Evening run in the dark and snow out to Butterfield Park and back. About a mile into the run I passed a group of boys, about 8 of them. They started to yell things at me and I was ignoring them at first, but then one of them threw something across the street at me. That will flip my lid way quick! I can handle a little persecution, but if someone tries to hurt me I get real ticked real quick. Plus I am not a 130 lb distance runner that is a peace maker that puts up with that kind of crap. Some of you know some of those stories about me. I stopped and walked across the street toward these young men, ready for whatever the situation brought me. As I got closer I asked them what they said and why they threw something at me? I could see they were all about 13-14 year old. They were a little nervous and I am sure no one thought I would stop and confront them. Two of the kids were very scared and claimed they didn't say or do anything. I told them them to be quiet and to not talk unless I said to and that I was here for all of them. I told them I understood that they were probably just hanging out having fun, but wondered what they would do if I was some really crazy pissed off guy, which could be possible if they would have hit me? They said they didn't know. I said they that I figured at least 6 of them would end up in the hospital before someone stopped to help the remaining two. They looked even more nervous and all started to apologize at the same time. A couple of the kids had a Herriman Mustang Athletics shirts on. I asked them if they wanted to play sports in high school, all of them said yes. They were all 8-9 graders. I told them that I was the AD at the high school and that I expected future athletes and people wearing my symbol on them to act with more dignity. I told them I expected all of them to set better examples and next time instead of swearing and throwing things at someone that they will say something nice and tell them great job for being so dedicated to be out exercising on a night like this. Maybe even do some community service, like shovel the neighbors walks or something. They committed to this and told me what I told them to tell me, to have a good night and great job for being out in the snow, and I bid them a good night. I have never seen a more freaked out group of teens that repented so quickly. I chuckled over the situation and how they probably crapped their pants, but I hope they actually learned something. I am such a teacher! They were no longer their when I came back. Hammy felt okay and I stretched and rumble rolled after the run. 7:36 pace
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