One reason why I prefer running outdoors is the scenery. Running along the canal offers unexpected sightings of wild life.

While I don’t particularly look forward to encountering the occasional snake, squirrels and bird are a welcome sight. I have yet to photograph the squirrels or the blue birds in action but today, I caught the majestic crane, albeit from quite a distance, on my iPhone.

Years ago, wild cranes used to visit the canal. They have since disappeared. This lone crane is a welcome sight.

Running the same route can get monotonous but the excitement upon seeing that crane took the boredom away and made me forget about my tired aching body.

Skipped my workout yesterday. Too busy from the time i got up and too tired after work even to see my kids to bed.

Still, my blubber can’t be ignored. I was up at 6 for a morning run before work.

It was still dark when I reached the canal. Yeah, there are street lights and I’m certainly no sweet young thing, but I was a little scared. Of snakes. The real ones that slither out from amongst the trees or from the canal itself.

Quite a few people have encountered cobras in this area recently.

On a few of my runs down that canal I have encountered snakes. One was a red and black striped serpent. Another was an enormous black snake with a silvery head that went upright and stared at me. In both cases, I backed off. Aborted the runs and went home.

I started with a slow jog. Too scared at first to enjoy the morning breeze. I watched every step in case a snake slithered by. None did.

High on endorphins, drenched in sweat, refreshed and ready to face the day, I forgot my fear of snakes.