Heather BlackmonI had an exciting Thursday morning here in Sydney. After several days without a workout (yes, the #RWRunStreak is dead…), I downed some pre-run Fitmixer Aminos and ventured out in the cold, dark morning hours to attempt a run.
Have you ever noticed hard it is to get your butt moving again when you take a few unexpected days off? It always seems to happen to me!
We are staying close to the Sydney Bridge, so I decided a run across the bridge was a great way to start the day. Plus, I forgot my headlamp at home and I noticed the bridge is lit well in the dark.
I found the stairs that lead to the bridge path and headed up them in the wee hours to start my run.
There were a surprising number of cyclists out so early in the morning – it was pitch-black when I started, but they were undeterred by the dark or cold, commuting into the city. I thought it was weird that several of them said things as they passed…but I’m used to ignoring people as I run.
About halfway across, some crazy guy was bundled up and tried to stop me to ask me a question. Umm…it’s dark, I’m alone, I’m so not stopping. I ran around him and continued on my way. Stupid guy, can’t he see I’m running here?!
After about 1.5 miles, I realized I was running short on time and turned around to head back across the bridge. This time, there were many more cyclist and more people looking at me funny. I wonder where are the runners are?
About 3/4 of the way across the bridge, I saw that stupid guy again. The sun was coming up, so I could see him better this time. His hat said Security. Uh-oh.
I proceeded to be informed that there were two paths on the bridge – one for bikes only, one for pedestrians only. I was on the bike only side. He took forever explaining that he would let me cross this time, but I needed to use the other side in the future (didn’t he know he was interrupting my run?!). He also wanted me to run on the side of the path toward the bikes – yea, that’s not going to piss them off even more…
As I finished my run, the cyclists seemed to get more vocal and now I understood why. There was certainly some creative language thrown my way and I felt so bad – I swear I didn’t know! I was so embarrassed and couldn’t get off that bridge fast enough.
The big question is:
Where in the world was the sign?!
So – the next time you’re in Sydney and you’re looking to annoy a WHOLE LOT of people, just run across the bridge on the cyclist side.
Disclaimer: This post is obviously meant in jest and I am certainly not endorsing breaking any laws to anger locals or officials in a foreign country.
*******************
Last chance: the Banjees Wrist Wallet giveaway ends tonight! Remember you can get an extra entry every day by tweeting about it (and saying so in the widget). Good luck!
*******************
Question for you:
-
Do you have a travel faux pas story to share? I can’t be the only idiot in the group! 😉
