Tuesday 5.3 of the most interesting miles in Tennessee

So Marcello and I met up at 7:30. No other DJs joined us so we set out together. Right across the street theres a University and a great big hill so we ran that. We cross through the campus and the road kept climbing so we just kept going. Very challenging. Runkeeper tells me we climbed 200 feet in about 3/4s of a mile.

We eventually turned onto a busier road and then all of a sudden a dog started following us. There was a guy in front of a house and we thought it was his dog but when we told her to go to him he said "Thats not my dog." Ok then. Marcello and I kept running but suddenly we had a new running partner. But the problem is she kept cutting across the road and there were a coupla times we were sure she'd get hit and even a few times that we held up traffic to get her safe. We passed a few construction guys and explained our dilemma and they offered to keep her safe but sure enough as Marcello and I ran away she left them to follow us. Ahh!

We were looking for any fenced in area and finally saw one up a little hill by a church. Perfect! It was a little playground. Marcello and I ran into it but the dog refused to follow. Finally Marcello pinned her down by rubbing her belly and then lifted her up and carried her into the playground. Whew! We were done. We closed the gate behind us and decided we'd call the church when we got back to the hotel and let them know they have a new friend. We started to jog away and heard the fence clanging. She was jumping up trying to get over it. One attempt fell short. Then another. We didnt think there was anyway she'd clear the fence. But sure enough as we left the driveaway of the church, she was right there beside us again. Determined little bitch!

We saw a convenience store and ducked in. I had a $20 on me so I bought some sausage for treats and the woman behind the counter offered us some string (but she had no interest in keeping the dog) So we got the string tied around her collar (she had a collar on but no tags) so at least I could keep her safe while we ran. As we got close to the hotel I was thinking maybe I could get her up to my room and then call someone to help but we passed two students who were running and explained our situation and they offered to take her and find her owner. The female student I could tell had a really good heart and was sincere so I think our little friend will be in good shape. Believe me it wasn't lost on me that I had driven down here so I could definitely get her home if I'd had to.

Stats are crazy because I stopped and started the GPS so many times. Splits:

1 9:31
.77 8:53

1 8:27
.52 8:34

1 8:53
2 9:15

Comments

[Jim Cerone]

What a "tail."

[Brian]

"My dog he turned to me and he said
Let's head back to Tennessee, Jed

Tennessee, Tennessee
Ain't no place I'd rather be
Baby won't you carry me
Back to Tennessee"

[Mitch taylor]

Great story Mike. Well done.

[Marcello Pedalino]

Definitely a memorable run Mike. So relieved that the little pup didn't get hit and is in good hands. Pay it forward... :) Safe travels back to Jersey my friend. -mp

[Greg Navin]

What a great article. If I would have known that you were looking for running partners I would have joined. I may not run as far but I like a challenge