At the 2007 Nike Women's Marathon, I was asked by Tina, a blind runner, to lead her in the half marathon. Tina had a great race (set a PR), but it was at mile 1 that I received a phone call. I answered and all I heard was barking. Tina's new dog was traveling with her for the first time. But although Tina secured him in her room, the dog chewed through the leash and began to trash the room. The dog got to her cell phone and initiated a call. Since I was the last person Tina called so we could coordinate our meeting, I was the one who was called. He probably pressed redial. I had to assure Tina that everything was all right (like I understood barking), but there was a bit of clean-up required when we got back to Tina's room. The dog had also turned on the water in the bathroom sink. Tina was mad at her dog, but I thought it was hilarious.
~John, Arlington VA
