While out running I sometimes come across surprising things. For example, one day I came upon someone driving a little cart being pulled by a team of huskys through the woods. On another occasion I met a group of people riding off-road unicycles along the canal towpath (I also didn’t realise there was any such thing).
Last year, when on holiday in Skiathos, Greece my wife and I had to make way for a herd of goats! That might be hardly surprising but this morning, while out on an early morning 10K, I startled a baby deer on the road. There used to be a deer farm nearby and I had heard that wild roaming deer can be seen sometimes in the woods but this was the first time I had seen a wild one locally!
Some surprises are pleasant but this reminded me of a run a few months ago when I had found a walker who had been knocked over by a bicycle. I had to phone for an ambulance and I stayed with the unfortunate victim until she was safely in on the way to hospital (fortunately the lady concerned hadn’t broken anything and although was off work for some time, did make a full recovery).
On this occasion the victim didn’t need any lifesaving treatment such as a defibrillator but it reminds me of the importance of making this sort of equipment more widely available.
“And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” Hebrews 13:16
Richard is running 10K every day during June, to raise money for a public access defibrillator to be situated at Rothwell Baptist Church. To sponsor him and make a donation, please visit his Just Giving Page.
Marathon Mann 