Distance was 8.36 miles, time 1:48 (moving 1:36), elevation gain/loss 377 feet, avg. pace 13:00 (moving 11:30), and best pace ~9:00.
Lest readers think I'm a total GOM*, amid the plethora of off-leash dogs against park rules today, I had a dog encounter on the flip side. A guy was walking his Border Collie, who was obviously nervous and prone to defensiveness, on a very tight leash. As I ran downhill I slowed and walked by them, and the dog was tense and squared off at me with a freaky stare. The owner kept his grip. Our exchange went something like:
- Me: (joking) I think it wants to herd me.
- Him: (almost with a sigh) No, he's just a little crazy (thinking I said "hurt me")
- Me: (laughing) No, I mean like herding sheep.
- Him: Oh, heh (relaxing into a smile) yeah.
I have friends who have Aussies, and I know herding dogs can be a bit of handful, even when they're normal, and I've had my share of neurotic pets. It's not easy to care for a demanding pet, and I appreciate his control of his dog for my sake. Some days these small things make my run.
* Grumpy Old Man
