Dear Mr. and Ms. Driver,

Sometimes when I go for a run, I feel like all signs are pointing to this:

Seriously. What makes you, in your silly automobile, so important that you can’t even fathom the idea that somebody might be out walking or running on the sidewalks?

I’m doing all I can do to avoid becoming fender food.

I wear bright reflective clothing, I don’t listen to music while I run, I keep my ears alert and my head on a constant swivel, I patiently wait until you’ve finished barreling through the red light before I step out into the crosswalk, I look all four ways when crossing every street. Correction—I look TWICE!

You don’t even know I’m there. You’re oblivious. Distracted by your thoughts, thinking about what’s for dinner, singing along to your favorite song, texting on your cell phone or calling a friend—that’s illegal in Washington state anyways, so why are you even doing it?!

Silly Driver. I just want to be friends. You do your thing, I do mine. We share the road. You don’t judge me, I won’t judge you. No hard feelings. Nobody gets hurt.

Thankfully for both of us, I know you’re there. I look out for you. Won’t you do the same and look out for me?

I run to enhance my life, not end it.

Sincerely,

Katie (and my family & friends)