As we set off to go to Jimmy G's we found roadworks in place stopping us driving our chosen route over the backroads. I did a U-turn muttering to myself and drove half a mile further to be diverted a second time. So I carried on a more Main road way and ended up at a major set of traffic lights.
I'd seen people in hi vis jackets hand waving cars through the traffic lights ignoring the coloured system which make traffic lights a safe system. Then along the main road I noticed people running. Ah yes this struck a memory of signs about a big Bradford run sometime about now. So the bloke in jacket was waving cars through the gaps in runners. I couldn't understand why they ran in the middle of the road when we have pavements designed for pedestrians to travel at a number of different speeds already. The cars were not now allowed on the pavements so this seemed crazy. It was hardly the London marathon which had so many people running side by side that a road width was necessary. These runners were single file. There are plenty of public footpaths going through the fields round here so again, why do we need to use the roads?. As I grumbled to my wife I noticed there was a smattering of onlookers turning up to see people running. 
I saw an old couple together watching and clapping. 
What sort of conversation did they have this morning. 
"what are we doing today love"
"well I thought we'd travel to watch people run, you know like walking, only faster"
As I thought this the old man pulled out a camera and took pictures. I said "look at this guy, seeing the runners today in person is not enough. He wants to relive the excitement later again at home.". The man would say tonight, "do you remember earlier love when we drove to see people travelling by their feet at a hurried pace"
"oh how could I forget darling it was wonderful"
What got me the most was a member of the public running on the path just to cross the road through the runners. This man in his smart Sunday best was running behind the spectators and I said to my wife. "look he's running and  noone cares, even these fans of running are loving the road runners but to run on a pavement holds no sway with them."
My wife just said "you miserable sod, how did I get with you?".
So it may not have been my cup of tea but there's a couple enjoying there memories of pairs of feet moving one in front of the other at high speeds and not knowing the next time they can enjoy such elation in person.