Thursday's Thoughts: Running Courtesies

The other night, DJ Research and I were having a conversation about running courtesies: what courtesies we extend to other runners/pedestrians and what courtesies we expect in return.  We categorized these actions as courtesies rather than as etiquette because they are essentially polite behavior exercised (pun intended!) while running, whereas etiquette would be generally expected behavior practiced by the running community at large.

We run mostly on the sidewalks of our neighborhood, so we encounter a fair amount of like-minded perambulatory types: couples walking their dog, moms walking with their daughters, women and/or men taking a stroll, and of course, runners.  I always wave hello because...well...thats important to me: we're both out getting some exercise in our own way - let's at least say "Hi."

DJ Research is not the friendly type when he runs.  He gets in his zone, and he stays there.  If you say hi, he'll say hi, but he's not going to be the one to initiate the interaction.

"You don't say hello when you run?" I asked incredulously, "You don't acknowledge them in any way?"  Thats so bizarre to me.  I get slightly annoyed if someone out for a stroll or walking their dog does not return my greeting, but I get particularly annoyed if its a runner that just ignores me.  I mean, c'mon buddy.  We're in this together.  We need to either celebrate that we're out running or we need to commiserate that we're out running.  It'll take .02 seconds.  All I'm asking for a slight nod.

In my book, DJ Research was committing a serious running faux pas.

Least intimidating judge ever. (src)

Incidentally, the above image was found on blog that discusses the above topic...and sides with me. ;)

Then I admitted that I don't run off the sidewalk and onto the grass when a walker or another runner is approaching me.  If there is a biker coming towards me or someone walking their dog, then yes, I will get off the sidewalk and allow them the entire path (though most of the time the biker is on the road and the dog-walker graciously pulls off the sidewalk first).  But if its just walker, even if its a couple, or another runner, I stay on the sidewalk.  I didn't even cross my mind that I should run on the grass because, frankly, I think the sidewalk is big enough for both of us.

DJ Research, on the other had, always runs off the sidewalk and onto the grass when he passes walkers and other runners.  He thinks its a common courtesy because, frankly, he doesn't think the sidewalk is big enough for both himself and the approaching party.

In his book, I was committing a serious running faux pas.

Unrelated, but good general advice.  Though "Naked Flames"
would be an awesome name for a band. (src)

Which got me thinking, are there generally accepted running courtesies?  Or are we just making these up and unfairly projecting our expectations on others? (sounds like I've been watching Dr. Phil, doesn't it?  I haven't.  Is he even still around?)

Now there is such a thing as running etiquette - behavior that is generally expected practice by the running community.  This list of running etiquette is from the Road Runners Club of America website:

1. Run against traffic if running on the road. If running on the sidewalk or multi-use trails, travel on the right and pass on the left.
2. Never run more than two abreast if you are running in a group. Don’t be a road or trail hog.
3. Don’t run down the middle of the road or trail.
4. If you are running an out-and-back route, don’t just make a sudden u-turn at your turn around point. Stop, step to the right to allow oncoming traffic the opportunity to pass. Ensure the road or trail is clear of oncoming traffic (runners, cyclists, in-line skaters, etc.) then make your u-turn. Making a sudden u-turn without looking over your shoulder is a good way to get hit.
5. Alert pedestrians when you are passing them – don’t assume they are aware of their surroundings. A simple “on your left” warning will suffice.
6. Be alert on blind curves.
7. Stop at stop signs and ensure oncoming traffic yields to you before proceeding across a road. Don’t assume cars will stop if you are entering a cross walk.
8. Respect private property along your route. Don’t relieve yourself in the neighbor’s bushes.
9. Don’t litter. If you can’t find a trash can, carry your trash home.

Apparently, this is a no-no.  Wish I had known that yesterday.

But as far as running courtesies--that is, polite behavior practiced while running--is there expected or accepted practice, or do we just make it up as we go?

What running courtesies do you practice? What running courtesies do you feel other runners should exercise more?



RAR!