Apology to Lady Walking Her Dog

I promised myself that last night’s run would not be as fast as previous 7M runs, but that I was going to try and hit every mile near the high-end of my target range (7:30/M). I reminded myself of this, I even said it out loud before I started. “Slow down the first mile.” First mile, 6:43. It was at this point that I yelled out loud “slow down you stupid jack*ss!” It was as the final ‘s’ rolled off of my tongue that I realized there was a startled woman walking her dog. And, although I am positive any reasonable person would have realized I was talking to myself, she complied and began walking very slowly. When I actually passed her a few feet later, she tensed up—pulling her shoulders in and wore a face of great apprehension.

So, dear lady and your dog, I’m sorry I swore out loud, sorry it startled you, and sorry you were probably fearful of me thereafter. You see, I was trying to run significantly slower than my actual pace, and with my music on and my desire to hear my own voice berate myself, I had to yell at myself loudly. Plus, I didn’t notice you because I was looking at my Garmin as I prepared to finish my first mile. Hope that clears things up.