Running in Schenectady

Schenectady, NY is NOT a runner's haven.
The looks I get from passers-by are, quite often, very humorous.
The reason I get good looks at the people in cars as I run is because of the closeness of the road shoulder.
If I had to guess, I would say that less than 2% of the city of Schenectady citizens run. This sets up a very quizzical reaction from the non-runners when they see these people doing that weird thing where they put one foot in front of the other in a quick manner and repeat this process several times. You have to wonder if they think you did something wrong that caused you to run.
I've been called crazy, whack, stupid, crazy, weird, crazy, Forest Gump... did I mention crazy? I've received a very gracious finger too many times to count. I've been the recipient of a purposeful hit and run attempt.
I'm at the point, now, where I know I need to let a car pull out instead of continuing my run because I know the person hasn't looked both ways.
Schenectady is not a runner friendly place (I'm talking about the heart of the city). If you want to bring your car to an auto mechanic, Schenectady is your place.
Maybe I'll make it my goal to change that while I'm here.
Running of the Green on Saturday. Until then...