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School’s out, running’s fine, bugs are annoying
By Kevin | June 2, 2010
Tonight’s 5-miler was a good one, finished in 46-minutes for just over a 9min/mile average pace. I was treated to a stunning sunset over the Indian Peaks, viewed across a lush green panoramic open space area for much of the run. Then, I followed it by 35-minutes of yoga, really working my core and hip flexors. However, the run tonight was marked by one very new (and very gross) experience. I inhaled a bug.
Now, that by itself is not new. I’ve inhaled bugs before, spit them out, and moved on. Tonight however, I was treated to a big fat bug of some kind, and it took aim on my epiglottis! You know, the little hanging “punching bag” thingy in the back of your throat?…that thingy that, when touched, can initiate an all-systems-reverse gag-reflex?…yeah, that one. To make matters worse, this bug had the precision of a U.S. guided missile. And, when I say precision, I mean it just simply nailed its target…hard…then stuck there, seemingly hanging on for life.
My first reaction was a combined cough/gag/spit with a loud “gahrgh!” followed by some expletives. That was all shortly followed by my dinner spread across the trail. And that, in turn, was followed by a solid mile’s worth of gagging, coughing, spitting, and several near encounters with more of my dinner. I just couldn’t shake this thing outta my throat. It was disgusting. And yes, I kept running through all this; I was NOT going to let this stupid (yet precise) bug ruin my run on a great trail, along a perfect meadow, backed by snow-capped peaks, anchoring a breathtaking sunset. So, eventually, I induced my own state of temporary amnesia, and moved on. Yet, now that I’m home, and writing about it, I can’t say the sensation is totally gone yet. Blech.
This is the first week of “summer” since our students finished up last week, and the pace has changed significantly. I’m sorta thinking about making my commute to work a running commute. It would be just over 9-miles each way. There’s a staff bathroom (with shower) right around the corner from my office. There’s also a kitchen where I could get some post-run replenishment. Of course, I’d have to run with a backpack to have some clothes ‘n all when I got there. That would be a new thing I’d have to get used to. But, it might be worth trying during June, when my schedule (and my dress code) is flexible.
So, do they make “bug-deflectors” for runners?
Topics: Uncategorized | 3 Comments »
June 3rd, 2010 at 1:18 pm
HAAAAA – I’m laughing my butt off Kevin! You need to send this in to Runner’s World. Suz was really laughing too. Now…as a medical nerd, I have to correct some anatomy for you. The little punching bag is called your uvula. The epiglottis a little further down and is the trap door that covers your trachea (windpipe) when you swallow. So, you’re actually lucky that this smart bug wasn’t smart enough to find your epiglottis. That could have caused some serious and potentially dangerous breathing issues. Maybe you should look into developing a bug deflector for runners. Although, the only thing I can picture is that mask from Silence of the Lambs, and that probably wouldn’t go over well when you’re coming up behind a female jogger on a trail run! Glad to see another good blog post and hope you have a summer full of great (and bugless) runs!
June 3rd, 2010 at 4:25 pm
Thanks Scott! I wonder…maybe it was actually on my epiglottis after all! I felt like I was choking first, then it moved, and I could breathe again, but I still felt it in my throat (stuck in-between where I could cough it out, and where I could swallow it…I couldn’t get it to go anywhere!). Whatever it was on, it was certainly less than pleasant! Glad you enjoyed my misadventure…and yes, I think I’ll avoid the “put the lotion in the basket” look…better to keep that off the trails!
June 9th, 2010 at 6:21 pm
Hey Scott, don’t you wear those bug deflectors in the OR? But, just think Kevin, you got your daily requirement of protein in one bite!! Glad to read about your runs. Even if it includes a stowaway. Enjoyed seeing the pics of the camping trip too. Reminded me of a recent camping trip with another family member. Can you imagine of all of us were to get together on one! Loads of fun!!!!