Lord of the flies

I had a quick 3 miles last night.  Not intentionally quick.

I started out easy.  It was incredibly muggy and hot, and this horse fly kept buzzing me.  You know, doing that thing where they circle your head and occasionally try to land.   I tried to squash him when he landed but he got away every time.  After about 5 minutes of the buzzing/landing/smacking, I decided to turn around and smack him in midair since he was likely just following behind me.

I turned around and there was an entire SWARM of horseflies behind me!  I began frantically slapping my hands into the swarm while running backwards to get away from them.  I watched as they each got squashed in midair and fell to the ground, only to be replaced by two more from the swarm.  My poor Forerunner got jostled so much that it started displaying everything backwards.   Finally, I turned around and ran as fast as I manage to get away from them, but they still kept buzzing and landing.  This went on for almost the entire run.

I got back to the truck totally spent, squashed one final fly that had made it to my head, and drove the hell out of there.

Tonight, I’m bringing a giant can of raid and I’m spraying it behind me over my head.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, June 13th, 2007 at 8:36 am and is filed under Jon is insane, Running. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

11 Responses to “Lord of the flies”

  1. ali
    June 13th, 2007 09:10
    1

    I hate horseflies.

    The visual is priceless, especially if you are a passer by who doesn’t see the swarm of horseflies!

  2. Karen in Calgary
    June 13th, 2007 09:30
    2

    You got a little speedwork and fly-boxing in there, too - well done. I would have just gone nuts. Good luck with the Raid.

  3. jank
    June 13th, 2007 10:19
    3

    Worst thing about horseflies is that they hurt when they bite

  4. 21stCenturyMom
    June 13th, 2007 10:32
    4

    EW!!!!! You need one of those bee keeper hats.

  5. Linda
    June 13th, 2007 10:35
    5

    Try riding a horse that attracts the stupid things! I think they remove actual chunks when they bite.

  6. deene
    June 13th, 2007 11:21
    6

    this sounds like a cartoon strip. I wish i could have seen you slapping at them and running backward. it does sound like a great work out though.

  7. jeanne
    June 13th, 2007 19:11
    7

    oh what i wouldn’t give to see THAT video!

  8. david
    June 13th, 2007 21:42
    8

    Did Larry and Curley run with you too? Or was it’s Shep’s night to bring the Raid?

  9. Pamalamadingdong
    June 13th, 2007 22:02
    9

    HAhAHAHAHAHAHA!

    I am finding we have a LOT more horseflies and deerflies than normal this year.

    I f-ing HATE THEM.
    They LOVE me though

  10. brit
    June 14th, 2007 16:42
    10

    too. many. comments. Too. easy. Can’t. type…nice…things…

  11. aprilanne
    June 16th, 2007 08:04
    11

    Jon, I’m cracking up! I loved this post! Best of luck with the Raid next time. :)

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