Running in the Summer

On my travels, I've noticed a distinct increase in the number of people who've now taken up running.

You know that they've just taken it up because they can barely put one foot in front of the other, their breathing is everywhere, their technique is non-existent, and they're probably doing themselves more harm than good.

The question is, why are they picking the warmest time of the year to pick it up?

Yes, it feels nice when you step out of the house and it's nice and warm, but as soon as you're round the corner, you're battling pollen (if you have hayfever), and what will feel like a searing heat.

When I started running, I started in the Autumn.
As the seasons passed, I enjoyed running in the cold and rain because I didn't feel any of it anyway when I was on my way and had set myself a pace to stick to. Your body warms up to suit to the conditions, and it's much easier to deal with.

For the past few years, I've actually packed up my running during the Summer because I didn't want to die. I'm going to try and keep it gently ticking over this year to see how I get on, but if you're a beginner, for god's sake hang on a few months unless you're training for a race, in which case you're probably mental to be running in August.

Sliproad shenanigans

We've all been there, and we've all thought about possible exit routes. I'm not referring to the sliproad however. I'm referring to the point where you're absolutely dying for a pee / poo, and you're wondering where the hell you're going to get rid of it.

I was taught a lesson in zero self-shame just the other day on my way home from work.

When exiting the sliproad off of the motorway toward the Town where I live, traffic becomes dense. This is because there is little skilled work available within the Town, and people have to commute to the City to find a job. Living outside of the City is favourable however, because of bigger and cheaper housing.

Queues to come off at this junction range between nothing to two miles long.

Whilst sat in this queue of traffic, a gentleman exits his vehicle from the passenger side. I see that the driver is still sat in the queue. The passenger walks over to the motorway barrier, and stands against it, back facing the road.

I immediately know what he's up to. He's taking a slash on the motorway. In front of an entire sliproad of traffic.

The traffic that was once stationary however, is now moving a little. He shuffles along in time with the car, whilst still in full flow, I can only assume.

Traffic speeds up. So does our urinator, only now, he's briskly walking along the sliproad with a stream of urine leading the way, appendage out for all to see. Traffic moves faster. He zips up, and walks back toward the car.

The traffic is now past a crawl. He breaks into a run. It's a race against time to get to the car before the driver gets to the motorway roundabout.

I think the car got about 6 car-lengths back from the traffic lights before it came to a stop, and the passenger got back in.

What I wouldn't have given to see that tosser left on the sliproad of a motorway having just displayed his wang to the general population.

Sometimes things aren't meant to be.