A few days ago there was a list of most dangerous animals to runners circulating on Facebook.  I looked at the list and was amused.  It was a fun list and yes, some of the animals are intimidating when you encounter them on your run but for the most part, it was just all in fun.

This morning on my run, I encountered animals that were not on that list.  I think I may have to find that list and contact the author.  This definitely needs to be added to the list!

I ran 7 miles this morning.  Evans Road to Limerock Road.  West on Limerock for a bit, then back to Evans to home.  This was probably one of the most terrifying runs I have ever had.

As I reached the turn around point on Limerock, I turned around (duh) and noticed Vultures circling right over head.  Odd, I thought.  There must be some road kill off on the side somewhere.  (I thought it was odd because I had not noticed any smell when I ran past.)  I did not give it another thought.

I crossed the railroad tracks and looked up again.  The Vultures were circling lower, right over head.  I did not like this.  At all.  I picked up the pace.

It was a warm morning and I was not trying to beat any speed records or anything but I definitely was not standing still or walking.  I could not figure it out.

The Vultures kept getting lower and lower.  I knew then that they were stalking me.  I looked forward and four Vultures landed in the road about 30-40 ft in front of me.  They were looking right at me.  Leering, even.  Yikes!

I kept running right at them.  As I got closer, they did not seem concerned at all.  They looked scary!  I made myself as big as I could and started yelling at them, waving my arms.  I know I looked like an idiot but I didn’t want one of those birds coming at me.

Finally, they took the hint and flapped, heavily off of the road and went back to circling over me with the rest of their buddies.

Another mile went by with me keeping my eyes up at the sky.  I made it almost to the place where Limerock and Evans meet when, this time, three Vultures landed in from of me.  Closer than the other four.

I was wondering to myself if you could use Pepper Spray on Vultures.  I had a feeling that I might be finding out.

I kept on running straight for the ugly birds and yelled at them.  They did not seem the least bit interested in flying away.  I opened the nozzle on my water bottle, yelled at them and sprayed some Gatorade at them.  They did not like that and finally flew away.

Covering the last two miles of that run was terrifying.  I was out of Gatorade, I was hot and tired and scared.  Who ever heard of being stalked by Vultures!?!  I just wanted to get home in one piece.

I made it home, just fine.  Made the best time I have ever had for 7 miles!  Let’s hope that does not happen again!