Texas Giant Centipede

After five years of living in TX, this was the first time I came across one of these. I wasn't quite sure what to make of it, and I admit I found it a bit intimidating.... (just FYI, this specimen was about 6-7 inches long)

Reminded me a bit of the red-and-yellow-kill-a-fellow....but I guess it's separated by black, so we're okay :-)

BTW, these are really fast, which doesn't help either (imagine this thing running towards you).