The etiquette of running

[pinkhat]

After someone asked about coping with sweating in public the other day, thought it apt that this should catch my eye and make me smile:

guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle...

[OldNed Graduate]

A good list and a LOT of runners would do well to pay more attention to Number 1 of these. I'm afraid there are an awful lot of miserable b#gg#rs out there who can't spare a moment to be polite.

[CouchtoKiltLegs Graduate]

Thanks for posting this, it was a very enjoyable read (I love lists!).

I have from time to time struggled with number 1, not because I am being miserable but because when I am running I look like a gasping penguin so a nod can be hard to distinguish. I usually try and give a friendly wave and thumbs up to my equally mad fellows.

I do have a particular rule though, if I see someone who seems to be just starting out running or running with quite a few extra pounds (or overhear Laura on their headphones as has happened once) I make a point of giving them a big smile and a bit of encouragement. I used to be them and it was tough.

[SBG356 Graduate]

I love lists too! Thanks for sharing....

Point 5 reminded me of a runner yesterday doing speed intervals with no shirt on....looked a complete plonker in my opinion, even if he did have a nice, young physique!!

Sue

[notbad Graduate]

Thanks pinkhat, no 1 comes up on here frequently - I used to smile hello at every runner bit got dispirited with the blanks so now check for eye contact first. No 10 absolutely!! Got told I looked like a boiled potato post-run by my son today, no chance of me taking myself too seriously.....

[LMS2110 Graduate]

Great list! Perhaps a few copies should be put up on trees, lamp posts and areas where runners congregate (not for C25Kers, of course! ) but I've come across some real grumpies in this area. Doesn't cost anything, to wave, or thumbs up, or simply smile in the direction of someone else who is striving for the same goals as oneself! Be nice, everyone. X

[pinkhat Graduate]

It's funny, even as a graduate, I still tend to run in the relative solitude of nearby woodlands and when, on the rare occasion, I see a fellow runner (I hope you're noticing that I am now happy to describe myself as a runner!) we are usually so surprised that we simultaneously smile, say hello and give a wave as we pass by.

[pinkhat Graduate]

It's funny, even as a graduate, I still tend to run in the relative solitude of nearby woodlands and when, on the rare occasion, I see a fellow runner (I hope you're noticing that I am now happy to describe myself as a runner!) we are usually so surprised that we simultaneously smile, say hello and give a wave as we pass by.

[pingle Graduate]

I feel it is a badge of honour to smile when I meet someone out running (I'm enjoying this I really am!). I run in the countryside and have always found other runners, horse riders and most dog walkers to be very friendly and polite and the farmer who often passes me on his quad bike always waves (tho I'm sure he is laughing secretly). It's cyclists who are the miserable sods with their heads down practicing for the Tour de France or whatever. I make a point of calling hello and waving just to annoy them.

[pinkhat Graduate]

Oh dear - I'm a cyclist too! However, not the head down, bum up, variety - more the sweat dripping off the end of my nose kind. I invariable find that other cyclists acknowledge me, even if with just a nod of the head - maybe they only like their own kind!