"The Seven Deadly Sins In Preparing for Your Race" Report - Download Your FREE Copy Here!by Diane Gratrix
Last fall, I was training for my first half-marathon (Scotiabank 2010). I had gotten up early one Saturday morning for my long run. The weather was perfect for running; the air was still a bit crisp, the sun was out but still low. I live in the country and I really enjoy the quiet solitude (did I mention I am the mom of 3 children, who were all under the age of 7?). This was running bliss.
I was on a country road, and it was fairly forested in this area, but had a farm up ahead. In the distance I saw an animal. At first I thought it was a dog. Then I saw there were two. I soon realized it was two coyotes! I didn’t know what to do; I was only about 4 kms into my run and really didn’t want to turn around.
So I did what any rational woman would do, running on an isolated road, early in the morning, with 2 coyotes ahead. I kept running, heart pounding, and was yelling at the top of my lungs a strange war cry! I have no idea how I decided to yell like that, but the coyotes never followed me so it worked. I certainly ran a pretty good pace for the following two kilometres!
Diane Gratrix
© 2011 Savvy Runner Inc.
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Well it may be comical to admit I do this all the time, in fact was doing it yesterday. I run very secluded, seldom used (by anyone other than myself) trails at my cottage, alone. I used to bring a whistle but really don’t like to have anything with me. I am, however, no more inclined to surprise coyotes, wolves, or bears, so every couple minutes a war cry it is! Glad to know I’m no longer alone in my bizarre behaviour and that it may actually be functioning to ward off danger and hasn’t all been in vain.
Sounds like a similar story I have. I had 2 coyotes cross about 10 feet in front of me last fall. They stopped. I stopped. It turns out the don’t like profanity either!!
Surprise wildlife creates some great running and riding stories. Did you know that a bear intent on crossing the road just where your bike is about to pass will cause it to turn around, and your bike to fly up the hill with adrenaline you had no idea existed in your tired legs?
Or a snake sunning itself on a rock on the trail ahead of you just where your foot is about to land causes a strange ‘snake dance’ that results in arms flailing above your head, feet trying to go in opposite directions and a silent scream?
All part of the fun!