For the sake of the TEMBA Trot, I was glad to see the time change last weekend. In recent weeks, the entire run had been completely in the dark. In fact, there was a seemingly direct correlation to the time of sunrise and the number of students eagerly waiting at Austin Java on Friday mornings. By last week, I fully expected to be running alone, but diligently rose around 5:30 to make my way to the meeting point.
A few days earlier, I had read about a six-foot monitor lizard on the loose in northeast Austin. Yes, a six-foot monitor lizard. Who the hell has a monitor lizard as a pet and, perhaps more importantly, how does it get loose in the first place? As I approached the dark trail along Lady Bird Lake, the image of this reptile was still on my mind. I think I even wondered to myself if there was a possibility that the creature could have wandered as far south as the lake. Ridiculous I know, but keep in mind that I have an irrational fear of animals in their natural habitat, much less hungry and confused ones in their unnatural environment, like say the jogging trail.
As I approached the Congress Avenue Bridge, something emerged from the dark weeds. I didn’t have time to dodge and instinctively leapt to avoid the unknown form. At some point during my leap, I was able to process what I believed the surprise visitor to be – no, not the monitor lizard, but the fabled nutria.
Now, I’ve seen some weird things on the trail – the dude riding his bike in a Speedo comes to mind – but this was perhaps the strangest thing I have ever seen. Yes, I know there is some debate on whether or not these large rodents have made it as far north as Austin and, frankly, I didn’t care to wait around and find out. In fact, in the ten seconds or so following my encounter, I feel quite confident that I would have passed Usain Bolt as I recklessly bounded down the trail to escape the ambling varmint. I am, however, quite certain that it was a nutria with its beaver-like body and rat-like tail. Man, even typing that makes me ill.
As I gradually regained my composure, I began wondering if the TEMBA Trot was worth it. I’ve never had to deal with rodents or reptiles during coffee hours…well, there was that one time at the Hideout, but that’s a story for a different day. Anyway, I was even more convinced to pull the plug when I arrived at Austin Java to an empty sidewalk and eventually commenced the official Trot on my own.
During my run, I remembered the time change and then had a great conversation with Brad Maples at Austin Java following the run. Brad, as you may know, recently completed the Chicago Marathon and we talked about that experience as well as some school-related topics. As I walked home, I realized that what the TEMBA Trot needs is some variety – something to attract a broader audience. This thought, of course, led to beer.
So, here’s the deal. At some point during the spring semester, I propose the first annual TEMBA Pub Run. This will not be a substitute for the Trot, but simply a way to bring a larger group of students together for a casual run and some fun. Sure, I’ll try to convert you into regular TEMBA Trotters, but no real pressure.
Be forewarned though, the last time I did one of these things, some wise guy – o.k., it was me – suggested an unscheduled final checkpoint at the Horseshoe Lounge. The fact that it was 3 miles from our current location and another 6 miles from where we started didn’t curb my enthusiasm for this impulsive suggestion. For those who blindly followed, what was originally planned as a pleasant 5-miler with carefully selected venues every mile or so turned into a grueling 16-mile death march that mercifully ended a little after 2 AM near 29th & Lamar. I still hear about that one.
Anyway, be watching for details. I’ll work with the GBC to come up with a plan and date. In the meantime, please join me on Fridays at 6:20 AM for the run or just for coffee at Austin Java at roughly 7:20…just leave the reptiles at home.
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