Coyote Run

Dear Diary,

I hate making my body go running, but I sure do love how I feel after I run.  Shouldn't these feelings be on the same wavelength?  My run, today, was a bit of an adventure.  I, typically, walk an old Army track to warm up before I hit the trails.  Today, there was a young coyote chasing gophers at the track.  I was thrilled and pointed him out to some hikers that were heading out.  I watched the coyote leave on the trail to the right, so I opted to cross the road and run the trail that went left.  That should keep me away from his path.  WRONG!  After a couple minutes of running, I came across a young coyote in the path.  I slowed to a walk and he turned towards me in curiosity and held his position.  He looked like the little guy I had seen earlier.  Why isn't he running away?  Sigh.  I guess the trails are his, today.  I beat feet back to the pavement.  As I looked back, he was loping casually behind me.  My heart rate shot up but I forced myself to a walk so he didn't think I was worth chasing and after a couple minutes he disappeared.  I was so relieved.  I continued my workout doing out and backs from my car.  Every girl needs an escape plan, right?  After all, that little coyote was only about a quarter mile from the parking lot.  Meanwhile, I got a new Personal Record on my run.  I'll take it.