Todays run was not a typical run. It started off as a typical run, with legs complaining and lungs burning and heart racing. I live next to the Olifants river which means that the only way to get a run in, is to start off with a 500 meter hill.
But that is typical, what was not typical was startling the three sable antelope we have on the reserve - they pounded off into the bush and out of sight. I resumed and a very short time later had two of the sable on the run again, I must have woken the third from a deep sleep as it now veered across the road about 5 meters in front of me, bringing me to a stop again.
I carry on, and am once again in the zone when the tree in front of me moves. Luckily I am not the quickest runner in the world (this is obvious as the birds following me are vultures) so I am able to stop pretty quickly to take stock of the situation. I realise i am in the middle of a tower of giraffes. We start the staring contest which giraffes are really good at and eventually I decide to go around them.
Now you would think that would be enough, but no. I continue and am soon back in the zone and starting to feel comfortable when there is an explosion of sound and sudden movement next to me. A grey duiker loses its nerve just as I am passing it and dashes away.
With heart rate racing and different coloured underwear I head for home.