Each Step is One in The Right Direction

Runner's Ettiquette

So, since it seems that now that spring has sprung, and the 'fair weather' runners are making there way out of the woodwork, I would just to go over some Runner's Etiquette.

I know that you, my Running Blog Family, very much abide by the above stated "Runner's Etiquette," but you never know who is anonymously out there reading, and needs a little review as to what should be done in certain situations.

Situation 1:

A runner is new to the area, and is confusedly looking to a water soaked map, hoping to make out the lines between roads, not knowing if she should go straight, right, left, or just run around in circles hoping someone would help.

The runner figures she would stop and ask another runner for help; because runner's are genuinely nice people who want to see each other succeed and get better at there sport. She keeps trying to stop runners who look like they're relaxed, or not in a serious speed workout, but nobody would stop.

What should the runner have done:

a) Stopped and happily asked where she needed to go, and point her in that direction
b) Stopped and asked where she needed to go, point her in the wrong direction.
c) Ran past her, ignoring her pretty face
d) Stopped, and told her you would point her in the right direction if she lifted up her top. Then point her in the right direction anyways.
e) Beat her down, take her Garmin and Ipod and tell her that's what she gets for talking to strangers.

Correct Answer: A. Unfortunately, it ended up that this girl went in completely the opposite direction of where she should have been going, and was frustrated that the runner's around here weren't like the ones from on her turf.

Situation 2: You and your group of running friends are slower than the some of the runner's behind you. A runner behind you is going to pass you on one of the long hills, but you and you're running friends are taking up the distance of the whole trail. When the girl exclaims "On you're left" with a huge smile, you:

a) Stick out your left foot, causing her to trip on the trail, causing you and your running buddies to slow down anyways, and the girl to hurt herself.
b) not move out of the way, and have her step in the huge mud puddle to your left.
c) Quickly fall behind your group of friends, or sprint in front of them, giving the girl just enough room to pass, even if it deflates your huge ego.
d) Follow what the girl is doing, and mimic her every move. If she moves to the left, you move to the left. If she moves to the right, you move to the right.

Correct Answer: C.

Situation 3:

You are running through the park, and someone nods, smiles, waves hello or says good morning to you.

You:

a) Give her a crazy stare, like she has 12 heads, and continue on your run. She's just too beautiful to say hello to.
b) Give her the nod, or respond to the smile, wave or statement.
c) Make a hand gesture that is something along the lines of: "ARGH YOU MADE ME LOOK UP FROM MY WATCH AND NOW MY PACE IS 3 BEHIND WHAT IT SHOULD FOR THIS MILE" (I'm assuming that this gesture would involve a certain finger)
d) Completely ignore her and continue like she didn't exist.

Correct Answer: B. This one realllllyyyyyy bugs me! Seriously, it's not gonna kill you to nod, smile or wave. You don't have to say hello. Just acknowledge that there are people around you!!!

So, before I leave, here is a brief list of Runner's Etiquette

• Always acknowledge another runner by nodding, smiling, or waving. Who else but someone like you is willing to get up at 5am to go for a run? Seriously. Have a little respect.
• If someone says, "On your left" it probably means that they want to pass you. Let your huge ego deflate and let that runner continue on with their workout. You'll probably get at least a "thank you," or a "have a good run" from the other runner. If not, remember a little feature about them, and you have every right, if you see that runner again, to not nod and smile, or say hello.
• When you're spitting, always do that to the left. Why? Because your specatators are on the right.
• If you see an injured runner, unless they look like a sketchy guy that is injured from running away from cops, it might be nice to ask if they are okay, and if you can call someone for them. You never know, it could be something simple that you can help with. *Many a times have I had runner's ask me if I am okay. One particular time was when I was on the training course for Around the Bay hungover and injured. Runner's offered me rides, advil and cell phones to call home.
• If someone looks like they're lost, and you are a veteran to that area, please point them in the right direction. They are going to have a permentantly tainted view of that area when it comes to choosing a place to run in the future.

Let me know if you can think of ones to add--we should compile a more comprehensive list!

Tigerrrr

posted by AddictedToEndorphins @ 4:51 PM