8 miler humpday and bad drivers

Last night was a two red wine malbec kind of night. So this morning was a 21 degree humpday a.m. 8 mile run kind of morning. I was out of the door by 5:15am. I was thankful that it was not 7 degrees, like yesterday. Because there is still ice on the sidewalks, it was in my best interest to run on the streets. The pavement is dryer and safer. What isn’t safe are the cars that are speeding at 5 something in the morning.

Fuel for Thought: I wondered if since my neighborhood and community are not used to runners, compared to cambridge, somerville, or other parts, they aren’t sure what to do with me. I know I was running early. I had on my headlight while I ran because it was dark. Yet, the drivers seemed confused with my presence running. One man, who was in a truck literally stopped and honked at me while I was running. He pulled up close to me even though there was room on the road for him not to be so close. I didn’t see his race, nor did I think he would know mine or even my gender. The fact that he purposely stopped, tried to box me in, and gave me words speaks a lot of his anger. It wasn’t until I got home that I realized I wasn’t wearing my road ID bracelet. The one time I didn’t wear it and this happens.

Running while black has a lot to do with community and neighborhood space. When the weather is bad, how am I suppose to train. Having a Y membership cost. If I wanted to go elsewhere, I would have to drive and spend time and money in a different location. Running isn’t as easy as “ just putting on a pair of shoes and go.”.

There were people moving going to work, waiting on the T and buses at 5 and 6 a.m. I on the other hand was privilege to get up at the time to go for a run, in the cold, with my over $200 of gear on. Is running really for the people? Whom are those people.

That aside, I ran 8.14 miles today. The first mile is always hard. I felt stronger and good and the miles continued. I didn’t fall or slip while running. It was a good hump day.