Fred keeps a diary and has for many, many years. I know this because Fred has shared some of his entries from years ago with me. Here is one that he shared and I must share.
“4/9/80 - Had a life experience tonight running across 59th Street Bridge with Benj in near hail torrent getting soaked and running on water and splashing through streams...twisted ankle running and got hit by huge car splash which saved my life by startling and slowing me just before a turning car flashed in front of me cutting me off, if not down. Benjie's yell helped too. We were wet and smoking when we got into the car.”
I smiled when I read the entry. I remember the run in the pouring rain. I don't remember Fred’s injury - it was one of many. “Share the road” was several years into the future and we were always narrowly avoiding cars during our runs. It was during the Subway Strike of 1980 which started on April 1st and ended on April 11th. Fred and I drove to a parking lot (provided by a client of Fred’s) in Long Island City and ran over the 59th Street (aka Queensboro - now known as the Edward Koch) Bridge into Manhattan. After work, we reversed the commute, including the run back over the bridge to the car.
What made me smile? The thought that this wasn't the craziest thing we ever did.....