As a runner, I log upwards of 30 miles per week. After putting in all these miles, I have
learned that running in Mladost is rife with hazards. This entry will help you identify these
hazards so as not to be taken unawares.
You should also remember the Number One Rule: Lift your feet. Most of these hazards are just waiting to
catch your toe and send you crashing to the pavement (or whatever it is your
running on). So let’s get started.
1. The Curb: Our first hazard is one that knocked me down
this summer and gave me some lovely road rash.
The curb is not level with the rest of the sidewalk. This is true more often than it is
untrue.
2. Potholes: While the sidewalks are the worst, the roads
also have obstacles that can roll your ankles if you’re not paying attention.
3. Random pipes: I assume these used to hold street
signs. Now, they are just potential
sources of tetanus.
4. Electrical
covers: These are EVERYWHERE. Beware, they are usually not level with the
ground and some, as you can see, are no longer integrally sound.
5. Paving
blocks: My friend H believes that there
are warehouses full of these concrete stones left over from communist times and
they won’t start using poured concrete for sidewalks until those are all used
up. They create many
hazards:
- Uneven sidewalks: I don’t know about you, but I prefer my sidewalk to roll and change like the ocean blowing in a small hurricane.
- Deteriorating sidewalks.
- Loose sidewalks: If someone with more sound editing prowess than me wanted to, I’m pretty sure they could record the nice “plunk” sounds these stones make and turn them into an interesting song. (PS: people definitely thought I was a crazy person while filming this)
6. Disappearing
sidewalks: Sometimes the sidewalk will
cease to exist. Adjust accordingly.
7. Cars on the
sidewalk: Sidewalk. Parking Lot.
They’re the same, right?
8. Stray dogs: The only dog I ever believed was going to
bite me while I ran belonged to someone, but better to be safe than sorry. However, this one is really cute.
9. Light poles: Why are they ALWAYS in the middle of the
sidewalk?
10. Pedestrians and
commuters: People at the bus stop will
not move to let you by, so be prepared to weave.
11. Cars: Perhaps the most dangerous things in Mladost are
the moving vehicles being driven by people that think 40 mph is an okay speed
for a neighborhood.
These are the main Mladost runners’ hazards. A great way to avoid them is to utilize the
Mladost bike trail. This trail is a couple of
miles of uninterrupted POURED concrete. However,
remember to observe the Number 1 Rule, as obstacles (such as hot dog stands,
speed bumps, and manhole covers) can still sneak up on you.
Good Luck! Stay fit!
No comments:
New comments are not allowed.