Headline News: Runner almost killed by frog

4:30 a.m. and the alarm is screaming at me to get up and hit the pavement with my running shoes. All I can think about as the alarm continues to scream is just how nice it would be to sleep that extra 45 minutes before I absolutely had to get up to start my morning routine of getting ready for work. But alas, the screaming will not stop which is the constant reminder that I need to get up for my morning run. I sort of slide out of bed and hope that I don’t wake my sweet slumbering husband who more than likely will hit snooze at least 7 times before deciding to get up around 6:30. By then, I will have run my 3 plus miles, downed some water, taken a shower, downed some coffee, put my face on, hair done and will be dressed. But the part that really irks me about this scenario that takes place every morning, he is up at 6:30, showered, dressed and ready to go in under 10 minutes. But this is not about that right now. This is about the need for me to get up and out the door. I quickly dress in my running clothes, throw on the Garmin (shameless plug) and head out the door. I can’t decide which route I want to take this morning simply because I have been all over this neighborhood. I just felt like I needed something new. Mind you, it is dark outside so it is not exactly like I am going to take in the sites. I just needed to mix it up a bit so I head in the opposite direction that I normally go and am ready to make some good time. As I round one of the street corners, I make a quick decision to head out to the housing addition that is connected to the division I live in. I hardly ever run this route in the early morning hours simply because it takes me too far from home. I was feeling brave this morning so I figured why not. I was making great time and would be back in my neck of the woods in no time. So there I was, moving along at a pretty good clip with my eyes fixated on the mail box ahead as my next check point. Something on the ground catches my eye just as I was about to step down with my left foot. It was fattest, juiciest frog I have ever seen. That frog had a death wish as it decided to jump out in the direction of my left foot. I dart off to the right to keep from squishing said frog only to be thrown completely off balance. The sidewalk appears to be getting closer and closer to my face. I can feel myself trying desperately to regain my balance all the while, trying to keep from crashing down on the fat frog. Eventually, I did regain my balance and composure so I could continue on my run. I did get out of the mishap unscathed but I wonder if that frog has any idea just how close he was to becoming road kill?