Do Unto Others...

I've gotten used to people being careless and stupid... the guy talking on his phone who swerves across six lanes of traffic, nearly collides with you, then flips you off when you honk at him, tech "support," grocery shopping, whatever.

I had forgotten, though, about what murderous nutbars people really are. Then I rode my bike to work yesterday. There's hot stuff in the Escalade who goes around, then squeezes as close as possible to the curb, trying to pinch you off. I just go around the left. Big man in the big truck who buzzes you, close enough to feel it. Wannabe tuner who decides that he has to pass on the left as I have my GODDAMN ARM STUCK OUT POINTING LEFT AS I MOVE TO MAKE A LEFT TURN. And the lady who can't wait the four seconds it'll take for me to pass her driveway, who has to go around me and immediately turn right in front of me.

Is it poor parenting? An extension of the "Internet tough guy" (the people who make ridiculous threats online) phenomenon? What is it about somebody being on a bicycle that upsets you so much? I'm not in the way, I ride to the right, point at where I'm going, have lights, all that.

Here's the thing cool people, yes, you are in a car, you are awesome. IF YOU HIT ME YOU WILL LIKELY KILL ME. Alright? Got it? I realize how amazingly wonderful you are and how your gas pumping or number crunching job is the most important thing in the world, but how about a little respect? Do you really get your jollies terrorizing people who can't fight back? What the hell is wrong with you?

In other news, I'm on my training schedule... this week so far = long run, swim + run, bike, swim+run. Tomorrow and Sunday, short run then long run. I was even able to button my pants this morning without sucking in my gut. Progress! All I have to do now is stay alive.