What’s all that buzzing about?

Jeff’s post today reminded me of a run that I did early last week (or perhaps the week before last). Anyhow, in spite of the fact that there really wasn’t anything similar about the two runs, there was one common denominator (sort of).

Here are the differences:
• Mine was on pavement, while his was on dirt.
• Mine was hilly (compared to flat), but not hilly in comparison to Jeff’s “at least 4000’” climb.
• Finally, my run was 6 miles (okay, exactly 5.7 miles), and Jeff’s was 20 miles or so.

The common denominator:
• Creepy creatures of the buzzing variety

Jeff’s description of being freaked out by swarms of bugs reminded me so much of my run that I had to write about it. It’s sort of a therapy thing with me. Write => feel better. So here goes:

It was a route that I try to run once a week. It is hilly (relative term), paved, close to work, and thus convenient run. During last week’s run, I ran cautiously. I was on alert early in the run when I crossed paths with a large (another relative term) snake. I also wanted to keep in tune with my ankle and knee to ensure that I wasn’t going to do any damage. I am a firm believer in the listening to your body concept. And so, in addition to my being out of shape (again, relative term), my pace was slow for many reasons.

As I went, I noticed a prominent buzzing noise coming from the long, grassy growth lining the paved path. Have I mentioned that I am allergic to the sting of the honey bee? I wondered just how many bees could there be making all of this noise. Worse yet, how many rattle snakes could be hiding in the grass? I tried to remain calm.

I was doing well with that until the point where I was rounding the final turn and heading back to the trail entrance. At this point the buzzing was growing louder than ever. My imagination ran wild, and I unwillingly imagined swarms of buzzing objects chasing behind me. I picked up the pace, and felt my ankle protest my increased speed. I slowed for a second, but then my heart began to pound in my chest. I speed up again, and resisted the urge to scream purely from that realization that doing so might scare the buzzing beings from their hiding spots and cause them to envelope me completely. I narrowly escaped attack. Once I was safely in the office again, I tried to free my mind of that terrifying experience. This was of utmost importance because I really like running there.

Now, reading Jeff’s story, my mind is reminded of the whole ordeal…and I have a few burning questions.

• My first question is: What makes that buzzing sound?
• Does this “something” ever attack runners and/or walkers?
• Does it bite?
• Cause anaphylactic responses?
• When will it leave my running spot? (i.e. fly east for the summer)