I like to run. I try to run every
day if I can. Some of you like to run and that’s good. Some of you like to not
run and that’s bad. Anyway, because of my ever changing schedule, I sometimes
run early in the morning when it’s still dark. Sometimes I run in the evening after dark.
Because of my crazy schedule, I sometimes also have to drive to work early in the morning
before the sun comes up, (that means it’s still dark). Sometimes I get out of
work late after the sun goes down and it’s also dark out. What does that have
to do with running you ask?
Well , I’ll tell you. It never
ceases to amaze me how many people I see, (or almost don’t see), running in the
dark wearing black shirts, black pants, black socks, and black shoes. I
wouldn’t doubt they are wearing black underwear too. I have had so many close
calls nearly hitting these idiots that I quit counting. The stupid thing about
this whole dilemma is that they flip me
off and curse me out because I didn’t
see them crossing the street at zero dark thirty on a non lit intersection!
Newsflash for you suicidal
runners, and you know who you are. That nickel sized Nike logo on the back of
your shoe DOES NOT light you up like lighthouse! I hate to be the one to burst
your black bubble but, reflective logos will not protect you from a 2,000 pound
vehicle moving at 40 miles per hour. At most, you’d feel like a speed bump. If
you run for your health and continue your careless choice of night camouflage,
you’ll only die healthy, sweaty, and painfully I might add. It may be your
choice to die while getting your exercise, but it’s not your choice to have me
or some other innocent driver having to live with the guilt of killing another
human being because you weren’t bright
enough (darn right the pun was intended) to take some ridiculously simple and
cheap precautions.
Seriously people, is your life
not worth the $3.00 cost of a fluorescent / reflective vest? How about a $5.00
bright yellow shirt? Or God forbid a $5.50 headlamp from Harbor Freight? Yes I
know wearing all black looks cool. Johnny Cash, Wesley Snipes, Al Pacino, and
Darth Vader all prove that. But you are not at that level of coolness,
especially at 6 in the morning and covered in sweat. Besides, who’s going to
see you? Everyone who might admire how cool you look in black is still in bed
or going to bed!
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| Vest $3-6.00 |
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| Arm/ankle bands $6-8.00 |
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| Head lamp $ 5.50 |
OK. If you are thinking that
maybe drivers should just be more careful, you can just forget that. Drivers
are already distracted enough with texting their bosses an excuse for being
late, eating a breakfast taco, putting on make-up, and trying to set a land speed record
because they woke up late. The last thing on their mind is looking out for some
sweaty ultra cool wannabe health nut trying to make a fashion statement.
If you continue to believe that
running down the street in the dark dressed as a ninja is still a good idea,
maybe you should be eliminated from the gene pool. Is that a little harsh? Then
consider living with a broken body for the rest of your life. Or, in a
wheelchair, living with the nagging thought of, "If only I had spent the $20.00
on safety". Or, living with the resentment towards a driver who never saw you.
That’s IF you survive getting run over. If you don’t, at least you can look
cool in your black suit or dress while lying in your coffin. Your friends at
the funeral will also be wearing black. Nuff’ said.
In case you’re wondering, I wear
a fluorescent yellow shirt, yellow road guard vest with reflective strips on
front and back, 3 inch wide reflective ankle bands when I run. I also have a white
LED headlamp if I’m going to run on the street. In 2007, I was hit by a car in
broad daylight while running. Fortunately, only the rearview mirror hit my left
elbow but, it still knocked me to the ground. The lady driving the white Toyota
slowed down and looked in her rear-view mirror but drove on when she saw me get
up. She then made a quick turn before I could get the license tags. I now run
towards traffic if I run on the street. Yes, I know what the law says but, the
fine is cheaper than a stay at the hospital or a funeral. At least, if I can’t
get out of the way in time and I do get killed, I can get a description of the
driver or maybe the license tags before I die. When I meet St. Peter at the
Pearly Gates in my running shoes and bright yellow vest, I’ll give him the
description of the driver and the license tags. They may have a little surprise
when they get there cause’ St. Peter was a runner too.
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| Night ninja, A.K.A. speed bump. |
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| Will live to run another day. | . |
That's all I have to say about that. Now, let's all go for a run!
Check out the Cardio Trainer App from Work Smart Labs for Android.
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eModicus |
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