Being a runner can be lonely. Trail running through a park can lead to miles of quiet contemplation with nothing but the pattering of your shoes against the ground. Some runners listen to music or podcasts while running, but the loneliness still creeps in after eight miles. Her excitement is understandable when runner Alondra Payan passed this small herd of deer on a long run. @alondra_payan I was proud and had to share #runtiktok #running ♬ original sound – Alondra Payan The deer paid the runner no mind, even though she was hooting and hollering as she passed. Some looked up from their grazing but immediately returned nose to ground. There was not one single cheer, bleat, or grunt of encouragement. There were no silly signs pushing the runner onward. Nothing. We’re here, Alondra, to offer your runner spirit the praise this uncaring herd of deer denied it. Keep running and logging those miles. We’re proud of you. You are an inspiration for us couch potatoes who can barely make it eight steps. Image from Wikimedia Commons. Even though the runner got no visible or audible encouragement from the deer, if they are like other runners, just seeing the small herd was a pick-me-up. OK, by other runners, I mean ME. When I run, I get untold joy from seeing nature. I have seen striped kitties, trash pandas, the occasional opossum, and now and again, I might see a deer. Word of warning: the striped kitties do not enjoy getting pets. City runners see a more mundane selection of dogs and cats, but those animals are also enjoyable to see. The more aggressive dogs can help improve your time, but I don’t recommend seeking them out. A quiet herd of deer is much more encouraging for a runner than snarls and drool. Please share. You can find the source of this story’s featured image here. The post “Oh, Deer!” Runner Gets Encouragement By Unlikely Crew At Mile 8 appeared first on InspireMore.