Sometimes really unusual things can happen on a run, especially when you take your runs out into the wild.
My friend Hollie Sick — who’s written for us for a long time, and has a wonderful newsletter of her own you should definitely check out — encountered a charging bull on her run this past week. And a couple years back, legendary runner Kara Goucher came across a mountain lion on a training run near her home in Boulder, Colo.
These (of course) got me thinking. What’s the most unexpected, or scary, or unusual thing that’s ever happened to you when you were out on a run? — Terrell
I went on a somewhat remote trail run on the coast in Kauai, one of my favorite places. I stopped and took a breath at one point when all-off-a-sudden a loud hiss came from my left just off the trail and scared the hell out of me (I jumped). Turns out, there was a dry blow hole in the ground and when the waves came in, it forced air through the hole in the ground in the bushes.
I recently moved up to Alaska, snow and cold weather didn't stop me from getting out on the trails and training. One of my first weeks here I was out for a run in the neighborhood, turn a street corner I almost ran right into moose. It was just a few feet away from me, it didn't move. It just stood there staring at me while I backed up slowly and went down the other street. Good way to explore running routes when you're thrown off course by a giant moose
I'm new to the Phoenix area and learned that they have these "pig" looking like animals called Javelinas. I was out for a run and turned the corner into my neighborhood one evening and landed in the middle of a pack of Javelinas. I also learned that they have poor vision and can only see if they are sideways. They were just as surprised to see me as I was them. I slowed down immediately and tried to move to the side. Because of their fear of me, they were circling me. I had to call my husband to come get me. Since then, I don't run at sunrise or sunset; they are always coming through my neighborhood at those times. And, they are the ugliest looking animal I've ever seen!!!
When I first started running at home in the country, I loved dusk runs. On one if those both me and an armadillo scared each other. They have horrible eye sight though so both of us tried to run away from each other and just ended up sprinting side by side down the trail!
I don't think so! They seem like gentle creatures, and I actually like them a lot. We just confused each other and ended up running in the same direction. :)
Well, twice my sister and I have crested a road in The Adirondacks to find a bear crossing the road ahead of us. Both times we just waited, let the bear cross and continue on, and we continued on. But that was in the Adirondacks, and not totally unexpected. My most unexpected event was in DC, running what I call the Memorial Bridge run, starting and ending in Georgetown. I had crossed the Bridge, turned right on a path by Arlington National Cemetery when Boom! Boom! Boom! - three seven man volleys of a 21 gun salute for a burial that was going on just behind the hedges to my left. Scared the living daylights out of me.
It's probably about 20 years ago now. I was running around 0400, in our neighborhood. I was going up one of 9 hills (residential streets) that came up from a small lake, and parts are very dark where the streetlights don't hit. About 1/2 way up one a bat circles my face. Right about the time I get the thought "That was weird", it circles again. The second time close enough that I could see it's beady little face. (I love bats, but I don't want one in my face!) I ran faster and got in the middle of the road with lights shining on both sides of the road. It kept up with me for a short distance, but I ran in the middle of the roads, and stayed in the lights so I could see one coming if another came after me. Sure enough I did have another swoop past my face, but not near as close as the first. When I got home, I woke my husband up, and told him about it. Later in the day there was a report of rabies. Not 2 houses down from where I'd made the turn, near the lake, a rabid bat had flown down their chimney and bitten their dog. That same road, around the lake, I was running before dawn. Felt a presence and turned around. A fox wasn't 3 feet behind me trailing along. (Believe me, the rabies incident went through my mind again!)
In 2019 I was training for a half marathon and regularly getting my runs in early mornings before the rest of the world starts drinking their coffee. I was just over a mile in when I came across one of our neighborly mother and child black bears. I stopped, was of sane mind to snap a pic of them up ahead, then quietly retreated the other way. Needless to say, that run was over for the day!
It was a gorgeous fall day last October, running along the Swannanoa River on an asphalt two lane road... watching the water move over the rocks, moving steadily myself, two blocks into a 6-mile run, I tripped over a speedbump in the road... fell forward landing heavily and chin-first on the asphalt. Face ok, chin ok but for a bleeding gash under my jaw, shaken up but walking, I made my way back to the car and home.
Fast forward to seven immediate stitches and ultimately a diagnosis by an oral surgeon two weeks later: I had broken my jaw on both sides, just forward of the TM joints. Six weeks of hardware installed on my teeth with weekly adjustments and six more weeks of exams and re-learning how to chew with my new jaw alignment, and finally I was as recovered as possible.
Running past the spot where I fell was a bit creepy but I overcame my queasiness of it by running there on purpose for a while. Now it's just a story to tell, but with a caveat: Runners, always always always be aware of your footing! It's all that stands between you and a possible medical disaster.
The following is not my story ... it’s about an ultramarathoner. I finished a half wearing my latest acquisition ... a shirt that read, “13.8 ... I took a wrong turn”. A couple walking to their car after the race saw the shirt and told me of an ultramarathoner who took a wrong turn and added 6 miles to his run. The following year, spectators had mad made signs that said, “Turn here, Jones”
Living in a country town in western New York, I run a lot on back country roads. I have run on a seasonal road where I am bound to see almost anything. I encountered at two different times three sets of hen turkeys with their chicks. I also encountered a pair of Canada geese with their goslings. I gave them a wide berth as wild geese can attack you without warning. This spring I came up over a ridge on my road and encountered a herd of deer running across the road in front of me. I slowed because there is always that one straggler who crosses late. Sure enough he came out of the woods and ran to catch up with the rest. I am always on the look out for wild life because we have bear and coyotes and foxes but thankfully I have not seen any on my runs but I know others who have on walks in my area.
I live in Florida and am blessed to haver unable weather almost 365 days a year... I've seen an array of various animals over the years but the one that drives me nuts lives only three doors down ... a tiny 4 to 5 pound dog that thinks he's a Pit Bull. He sits on the porch and waits for someone to walk or in my case run by. He will bark like a trooper and nip at your heels... I've turned around and chased him back home, but the next day he's there waiting for me... The saddest thing I've seen though are the scores of homeless people in the parks and just off the running trails. I got caught in a heavy down pour and came across a woman lying in a doorway, soaked to the skin and crying... When I made it home, I told my wife the sad story... We put some dry clothes in a bag along with a few treats and fruit and an umbrella... When we went back she was still there... My wife handed her the bag and I gave her a twenty... she looked shocked, but thankful... On a lot of the trails, I've seen the homeless set up tents and campsites... I wouldn't recommend approaching someone alone... I just wish in my area they would open a shelter, at least a place where they could get a hot meal and shower...
I hear you. Back in the early 2000s, I went to Brazil several times for work, to Rio and São Paulo. There were homeless children *everywhere*. It was heartbreaking.
Earlier this year, I’m almost done on a cool day, when a man approached. His opening line was ‘I like what I was seeing.’ Right. Jeans, two running shirts, waist pack with water bottle, and ear muffs. Oh, yeah, I’m 73. We chatted maybe two minutes before he propositioned me. Told him I was happy with my husband, thanks. Sorta flattering, sorta scary, and totally bizarre. I now carry pepper spray. I’d rather walk with a coyote.
Back a few years ago, when my dog Tahoe was a bit younger (...and I guess I was too) he ran with me almost every day. One fateful morning we stopped at a major intersection and waited for the light to change. My focus was watching the traffic and the light. Tahoe's focus was on a squirrel off to our side. Needless to say, the squirrel taunted my dog, and my dog took after the squirrel like a lightning bolt! This all took place in a split second. I had his leash looped around my hand. The street light changed green. I started to cross the street, Tahoe bolted to my left after the squirrel. Like a mini version of "drawn and quartered". My little finger on my left hand had the leash wrapped around it - it popped out of the socket and flapped like a flag in the wind... After the initial shock, I shook my left hand until the pinky popped back into place. I didn't want to disappoint Tahoe, so we continued on our 5 mile run (shaking my pinky back and forth), got home and went to see my doctor. To this day, I have a permanent reminder every time I looked at my left pinky. The joint never healed correctly and it's just a tad bit crooked... But on the bright side - we finished our run...
One time I left my apartment in the Museum District for my daily early morning run in Herman Park. A black bird started dive-bombing me and I managed to speed up and get away. After crossing the street into the park I glanced back and the bird perched on the corner telephone pole squawking after me. After an hour and a half I arrived back and was shocked to see the bird waiting for me. I had to detour four blocks to escape. That bird had a long memory and very aggressive nature.
Always an adventure, but I was in Sun Valley, ID for my husband’s convention. I got lost running, ran out of water, and meanwhile was robbed of my wedding ring in my room. Some nice people gave me a ride back to resort. Directions are a challenge 😀
A few years ago during a long run I glanced to my right and saw a big coyote trotting along with me, a couple of yards away. There was a sturdy wire fence between us (like chicken wire but bigger gauge), so I wasn't worried he would be able to get at me. He looked at me as I looked at him, and we both kept trotting along until my trail went to the left and his fence went to the right. We were sympatico on pace and I often think of him and wish we could run together again.
On the somewhat scary side -- although nothing compared to some of the posts below -- I nearly stepped over what I thought was a large tree root that crossed the width of the trail. At the last minute it slithered away fast. A snake of course!
Nothing too earth shattering while running. Probably the most unexpected event was when a bald eagle swooped overhead to check me out and see if I was edible. Learned their call from that adventure. They don't squawk like they are portrayed in films, but have a very melodious voice.
No way!!! I have a mini dachshund who is almost 6 months old. I have this fear of taking him into the mountains here (in Nevada) or in Utah (where we spend a lot of time) because he’s so little a bird of prey will think he’s a rat! Yikes!
I will! Aren’t they great little dogs? My Oliver is a smooth coat/short haired & is reddish brown. We love him like crazy! I’ll keep my eye on him this summer in the mountains. 👍🏼
They are little sweeties! So much energy and personality. Mine were Tasha and Fritz, both minis. Fritz lived til he was 9, Tasha was my companion for 14 years.
I've seen Golden Eagles with jackrabbits in their talons, so Oliver would be choice prey for them!
They were wonderful! No, I never did get anymore of them.
The next one we had was a sheep dog, part Aussie, Kelpie and Border Collie. She was small, the runt of the litter--one of the pups from the sheepherder who did his lambing at Beryl Junction every year. You may remember him. Talk about runners, she could go forever.
Oliver sounds like fun. . . watch out, they love to burrow in rabbit holes and won't come out! :)
The strangest 5k race went over a set of railroad tracks of course as I rounded a corner down came the guard rails and the runners waited for the train to pass!! OMG Also had a big snake cross the trail A camping story a friend of mine heard some rustling and a family of raccoons had actually gotten into Tupperware containers and were making themselves sandwiches He calls them sneaky people !
I went running with a group of friends once and we came to a railroad as a train was passing, and we noticed it slow down and finally stop. We waited and waited and it didn't seem to be going anywhere, so we hopped on the flat car in front of us, crawled across and then hopped down the other side. Don't know what we would've done if it started moving again!
Found a $20 bill & almost froze to death one December in SLC. (Call me a lightweight, but it was 17 degrees & my phone stopped working. My fingers were numb.) Was chased by a mentally ill homeless man near my house in Vegas. That scared me. I seriously thought he was going to hurt me.
The best unexpected moments are when a friend driving by sees me running & honks & shouts or when I see something cool in nature.
I was running up in the mountains when I saw a beautiful fox I took my armband off so I could take my phone out and take a picture, I set my arm band on the sidewalk. All of a sudden the fox started running toward me so I slowly started backing up, he wasn’t slowing down so I turned around and started running away he stopped when he got to my arm band, snatched it up and ran away with my arm band! Sly Fox! So if anyone is running up in the Colorado mountains and sees a fox with a green arm band on it’s mine! Lol
I have had 2 memorable frights while running; one human (I think), the other KY critter. I was running through our very small town training for an upcoming 15K. While I was actually walking up a very steep hill that was leveling out, I heard a rustling in the ditch to my left. When I glanced over into the leaves there was a copperhead coiled with his head raised up. I believe I probably had the fastest time ever as I ran down the hill in the middle of the road!
The human(I think), I was running on a new beautiful path/trail through KY Dam Village, it goes through some woods near the golf course and their maintenance buildings. As I am entering a somewhat secluded wooded stretch, I see a person with a cap running and bouncing into the woods. I thought it was a path toward the golf course, when I reached the area and looked it was nothing but dense woods, and nothing!! Not a sound, no movement, not the person continuing through...nothing! I had to pass back to get to my car, I called my husband to talk me through the area. I now carry a pocket mace & a taser. Between the two, I think the snake was more frightening, for me. Both, made me run faster, though.
A few years ago, I lived in Tacoma, Washington, and ran the Orting/Foothills trail almost every weekend. The trail follows the Carbon River for a pretty good stretch of miles. The Carbon River is also a prolific pink salmon river, that hosts a lot of returning fish every other year. One day in late Fall, which also happen to be a very wet, cold and sleety day, there were probably 20 to 30 bald eagles in the trees surrounding the river, gorging themselves on the spawning pink salmon. I was an awesome site to see.
It does happen. I've done a few headers while avoiding traffic. Mainly just scrapes, but it sure ruined my favorite running shirt. I'm verrrry careful when crossing that part of the street now!
Since I live in the country outside of Austin, Texas, I run a lot of country roads. My biggest fear has always been dogs coming from the farms and ranches, but that has not happened yet. I usually run in the morning when its dark to avoid the heat with just a headlamp to light the road ahead of me. This leaves the overgrown ditches on both sides of me invisible. One morning, I heard the sound of rustling grass in the ditch to my right. I turn to shine my headlamp that way and see eyes staring back at me. A raccoon ran straight out onto the road and upon seeing me, turned and ran down the road with me for about 20 yards. He eventually turned back into the ditch and on his merry way. I think we both scared the crap out of each other!!!
For me, it is all dependent on the weather. I am not a big fan of the heat nor humidity. Spring and fall are the best times to run; and even during the winter if you don't mind running in cool rain. The nice thing is you have flat areas, rolling hills, and some great hill workout spots. A little of something for everyone. And LOTS of trails for those trail runners out there.
I was running a race about 12 years ago and a dog came up to me. It wasn't aggressive but as I ran by, it bit me on the butt! It shocked me more than anything. I believe it was being playful but it left a purple mark. My kids sure had fun with this story.
I have a few scariest things I've seen on a run. (Sadly!)
When I was in college in Potsdam, NY I saw a family of bears about 100 feet away.
Obviously, that charging bull was terrifying.
I've seen a couple of alligators in the middle of a pond in Alabama. It wasn't really too scary because they were just sleeping and just in the middle of a pond.
Turkeys and geese are so temperamental and if you've ever been chased by either you know it's not fun.
I played golf once on a course that was famous for its alligators wading around in ponds scattered around the course. I hit a shot that landed just a few feet from what looked (from a moderate distance) like a MASSIVE alligator. Needless to say, I took a drop and just moved on to the next hole. 😃
On the run, one thing that wasn't scary at all but was actually pretty delightful was being chased by children as we ran the marathon in Bermuda -- and people were cheering out our names. We wondered, "how in the world do their know our names?!" It turns out they'd printed every runner's bib number and name in the paper that morning (only a few hundred people ran that race).
I can relate to most of these posts...loose dog that ran me into a pothole and ended with a serious twisted ankle; barely a shoulder with car turning into me, not away from me; in crosswalk and someone making the right on red while looking left ending with my hand on the hood! But my favorite was running in Lisbon, Portugal and coming across the team of Swedish runners readying for the Marathon all in jerseys (which I was going to miss!) and getting a pic together...just lovely!
Nothing scary like some of the posts I am reading, but maybe unexpected. I was out on a long run early Saturday in an unfamiliar area, and miles away from any businesses or home base, and I have to go to the bathroom urgently. This was not a good surprise, and I started to get very anxious. Then I turned onto a new street and there was a little park, and in that park, in all its glory, a porta potty. The feeling of relief and gratitude that washed over me in that moment, I will not forget. Just the moment I needed it, there it was. Totally unexpected.
Have had that happen to me more than once... When I do my long runs on Sunday morning I make sure I watch what I eat the night before after not making it home or to a bathroom in time... I always wonder if it's happened to a runner in a marathon..
I have to admit my first thought was unexpected bathroom needs, ha! Only happened to me twice so far in a decade of running, fingers crossed haha!!
Other than that, mostly just surprise loose dogs as I used to live in a town where for some reason people just...weren't responsible and let their dogs roam at all hours.
One time, a pack of 3 dogs came out of an alley and started to fan out around me. I stopped and then made myself big (as big as I can...I'm only 5'2"!) and loud and rushed them, chasing them back down the alley. That was scary. And then the first time I saw this one big meaty Pitbull I was nervous, again stopped running and didn't make any sudden movements, but he ended up being a sweetheart, and every time I came across him I'd give him some love then have to make sure he didn't follow me home :)
What a great story, Christiana! We used to let our dogs run loose when I was a kid, too -- but definitely not now! So cool that the scariest-looking dog... was actually the sweetest.
Yes Terrell, I loved that the chunky muscular Pitty broke the scary stereotype and was actually just a big sweetheart! I actually still smile thinking about that dog.
I moved from Utah to Tampa, Florida about 2 years ago and on one of my first long runs along the Tampa Riverwalk (Hillsborough River), I ran with dolphins. It was so unexpected and I was so overcome with emotions, being a huge fan of sea life. I have now seen them a few more times and it is always so exciting. Being from Utah I would be running in the canyon and spot a moose here and there and deer, but this was my first time seeing dolphins up close. :)
I've also been in Tampa for 2 years. I used to pass sleeping seals on the beach on Cape Cod, and now I always stop to watch the dolphins zipping along. The one with the power boat rotor notch in its fin does some pretty crazy maneuvers.
I was out on an early morning 8 mile training run on a Labor Day on Cape Cod. The main road near where we lived at the time was Route 6a, which lacked shoulders. So I would run in the lane facing traffic when there were no cars, then move to the left when a car was coming. I'm running in the lane opposting traffic (there wasn't any) and a large pickup truck approached me. As I move left, he moved with me, and seemed to be trying to hit me. As I finally lept into the roadside scrub, he straightened the wheel and kept going. Being from NJ, I greeted him with several univerally understood expletives and hand gestures. He then swerved into a parking lot, and started coming after me... again. So I sprinted a few hundred yards and jumped a fence at the cafe, and turned around, waiting for him to roll up. I repeated my greetings to him, and he left. I was running without a phone or camera that day, so I was powerless to do anything. I continued my run worrying that he'd appear around the next bend for the remaining 6 miles. It made me consider getting a fanny pack and a .380 handgun to be my running partner after that.
Last week I had a run where I received notably cheerful, melodic, and unsolicited greetings from at least three people as I ran through the city. The first one made me smile. The second one was a pleasant surprise. By the third one I was thinking - okay - *what* is happening? 😂. Then I saw a vibrant cardinal (my favorite) and decided the run couldn't get any better.
a longgg time ago my running partner and i would train for our long runs and start at about 3am in the dark. we wouldn't see a soul until it got light out. we were going over a footbridge and suddenly he grabbed my arm. there was a man just sitting on the bridge in the dark. totally freaked us out!
he had to be at work early and these were our 20 mile runs that took forever lol. we just kept running and that was the one and only time we ever saw someone on that bridge (we were on high alert on that spot forever after!)
Living in Florida I've had several times where I had to wait for a gator to cross the trail in front of me so I could pass by. The first time it happened it was scary, but now its kinda just one of those things.
I also live in Florida and very near a lake... It never fails in the spring, when the males are out there looking for a mate, that a person walking their dog near the water gets it snatch by a gator... They can't run far but their are fast...
For the most part they want nothing to do with people. I would never go near one in water though because that is where problems happen. On land, I'm not as concerned about them as long as I'm not walking my dogs.
I actually find them to be fascinating animals the more I see them.
That was my nightmare, I had a precious blind/deaf dachshund for 17 yrs. It was a stupid dream, frightening, and I woke up mad at my husband! It was his fault he put my Daisy in danger. Never forgot it! I think I had watched an animal planet episode of Florida gators getting dogs, people near walking paths, ponds, yards, and went to sleep think about it. lol
I went on a somewhat remote trail run on the coast in Kauai, one of my favorite places. I stopped and took a breath at one point when all-off-a-sudden a loud hiss came from my left just off the trail and scared the hell out of me (I jumped). Turns out, there was a dry blow hole in the ground and when the waves came in, it forced air through the hole in the ground in the bushes.
Wow!!!!
I recently moved up to Alaska, snow and cold weather didn't stop me from getting out on the trails and training. One of my first weeks here I was out for a run in the neighborhood, turn a street corner I almost ran right into moose. It was just a few feet away from me, it didn't move. It just stood there staring at me while I backed up slowly and went down the other street. Good way to explore running routes when you're thrown off course by a giant moose
Now that's a first! What a cool experience! (And glad he was so chill about it) 🦌
I'm new to the Phoenix area and learned that they have these "pig" looking like animals called Javelinas. I was out for a run and turned the corner into my neighborhood one evening and landed in the middle of a pack of Javelinas. I also learned that they have poor vision and can only see if they are sideways. They were just as surprised to see me as I was them. I slowed down immediately and tried to move to the side. Because of their fear of me, they were circling me. I had to call my husband to come get me. Since then, I don't run at sunrise or sunset; they are always coming through my neighborhood at those times. And, they are the ugliest looking animal I've ever seen!!!
Wow, Donna! Scary!
When I first started running at home in the country, I loved dusk runs. On one if those both me and an armadillo scared each other. They have horrible eye sight though so both of us tried to run away from each other and just ended up sprinting side by side down the trail!
Wow! Will they attack a person if they feel threatened?
I don't think so! They seem like gentle creatures, and I actually like them a lot. We just confused each other and ended up running in the same direction. :)
Well, twice my sister and I have crested a road in The Adirondacks to find a bear crossing the road ahead of us. Both times we just waited, let the bear cross and continue on, and we continued on. But that was in the Adirondacks, and not totally unexpected. My most unexpected event was in DC, running what I call the Memorial Bridge run, starting and ending in Georgetown. I had crossed the Bridge, turned right on a path by Arlington National Cemetery when Boom! Boom! Boom! - three seven man volleys of a 21 gun salute for a burial that was going on just behind the hedges to my left. Scared the living daylights out of me.
Wow!! That’ll put a little extra spring in your step!! 🏃♂️🏃♂️
It's probably about 20 years ago now. I was running around 0400, in our neighborhood. I was going up one of 9 hills (residential streets) that came up from a small lake, and parts are very dark where the streetlights don't hit. About 1/2 way up one a bat circles my face. Right about the time I get the thought "That was weird", it circles again. The second time close enough that I could see it's beady little face. (I love bats, but I don't want one in my face!) I ran faster and got in the middle of the road with lights shining on both sides of the road. It kept up with me for a short distance, but I ran in the middle of the roads, and stayed in the lights so I could see one coming if another came after me. Sure enough I did have another swoop past my face, but not near as close as the first. When I got home, I woke my husband up, and told him about it. Later in the day there was a report of rabies. Not 2 houses down from where I'd made the turn, near the lake, a rabid bat had flown down their chimney and bitten their dog. That same road, around the lake, I was running before dawn. Felt a presence and turned around. A fox wasn't 3 feet behind me trailing along. (Believe me, the rabies incident went through my mind again!)
Wow!!! How crazy?!
In 2019 I was training for a half marathon and regularly getting my runs in early mornings before the rest of the world starts drinking their coffee. I was just over a mile in when I came across one of our neighborly mother and child black bears. I stopped, was of sane mind to snap a pic of them up ahead, then quietly retreated the other way. Needless to say, that run was over for the day!
Reminds me of that line from the musical “Chicago”: “you be good to Mama, and Mama’ll be good to you.” Wow!
It was a gorgeous fall day last October, running along the Swannanoa River on an asphalt two lane road... watching the water move over the rocks, moving steadily myself, two blocks into a 6-mile run, I tripped over a speedbump in the road... fell forward landing heavily and chin-first on the asphalt. Face ok, chin ok but for a bleeding gash under my jaw, shaken up but walking, I made my way back to the car and home.
Fast forward to seven immediate stitches and ultimately a diagnosis by an oral surgeon two weeks later: I had broken my jaw on both sides, just forward of the TM joints. Six weeks of hardware installed on my teeth with weekly adjustments and six more weeks of exams and re-learning how to chew with my new jaw alignment, and finally I was as recovered as possible.
Running past the spot where I fell was a bit creepy but I overcame my queasiness of it by running there on purpose for a while. Now it's just a story to tell, but with a caveat: Runners, always always always be aware of your footing! It's all that stands between you and a possible medical disaster.
Elie Aharon
Oh my goodness, Ellie! I’ll never forget this as long as I live — great advice!! 👍
Sorry! My phone auto-corrected your name!
The following is not my story ... it’s about an ultramarathoner. I finished a half wearing my latest acquisition ... a shirt that read, “13.8 ... I took a wrong turn”. A couple walking to their car after the race saw the shirt and told me of an ultramarathoner who took a wrong turn and added 6 miles to his run. The following year, spectators had mad made signs that said, “Turn here, Jones”
Six extra miles! Wow!
Living in a country town in western New York, I run a lot on back country roads. I have run on a seasonal road where I am bound to see almost anything. I encountered at two different times three sets of hen turkeys with their chicks. I also encountered a pair of Canada geese with their goslings. I gave them a wide berth as wild geese can attack you without warning. This spring I came up over a ridge on my road and encountered a herd of deer running across the road in front of me. I slowed because there is always that one straggler who crosses late. Sure enough he came out of the woods and ran to catch up with the rest. I am always on the look out for wild life because we have bear and coyotes and foxes but thankfully I have not seen any on my runs but I know others who have on walks in my area.
I love that story, Douglas
I live in Florida and am blessed to haver unable weather almost 365 days a year... I've seen an array of various animals over the years but the one that drives me nuts lives only three doors down ... a tiny 4 to 5 pound dog that thinks he's a Pit Bull. He sits on the porch and waits for someone to walk or in my case run by. He will bark like a trooper and nip at your heels... I've turned around and chased him back home, but the next day he's there waiting for me... The saddest thing I've seen though are the scores of homeless people in the parks and just off the running trails. I got caught in a heavy down pour and came across a woman lying in a doorway, soaked to the skin and crying... When I made it home, I told my wife the sad story... We put some dry clothes in a bag along with a few treats and fruit and an umbrella... When we went back she was still there... My wife handed her the bag and I gave her a twenty... she looked shocked, but thankful... On a lot of the trails, I've seen the homeless set up tents and campsites... I wouldn't recommend approaching someone alone... I just wish in my area they would open a shelter, at least a place where they could get a hot meal and shower...
You are a good man, Steve. My heart aches for that woman.
Too many homeless people out there ... some with young kids... It breaks my heart...
I hear you. Back in the early 2000s, I went to Brazil several times for work, to Rio and São Paulo. There were homeless children *everywhere*. It was heartbreaking.
Earlier this year, I’m almost done on a cool day, when a man approached. His opening line was ‘I like what I was seeing.’ Right. Jeans, two running shirts, waist pack with water bottle, and ear muffs. Oh, yeah, I’m 73. We chatted maybe two minutes before he propositioned me. Told him I was happy with my husband, thanks. Sorta flattering, sorta scary, and totally bizarre. I now carry pepper spray. I’d rather walk with a coyote.
I would too!
Back a few years ago, when my dog Tahoe was a bit younger (...and I guess I was too) he ran with me almost every day. One fateful morning we stopped at a major intersection and waited for the light to change. My focus was watching the traffic and the light. Tahoe's focus was on a squirrel off to our side. Needless to say, the squirrel taunted my dog, and my dog took after the squirrel like a lightning bolt! This all took place in a split second. I had his leash looped around my hand. The street light changed green. I started to cross the street, Tahoe bolted to my left after the squirrel. Like a mini version of "drawn and quartered". My little finger on my left hand had the leash wrapped around it - it popped out of the socket and flapped like a flag in the wind... After the initial shock, I shook my left hand until the pinky popped back into place. I didn't want to disappoint Tahoe, so we continued on our 5 mile run (shaking my pinky back and forth), got home and went to see my doctor. To this day, I have a permanent reminder every time I looked at my left pinky. The joint never healed correctly and it's just a tad bit crooked... But on the bright side - we finished our run...
Oh wow, Jay! I can only imagine how painful that must’ve been! That’s a way to make lemonade out of lemons, though 🍋
Yup... a bit of a pain. But as you said, you got to look on the bright side...
One time I left my apartment in the Museum District for my daily early morning run in Herman Park. A black bird started dive-bombing me and I managed to speed up and get away. After crossing the street into the park I glanced back and the bird perched on the corner telephone pole squawking after me. After an hour and a half I arrived back and was shocked to see the bird waiting for me. I had to detour four blocks to escape. That bird had a long memory and very aggressive nature.
That’s amazing!!! Is this in Houston?
Yes, Houston, four years ago. I’ve avoided nesting birds ever since!
Always an adventure, but I was in Sun Valley, ID for my husband’s convention. I got lost running, ran out of water, and meanwhile was robbed of my wedding ring in my room. Some nice people gave me a ride back to resort. Directions are a challenge 😀
I believe that most people are truly good and will help others... though not by helping themselves to your wedding ring...
Dang! That’s awful!
No way!!! So glad you met the people who gave you the ride -- I'm directionally challenged as well 😀
An interesting day and human experience was really good:)
A few years ago during a long run I glanced to my right and saw a big coyote trotting along with me, a couple of yards away. There was a sturdy wire fence between us (like chicken wire but bigger gauge), so I wasn't worried he would be able to get at me. He looked at me as I looked at him, and we both kept trotting along until my trail went to the left and his fence went to the right. We were sympatico on pace and I often think of him and wish we could run together again.
On the somewhat scary side -- although nothing compared to some of the posts below -- I nearly stepped over what I thought was a large tree root that crossed the width of the trail. At the last minute it slithered away fast. A snake of course!
No snakes!!! That is a fear of mine when running trails.
You and Indiana Jones
Yep!!! 😁😁😁
Oh wow -- how big was that snake?
Nothing too earth shattering while running. Probably the most unexpected event was when a bald eagle swooped overhead to check me out and see if I was edible. Learned their call from that adventure. They don't squawk like they are portrayed in films, but have a very melodious voice.
No way!!! I have a mini dachshund who is almost 6 months old. I have this fear of taking him into the mountains here (in Nevada) or in Utah (where we spend a lot of time) because he’s so little a bird of prey will think he’s a rat! Yikes!
Seems to me you have Golden Eagles in Nevada and Utah. They are bigger and more aggressive than Baldies. Bald eagles are really pretty cowardly!
Take good care of your little doxie. They are such good pets. I had 2 Wirehairs that were my best friends for a long, long time
I will! Aren’t they great little dogs? My Oliver is a smooth coat/short haired & is reddish brown. We love him like crazy! I’ll keep my eye on him this summer in the mountains. 👍🏼
They are little sweeties! So much energy and personality. Mine were Tasha and Fritz, both minis. Fritz lived til he was 9, Tasha was my companion for 14 years.
I've seen Golden Eagles with jackrabbits in their talons, so Oliver would be choice prey for them!
They sound like they were great dogs. 💕 Did you get anymore?
I’ll keep Oliver close/on a leash in the mountains! 😳
They were wonderful! No, I never did get anymore of them.
The next one we had was a sheep dog, part Aussie, Kelpie and Border Collie. She was small, the runt of the litter--one of the pups from the sheepherder who did his lambing at Beryl Junction every year. You may remember him. Talk about runners, she could go forever.
Oliver sounds like fun. . . watch out, they love to burrow in rabbit holes and won't come out! :)
So interesting, Nilima!
The strangest 5k race went over a set of railroad tracks of course as I rounded a corner down came the guard rails and the runners waited for the train to pass!! OMG Also had a big snake cross the trail A camping story a friend of mine heard some rustling and a family of raccoons had actually gotten into Tupperware containers and were making themselves sandwiches He calls them sneaky people !
I would love to see a raccoon in the wild.
No you wouldn't... they can be aggressive as hell and a lot carry rabies ...
Dang. They look so cute though . . .
I went running with a group of friends once and we came to a railroad as a train was passing, and we noticed it slow down and finally stop. We waited and waited and it didn't seem to be going anywhere, so we hopped on the flat car in front of us, crawled across and then hopped down the other side. Don't know what we would've done if it started moving again!
Wow!!!
Found a $20 bill & almost froze to death one December in SLC. (Call me a lightweight, but it was 17 degrees & my phone stopped working. My fingers were numb.) Was chased by a mentally ill homeless man near my house in Vegas. That scared me. I seriously thought he was going to hurt me.
The best unexpected moments are when a friend driving by sees me running & honks & shouts or when I see something cool in nature.
Yikes! (on all of the above except the $20 bill 💸 )
The $20 was a treat for a freezing run. We took my brother-in-law out to breakfast!
I was running up in the mountains when I saw a beautiful fox I took my armband off so I could take my phone out and take a picture, I set my arm band on the sidewalk. All of a sudden the fox started running toward me so I slowly started backing up, he wasn’t slowing down so I turned around and started running away he stopped when he got to my arm band, snatched it up and ran away with my arm band! Sly Fox! So if anyone is running up in the Colorado mountains and sees a fox with a green arm band on it’s mine! Lol
Love it!!!!
Great story! (And love your screen name! 🦊 )
I was going to say that!
I have had 2 memorable frights while running; one human (I think), the other KY critter. I was running through our very small town training for an upcoming 15K. While I was actually walking up a very steep hill that was leveling out, I heard a rustling in the ditch to my left. When I glanced over into the leaves there was a copperhead coiled with his head raised up. I believe I probably had the fastest time ever as I ran down the hill in the middle of the road!
The human(I think), I was running on a new beautiful path/trail through KY Dam Village, it goes through some woods near the golf course and their maintenance buildings. As I am entering a somewhat secluded wooded stretch, I see a person with a cap running and bouncing into the woods. I thought it was a path toward the golf course, when I reached the area and looked it was nothing but dense woods, and nothing!! Not a sound, no movement, not the person continuing through...nothing! I had to pass back to get to my car, I called my husband to talk me through the area. I now carry a pocket mace & a taser. Between the two, I think the snake was more frightening, for me. Both, made me run faster, though.
Agreed! I’ve been carrying mace & either a phone or my Apple Watch. It makes me feel better.
Oh wow -- that second one sounds much scarier than the first! So glad you escaped both unscathed!!!
I had the thought that this is KY, it couldn't been bigfoot, except for the hat! I haven't run either routes since.
A few years ago, I lived in Tacoma, Washington, and ran the Orting/Foothills trail almost every weekend. The trail follows the Carbon River for a pretty good stretch of miles. The Carbon River is also a prolific pink salmon river, that hosts a lot of returning fish every other year. One day in late Fall, which also happen to be a very wet, cold and sleety day, there were probably 20 to 30 bald eagles in the trees surrounding the river, gorging themselves on the spawning pink salmon. I was an awesome site to see.
Dang! That is cool!
How cool!!!
Missed the curb, face first into the cement. 8 stitches in my forehead and a scar for life insuring I will never forget the incident.
I've tripped more than once and have the scars on my left knee to prover it...
It does happen. I've done a few headers while avoiding traffic. Mainly just scrapes, but it sure ruined my favorite running shirt. I'm verrrry careful when crossing that part of the street now!
No!!!!
Ouch!!!!! Glad you are here to tell the tale!
Luckily, I have not experienced anything frightening on a run. I encounter deer, coyote or fox about once a week.
What are the coyotes like? I imagine the deer and the fox scatter when you're near -- are the coyotes more curious?
The coyote stay away just like the fox. I just make noise when I see them to scare them away.
Since I live in the country outside of Austin, Texas, I run a lot of country roads. My biggest fear has always been dogs coming from the farms and ranches, but that has not happened yet. I usually run in the morning when its dark to avoid the heat with just a headlamp to light the road ahead of me. This leaves the overgrown ditches on both sides of me invisible. One morning, I heard the sound of rustling grass in the ditch to my right. I turn to shine my headlamp that way and see eyes staring back at me. A raccoon ran straight out onto the road and upon seeing me, turned and ran down the road with me for about 20 yards. He eventually turned back into the ditch and on his merry way. I think we both scared the crap out of each other!!!
Love it!
Also, what is running in/outside of Austin like? I've visited there, but it's been many years.
For me, it is all dependent on the weather. I am not a big fan of the heat nor humidity. Spring and fall are the best times to run; and even during the winter if you don't mind running in cool rain. The nice thing is you have flat areas, rolling hills, and some great hill workout spots. A little of something for everyone. And LOTS of trails for those trail runners out there.
Wow! How cool is that?!
I was running a race about 12 years ago and a dog came up to me. It wasn't aggressive but as I ran by, it bit me on the butt! It shocked me more than anything. I believe it was being playful but it left a purple mark. My kids sure had fun with this story.
Funny! :0)
I can imagine they've gotten YEARS of laughs out of that!!!
I have a few scariest things I've seen on a run. (Sadly!)
When I was in college in Potsdam, NY I saw a family of bears about 100 feet away.
Obviously, that charging bull was terrifying.
I've seen a couple of alligators in the middle of a pond in Alabama. It wasn't really too scary because they were just sleeping and just in the middle of a pond.
Turkeys and geese are so temperamental and if you've ever been chased by either you know it's not fun.
Loose dogs.
I played golf once on a course that was famous for its alligators wading around in ponds scattered around the course. I hit a shot that landed just a few feet from what looked (from a moderate distance) like a MASSIVE alligator. Needless to say, I took a drop and just moved on to the next hole. 😃
On the run, one thing that wasn't scary at all but was actually pretty delightful was being chased by children as we ran the marathon in Bermuda -- and people were cheering out our names. We wondered, "how in the world do their know our names?!" It turns out they'd printed every runner's bib number and name in the paper that morning (only a few hundred people ran that race).
I can relate to most of these posts...loose dog that ran me into a pothole and ended with a serious twisted ankle; barely a shoulder with car turning into me, not away from me; in crosswalk and someone making the right on red while looking left ending with my hand on the hood! But my favorite was running in Lisbon, Portugal and coming across the team of Swedish runners readying for the Marathon all in jerseys (which I was going to miss!) and getting a pic together...just lovely!
That's so cool, Michelle! What were they like?
Nothing scary like some of the posts I am reading, but maybe unexpected. I was out on a long run early Saturday in an unfamiliar area, and miles away from any businesses or home base, and I have to go to the bathroom urgently. This was not a good surprise, and I started to get very anxious. Then I turned onto a new street and there was a little park, and in that park, in all its glory, a porta potty. The feeling of relief and gratitude that washed over me in that moment, I will not forget. Just the moment I needed it, there it was. Totally unexpected.
Have had that happen to me more than once... When I do my long runs on Sunday morning I make sure I watch what I eat the night before after not making it home or to a bathroom in time... I always wonder if it's happened to a runner in a marathon..
Definitely can relate! I have used available porta potties too.
I totally get it!!!
Lol Jeff. I unfortunately have been on the other side of that. I could not find a portapotty. Very humbling.
Hallelujah!!!!
Let's hear it for those porta potties!! AMEN!
I have to admit my first thought was unexpected bathroom needs, ha! Only happened to me twice so far in a decade of running, fingers crossed haha!!
Other than that, mostly just surprise loose dogs as I used to live in a town where for some reason people just...weren't responsible and let their dogs roam at all hours.
One time, a pack of 3 dogs came out of an alley and started to fan out around me. I stopped and then made myself big (as big as I can...I'm only 5'2"!) and loud and rushed them, chasing them back down the alley. That was scary. And then the first time I saw this one big meaty Pitbull I was nervous, again stopped running and didn't make any sudden movements, but he ended up being a sweetheart, and every time I came across him I'd give him some love then have to make sure he didn't follow me home :)
Depending on where you live, consider POM spicy sauce as part of your kit. I carry it when I run or bike.
What a great story, Christiana! We used to let our dogs run loose when I was a kid, too -- but definitely not now! So cool that the scariest-looking dog... was actually the sweetest.
Yes Terrell, I loved that the chunky muscular Pitty broke the scary stereotype and was actually just a big sweetheart! I actually still smile thinking about that dog.
I moved from Utah to Tampa, Florida about 2 years ago and on one of my first long runs along the Tampa Riverwalk (Hillsborough River), I ran with dolphins. It was so unexpected and I was so overcome with emotions, being a huge fan of sea life. I have now seen them a few more times and it is always so exciting. Being from Utah I would be running in the canyon and spot a moose here and there and deer, but this was my first time seeing dolphins up close. :)
Cool!
I've also been in Tampa for 2 years. I used to pass sleeping seals on the beach on Cape Cod, and now I always stop to watch the dolphins zipping along. The one with the power boat rotor notch in its fin does some pretty crazy maneuvers.
I love this so much. Those kinds of sightings take my breath away and make me so happy.
I know right? I definitely stopped mid run to take pictures and I could not stop smiling. :)
Same here! I can't imagine ever wanting to go on a run again without the dolphins right alongside 😃
I was out on an early morning 8 mile training run on a Labor Day on Cape Cod. The main road near where we lived at the time was Route 6a, which lacked shoulders. So I would run in the lane facing traffic when there were no cars, then move to the left when a car was coming. I'm running in the lane opposting traffic (there wasn't any) and a large pickup truck approached me. As I move left, he moved with me, and seemed to be trying to hit me. As I finally lept into the roadside scrub, he straightened the wheel and kept going. Being from NJ, I greeted him with several univerally understood expletives and hand gestures. He then swerved into a parking lot, and started coming after me... again. So I sprinted a few hundred yards and jumped a fence at the cafe, and turned around, waiting for him to roll up. I repeated my greetings to him, and he left. I was running without a phone or camera that day, so I was powerless to do anything. I continued my run worrying that he'd appear around the next bend for the remaining 6 miles. It made me consider getting a fanny pack and a .380 handgun to be my running partner after that.
Dang!!! I don’t blame you! What a jerk!
😱
Glad you're okay!
Thank God you are ok...
Whoa!!!!!! That is absolutely insane. SO glad it turned out okay!!!
That is a crazy story. I am grateful I have never had an accident while running. It is very scary.
Last week I had a run where I received notably cheerful, melodic, and unsolicited greetings from at least three people as I ran through the city. The first one made me smile. The second one was a pleasant surprise. By the third one I was thinking - okay - *what* is happening? 😂. Then I saw a vibrant cardinal (my favorite) and decided the run couldn't get any better.
I love that, Jeanne!
During a trail race, I came across a guy taking his parrot for a hike. Of course, I stopped and took a selfie with him and his parrot!
Love it!
How awesome is that?! I love that 🦜
a longgg time ago my running partner and i would train for our long runs and start at about 3am in the dark. we wouldn't see a soul until it got light out. we were going over a footbridge and suddenly he grabbed my arm. there was a man just sitting on the bridge in the dark. totally freaked us out!
Yikes!!!
WHOA!!!!!! That is scary. Three in the morning is even more "wow"! Why that early? (And what happened after the guy on the bridge?)
he had to be at work early and these were our 20 mile runs that took forever lol. we just kept running and that was the one and only time we ever saw someone on that bridge (we were on high alert on that spot forever after!)
Living in Florida I've had several times where I had to wait for a gator to cross the trail in front of me so I could pass by. The first time it happened it was scary, but now its kinda just one of those things.
I also live in Florida and very near a lake... It never fails in the spring, when the males are out there looking for a mate, that a person walking their dog near the water gets it snatch by a gator... They can't run far but their are fast...
That would be my biggest fear if I lived in Florida! One of my worst nightmares was of gators!
For the most part they want nothing to do with people. I would never go near one in water though because that is where problems happen. On land, I'm not as concerned about them as long as I'm not walking my dogs.
I actually find them to be fascinating animals the more I see them.
That was my nightmare, I had a precious blind/deaf dachshund for 17 yrs. It was a stupid dream, frightening, and I woke up mad at my husband! It was his fault he put my Daisy in danger. Never forgot it! I think I had watched an animal planet episode of Florida gators getting dogs, people near walking paths, ponds, yards, and went to sleep think about it. lol
I would freak.
I'm in Tampa, and the biggest danger I face is dog walkers with 12' leashes on Riverwalk.
I'm in Clearwater, but the 2 mile loop at Lake Seminole Park has a lot of gators in it. And Walsingham Park as well.
No way!!! What I find most amazing is that "now it's kinda just one of those things" 😃
WOW!