Tuesday, June 25, 2013

5 seconds

5 Seconds

What is 5 seconds in the big scheme of things?  Most would say not much...hardly any amount of time at all.  But to a runner 5 seconds can be the difference between world records, a personal best time, or qualifying for Boston.  And 5 seconds can be the difference between life and death.


On an ordinary run though my housing area, I was moving along enjoying the afternoon and in the middle of a good stride when I sensed something coming up from behind me.  I don’t run with an Ipod or anything to cloud my senses so I’m pretty aware of my surroundings.  Something was approaching me, approaching me kind of fast.  My feeling also told me that whatever “it” was, it was going to catch me.  I also gathered by the sound that it was a car or truck.  Then almost before I could process it, a car passed me on my right side and turned in front of me.  It appeared this car was pulling into a driveway, a driveway right in front of me, about 6 feet way.

I’ve got to admit I was pretty surprised when the driver pulled in front of me and a bit ticked off, but I figured I would cut behind the car and get out of the way.  Clearing the street with a quick look over my shoulder, I turned to move behind this passing/turning car.  Then my senses kicked in again, something was moving at me a SECOND time.  The car that just passed and turned in front me was now in fact backing up into a driveway across the street. My attempt to get out of the way put me right back in the path of this 4,000 pound monster.  Luckily my awareness served me well allowing me to avoid being run over yet again by this person.  Most startling was that the driver gave me the stink eye…why was I in her way again?


5 seconds…  5 seconds would have been all it took for this driver to slow down, allowing me to get out of their path.  5 seconds could have prevented all the juggling between the both of us.  5 seconds and the stink eye could have been avoided.  But I guess those 5 seconds were important to her; Home 5 seconds earlier, Checking your mail 5 seconds sooner, or Tuning into the last 5 seconds of your favorite show.  Those 5 seconds really are a big deal after all.

To me those 5 seconds nearly took me out…not once but twice!

And that stink eye…a work of Art.  Is it really to much to ask, give me 5 seconds, PLEASE

8 comments:

  1. Glad you made it out alive. People are silly.

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  2. Need to run in a big bubble...or put on your Flash suit and run faster! :-)

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  3. I've actually been hit while out running before. A driver was turning right after rolling through a stop sign. They looked left, but never looked right. Pulled out into me and hit me. I was okay, but this exact thing almost happens to me every run. I take my safety into my own hands and trust no one, but it shouldn't have to be like that.

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    1. WOW, glad it was not a serious hit, scary. Be SAFE

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  4. I'm glad you are okay, its insane how many close calls happen ALL THE TIME.

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  5. Wow that's crazy! A good reason why running without music is safer- especially on the roads!

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