
This may not sound like a big deal to you non-runners, but I truly mean it: drivers who slow way, way down and give ample space when passing a jogger on the side of the road make all the difference between a fun, carefree run and a harrowing one. I clock nearly half my miles in the sidewalk-free Hudson Valley, and I cannot count the number of times a sedan or pickup hugging the shoulder has nearly run me off the country road. I don’t know if they’re texting or distracted or just vehemently anti-exercise, but zooming past a human at 45 miles per hour with less than two feet of wiggle room is terrifying indeed.
If you have a runner in your life, I’m sure they want their stockings stuffed with all the normal things this coming Christmas: body glide, reflective sports gear, peanut-butter in all shapes and sizes. But believe you me, they also want another gift that everyone can give: slowing the heck down as you take those turns. Deck the halls, not the shoulders!
Ho ho ho!
Riled Up Runner 