PlatKat.com: Running in Austin

Friday, October 19, 2007

Running in Austin

Instead of counting bums to the smell of fish, I've been running around Oak Hill for the last week. The rolling hills that fill the neighborhood have been taking their toll on my shins, but seeing all the houses decked out for Halloween makes it worth the pain. (Did I mention I love Halloween?) In addition, I've been gettin' in touch with nature an' sheeit.

I saw a grasshopper FLY from the middle of the sidewalk into a tree across the street a few yards past the curb. I remember seeing grasshoppers that could jump far enough to give the appearance of flying, but daaaamn, this one's been on the juice or something. Yes, I'm sure it was a grasshopper. He let me examine him for a few seconds before he took off. Nice moves, bug.

I also got lost in the trailer park section of the neighborhood that serves as a buffer between 290 and the "nice" houses. In one of the shady pockets of concrete off the highway, I ran to what I was pretty sure was a dead end with every intention of turning around and running back the way I came once I reached the end.

Before I could make it that far, two giant husky/german shepard/crazy ass dogs came running at me from the last home on the street. My first thought: "Oh fuck, am I going to have to beat these dogs shitless Resident Evil-style?" I stopped dead in my tracks when I realized their speed and purpose. The dumbest thing you can do when confronted by an animal is turn around and run away.

I stood there until they reached me. Once they were close enough to do some damage, they simply stopped and continued barking. Then one of them retreated, so I followed suit. Great way to get your adrenaline flowing three miles into your run.

Having two giant dogs protect your house in that area makes sense though. If you called the cops, your house would be empty and your family would be dead before they ever found the place. I guess a fallen jogger would just be a casualty of circumstance.

posted by platkat @ 8:53 PM