I've been a runner for a number of years now. Sometimes I train on my own, sometimes with a small group, and other times with very large groups depending on the race. No matter how big or small, I always seem to notice things other runners do that get on my nerves. I think there's a basic code of etiquette all runners (and walkers) should follow. I try not to focus on the negative things in life, and I don't think my expectations are too unreasonable. But take a look and see what you think. 1. Like it or not, pedestrians do not rule the road. Cars, trucks, bikes- they are all bigger than you and can do a lot of damage if you end up getting hit. So make sure you wait until it's clear to cross the road, and don't assume that vehicles will willingly share the shoulder. Sometimes you have to be ready to jump up on the curb or in the grass if someone won't give you the space you need. 2. If you are going to spit (or do something similar), make sure you have enough distance between you and the person behind or next to you. It's never fun to have to dodge someone's spit, or even worse, be hit by it. Yes, I've seen it happen. 3. Don't be a litter bug. When training for long distance runs, many times you have to carry fuel with you (Gu, sport beans, candy, etc.). Be sure to clean up after yourself. It's no one else's job to pick up my wrappers because I didn't feel like finding somewhere to store them while I finished my run. 4. When passing other runners or walkers, say hello. I've always said that true runners (and walkers) greet each other instead of passing in silence. If you're wearing headphones, keep the volume low enough so that you can hear someone as they come past. It's always a bummer when I say hello to someone with headphones but they don't respond because they can't hear me. 5. If you are running with someone on a narrow path or sidewalk and another runner (or walker) approaches, give them room to pass. It's never nice to make someone jump into the grass because they don't have enough room to get by. Those are just a few of the basic courtesies I think runners and walkers should follow when out on the road. Do you agree? Do you have any others to add to the list?  You will earn 5 SparkPoints
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When passing other runners or walkers, say hello. - No. Not everyone wants to socialize, thank you. If someone wants to speak to you, they will. You don't know why they're out there, what they're going through. Just leave people alone and mind your business Report
The last time we crossed paths it had been super rainy and the ground was saturated. I moved all the way to the right, and most of the team moved to their right and we passed each other... closely but without knocking each other. Except one girl. She looked me right in the goshdarn face and stayed in the middle of the path. Now - I'm not a small girl, but I could power walk as fast as these ladies and gents were jogging. So my short, thick self, shoulder-checked her. She literally yelled "HEY". My face was BURNING. I was embarassed, cuz honestly I didn't mean to do it but the ground was SOAKED and I didn't want to ruin my sneakers walking in the saturated ground & grass.
Karma spun it's lovely web though - the lanky guy behind her was like "well if you weren't such a b*tch, you wouldn't have gotten hit. move over!"
Vindication. Report
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Sometimes I feel silly - but it is worth it. Most times I get a thank you or a smile. I think we've all been pushed off the paths or trails by another runner/walker/biker at some point. It can be a little scary!
cj Report
Number 4 is just stupid. Forcing others to say hello and interrupting their routine is not only not GOOD etiquette, it is actually rude. It is also not a good idea for women runners to interact with random males on the street. Report
Thanks for sharing! Report
Keep on moving :)
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Most people are fine, but their dogs can be a challenge. I did have one cute little dog chase me for a while. shoo... shoo... Folks, let's remember to not only be mindful of ourselves, let's be mindful of our dogs. I've nearly run into lots of dogs and they've nearly run into me.
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