19 hard won miles and it went down as the worst run in my history. I started out too late and wanted to bail but I knew that its crunch time for the RVA. Around mile 11 as it was getting dark I was running under an underpass and I saw a man crouching down ahead but not in a threatening way. Next thing I knew as I came through a man in a gorilla costume jumped off the top in front of me and screamed in my face as his friend video recorded my reaction. I yelled a couple expletives then screamed, Why would you think thats funny?! Then he pulled his mask off and mumbled sorry in think and I yelled, especially for someone who almost lost her life. Look up PTSD and then decide if you think its a good idea. I ran away crying and wanted to call my boyfriend to pick me up. I was done. But I thought of all Ive survived so far and decided no one else is going to steal my joy again and I kept going. I passed a professor and his two kids on bikes whose story of survival was featured in my alumnae magazine. My alma mater brought him over as a visiting scholar to escape a war torn country, likely saving his life. At the time they werent sure if he would be funded to stay on. This was over a year ago. After verifying who he was I told him Im glad his family is still here. I cant help but wonder if he rode a little slower so that I would not be alone on the path. Im sure Meg and my late boyfriend were watching down on me willing me to keep going. Longest run to date. Ran 18.2 then walked the last .8 home. It was dark, cold, and I was scared. I got home to a home-cooked meal by my boyfriend who also picked up my favorite wine. Its not often we get a second chance at life and love. My body is still working through the shock but my heart is full of gratitude. Thanks for letting me share.
Posted on: Mon, 13 Oct 2014 02:06:02 +0000
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