Training in the city... How to survive the phone crazy pedestrians!

It was a cold January night and I was out on the run when I learned the truth about running in a city. One must be cautious of the pedestrians who can't seem to put their phone down for 5 seconds or are drunk, maybe high college students. On that cold January night I was running through the infamous Kenmore square in Boston. At this point I was still running with music and oblivious to the fact I needed to pay more attention. If you have ever been to Kenmore sqaure you know that the sidewalk is huge and can accomidate the masses for the Red Sox games. Apperantly the college kids over at BU seem to think it's supposed to be big enough to accomadate their pajama party.Yes they were wearing pajamas on a weekday. Maybe if they just woke up or if that's in these days. So I'm running along and I see this hoard of children and I yell "excuse me" in the politest vioce I can manage. Well I guess they could have given two shits because neither did they move or respond. I have a loud voice, I'm a PFT tech my job depends on it, they heard me. So when they failed to move and they knocked me down, they learned words and sayings they had never heard before! I was thinking "oh no these bitches did not!!" I let them them know what was up and they had the brains to look really scared and to apologize about 500 times! This was my wake-up call about city running.
One of the reasons I started running was I always wanted to be one of those joggers you see on the streets. At first, it was exactly like I had imagined. Beautiful views of the city, plenty of sidewalks and easy routes. Now I run without music and I'm constantly checking surroundings, watching everything in front of me and constantly dodging pedestrians. On many parts of my routes I run in the bike lane. Nothing pisses a bike rider off more than an runner in their lane. They usually yell "Get on the f$%king sidewalk!" I always say back politely "blow me!" Always with a smile! That's the other scary part of training in the city, byciclists! I don't get it you have your own lane. I wish there was a running lane. Yet their you are on the sidewalk running over everyone! Get in your damn lane and maybe I won't have to run in yours!
Don't get me wrong, I love running in Boston! It is one of the most scenic places and there are so many places to run. I think at this point I can safely say I have ran in every part of the city and give the best directions! I also love running around NYC, but to be honest that was a lot easier and it wasn't because it's flat. People watch what they are doing and are little more careful it is New York. The best time for running is in the early hours on a weekend. The city is so quiet and your alonewith your thoughts. One of my favorite parts of training for the marathon was 5:30 am long runs on a cold sunday morning. I was asked about 4 times a run by various hotel doormen if I was crazy, I just replied "marathon training." They laughed, it answered their question I guess. Great pace run for workout Wednesday! 11 Weeks to NYC!!