I don't run but I like to walk. Not power walking or even so much a physical fitness walk. I just walk relaxed and take in the scenery while clearing my mind. All walking is good for you. I take a right and walk up the road 1/2-1 mile depending on time, 1/2hr or hour. I keep the trash pickup, too.
Day before yesterday I saw something I never saw before. Walking along the left edge of the road toward my place I hear a quick rustling sound in the grass and leaves. I look and it's a snake coiled. Look closer, real quick, and see it's a copperhead. What I heard was it striking. It was ready! It was too far away but it was striking to scare me off multiple times. If I had been right at the edge he might have gotten me.
Then I walk about 100' more and I see a skinny little snake casually coiled on the actual pavement edge. Even though I just saw a copperhead I figured it was a racer, which you see squashed on the road often. I thought this one might be dead. I get a stick and poke. It strikes and sure enough it's another copperhead. That thing was real nasty and fighsty. This day was as warm as it has gotten this year and I guess they woke up grumpy.
Where I saw them was where a stream crosses under the road, one before and the other after crossing. So yesterday I was very mindful of that area. I walked closer to the center and had my eyes peeled. I think it was a bird, but I heard a rustle and it made me jump and have a heart attack!
I never see snakes on my walks, other than dead ones.