Animal Encounters

Every month, Runner's World magazine has a picture titled Rave Run that features someone running somewhere amazing. This somewhere amazing is usually in nature because there's really nothing beautiful about running on the sidewalk in the city during rush hour, even if you're having a great run. However, most training miles are done in this exact setting. So how do I connect with nature while running in the city? Through my animal encounters! I don't care how much exhaust fumes I am breathing in from this bus that I'm following. When I see that deer chomping on a tree in someone's backyard, I just became that Rave Run picture!

Here are some of my most memorable animal encounters while running:

Kingston, ON - On an early morning run through Queen's University's deserted campus, a little red fox comes strolling past us, dead squirrel in its mouth. He nods, we say hi, and keep running. Rave Run!

Stuart, FL - Running across a long intercoastal bridge on a bright sunny day, I look down 100ft to the water and see a school of dolphins swimming by. I scream like a school girl in excitement and Christina laughs at me. Rave Run!

Poolesville, MD - During a long run through country roads as the sun is rising and fog lifting, we find ourselves running with dozens of deer at a time. Over 10 miles, we definitely see more than 100 deer. There are camera crews everywhere, they are filming Bambi 2. Rave Run!

Washington, DC - A few weeks ago, on the C&O trail, we came up to a group of runners and walkers who had stopped. A baby raccoon is walking along the path and goes right up to people going by. He plays with a dog. He follows us as we run past. Rabies Run!

Other animals often seen on the C&O trail include turtles and snakes. About a month ago, Christina almost stepped on a 4ft snake, which looked like a branch on the path.

Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON - Running on a farm road, we spot an animal cross the road and disappear into the corn field up ahead. It looks like a dog, but bigger. I say it's a coyote. We pass the spot where it seemed to vanish and a german shepherd the size of a grizzly bear comes right at us, showing his teeth. I take my shirt off and start pounding on my chest. I am now Tarzan fighting a lion. It slowly calms down as we keep walking away backwards. Scariest animal encounter ever.

Wolfe Island, ON - My parents are following us by car as we do a long run. Eventually I join them in the car and Christina keeps running. We come to a farm where there are probably 10 dogs, all running towards Christina. We shield her with the car and open the door as she jumps in and we take off!

Rockville, MD - I have blogged about the Rockville beaver before (click to read). It's always fun to see it sitting on its dam or swimming with a friend as I run by. Rave Run!

This is why I run.