Lake of the Woods Rant

Part Un. I haven't been running the Mahomet trails for a while (injury) until recently. One of the things I always looked forward to while running them on the weekends was the possibility of seeing Jeff Riddle out mowing. And when I was lucky enough to be out there running when he was mowing, I always looked forward to seeing him on another loop or path, and it definitely boosted how I felt about running and about humanity in general. So it was with some sadness that I ran without even a glimmer of hope or anticipation of a Jeff siting, or freshly mowed evidence that he had been there. I had only the fond memories of how, before I really knew him, the Lawnmower Man would smile, wave, and offer words of encouragement whenever I went by, as he selflessly labored in the hot sun simply for finding reward in the happiness of others. Altruism is not dead. Thanks again, Jeff, for all the years, and I hope they don't screw up our beloved Riddle Run.

Part Deux. I really enjoyed running Clinton last Friday. The trail was in the best shape I've ever seen it (no mud, no snow, no thick layer of leaves), plus there were some really great improvements made to it. Specifically, many of the tired old bridges have been replaced with beautifully constructed, bomber wooden bridges, with thoughtful strips going across for better traction. I couldn't help but think of these bridges while running across the stupid whaddycallits that the wise Lake of the Woodsers plunked onto our trails for their "improvement," further insulted by the treacherous hunks of giant gravel. I'm sure even the deer avoid running across it.