Running News - Race Reports :: Jog New London Blog » Amusing Anecdotes

KO’d by a Kangaroo

jognewlondon — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 14:59:32 +0000

Here in the States there are many thing runners have to look out for. On our runs we need to look out for dogs, cars, and potholes, but in Australia runners have to add kangaroos to that list. Twenty-five year old David Striegl was enjoying a lunch time run in Canberra when he spotted one of the popular marsupials. Thinking nothing of the common sight he ignored the kangaroo.

In a matter of moments the jogger was blo0dy and unconscious on the ground.

He was roused by a passing motorist and taken to the hospital. He ended up with a black eye and a tetanus shot as souvenirs of his encounter.

When asked if he’d be running there again, Striegl replied yes, but probably with some friends from work.

For the full story visit News.com.au.

A Winter’s Run in New London

jognewlondon — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 02:16:25 +0000

Just about every run I do outside includes some instance of catcalling, honking, or other rude remarks. These are generally offered by men or teenage boys, and I deal with these incidents by ignoring them. However, the other day, a couple of middle school girls hurled an insult my way, and something inside me just snapped.

“Run, you skinny b_____! RUN!”

I stopped, turned around, and glared at my assailants, who were across the street.

“CAN I HELP YOU??” one of the girls demanded. Clearly, my stink-eye glare was not at all threatening.

I was so shocked by their brazen attitudes that I just turned and kept running. But I wondered if I should have said something. But what would have helped? I’m not sure I could have taught them the value of respecting other people or treating people how you would like to be treated. So what was the point?

Shortly after, I was catcalled by a group of men standing around on the sidewalk, and then after that, someone yelled something unrecognizable (probably a good thing I didn’t understand) out their window as they sped by.

It’s funny because I recently came across this post on Runner’s World which talks about interactions with drivers/pedestrians and runners. That article also linked to a post about kids yelling “Run, Forest, run!” at runners. (Which DID happen to me last year, also by a group of middle school girls. I ignored them.)

Ah… the joys of running!

The Bread Incident

jognewlondon — Fri, 22 May 2009 23:39:27 +0000

Sometimes I encounter strange things while on runs. Often people like to shout things at me out their car windows or beep really loud to scare me. On my last run with my friend from Run Rhody, a group of young men demonstrated their supreme courtship skills and fine wit. Slowing down in their SUV, the driver asked slyly, “Wanna race?” amidst a background of cackles.

But one run in particular stands out. I was running down Ocean Ave in New London when, all of a sudden, a whole baguette dropped down next to me, nearly knocking me in the head. I’m not sure if someone decided to throw this loaf at me or if it fell from a tree. In my opinion, either scenario is equally bizarre.