Surviving A Thriving Harbor

I’ve just completed week 2 of training for this summers Survivor 7 Harbor Run. I ran in it last year after a wait of 3 years. It always seemed to conflict with something. It’s a fun, fast, scenic run and I look forward to doing it this summer. Today I ran about 6 miles which took me into the Inner Harbor. You can tell summer is on the way because of how crowded the Promenade becomes on a Saturday. With the exception of dodging people (which I find fun) here and there it was a rather smooth run. The only thing that struck me weird was when I was at a stop light at Charles and Pratt and encountered an elderly couple. I said to them, “Beautiful day, huh?” And they hesistated…probably wondering who this sweating guy was, but answered, “Hopefully the first of many.” Then the woman asked me, “Are you from here?” I told them I lived not to far from the harbor and they responded, “Is it usually like this?” I answered, “In the spring but during the summer it gets more humid…” “No, is it usually this congested and crowded?” interrupted the woman a little annoyed. I kind of smiled and replied, “A little in the summer. But this isn’t bad.” At that moment the light turned I said good bye and finished my run.
The conversation struck me as odd because one thing I enjoy the most about running in Baltimore is when there are a lot of people out. Yes, it’s annoying as a runner to dodge slow people here and there, but when there are people around, enjoying outside it brings a great sense of community. I don’t know why the elderly couple seemed annoyed… maybe they felt rushed. I don’t know, I just want to thank God for a beautiful run and even though in a few weeks I’ll be moving out of the city and to the county I hope to have a few more fun runs in the Inner Harbor. Until then it’s train, train, train for the Survivor 7 Harbor Run. (Below is the route)