This post is written based on personal experience from my last week’s runs. The weather is turning nicer, which means more people outdoors exercising and training for upcoming events. I’m all for being outside and getting in a good sweat-session, but I’m also all for runner, cyclist, roller-blader, speed-walker, pogo-sticker (or however else you choose to enjoy the outdoors) etiquette. Usually, there are no problems – I think I just had an exceptionally ‘lucky’ week of running. Consider this post a friendly reminder of trail mindfulness.
Dear Cyclist, From Runner:
I know we come from two different worlds – the cycling world and the running world. Unless you’re one of those admirable ‘freaks of nature’ we call triathletes, or biathletes, or iron men/women, we keep our crews pretty separate. I have a bicycle, but I’m not even going to try and pretend like I know when the last time I attempted to get on it was. Biking just seems boring to me, and maybe running seems boring to you. Where our worlds collide, however, is outdoors on the trail, path and/or road.
Dear Cyclist, From Runner:
I realize that I am not fast by any stretch of the imagination. I am a slow runner. Perhaps I ‘get in your way’ during my runs, but that’s the beauty of most trails and paths – they are wide enough to pass. If you plan to pass me, instead of creepily follow behind me, I greatly appreciate a friendly “On your left!” as it lets me know that you will be passing, on my left. I make a point to reply with an amicable “Thank you,” because I mean it. I personally value this signal potentially more than other runners, because I run with my dog – when he hears you say “On your left” as you come up behind me, he continues to run perfectly fine. When you don’t say anything and simply whiz by me, every time without fail he gets startled and literally runs into me, causing me to trip, slow down, and occasionally eat it on the trail. This makes my runs far less enjoyable and my injury count far higher. Also, I don’t run with headphones in my ears, so yes, I can very clearly hear you. Or not hear you for that matter.
Dear Cyclist, From Runner:
If, by some miracle and hell freezes over, I happen to ever be fast enough to pass you, I will happily bestow the same courtesy, letting you know that I am running at superhuman speed and will be passing you “On your left.”
Dear Cyclist, From Runner:
Just as we runners like our running pants, and shoes, and socks and tops, I understand the love for cycling shirts, and shoes, and shorts. If, for some reason, you choose to forego your spanx-esque attire and opt for gym shorts, please, PLEASE be aware of how far your shorts may travel down during your bike ride. Although I appreciated the “On your left” signal as you passed me, I did not appreciate the front and center stage your plumber crack took as you moved in front of me. This places your butt cleavage right in my line of sight until you get far enough away to not notice it anymore. Again, this makes for a far less enjoyable run. Consider this a friendly reminder to double-check your waistband and just say no to crack.
Dear Cyclist, From Runner:
For the most part, trails are clearly marked with easy visibility, which is a bonus for both of us. When easy visibility is not the case, however, the trail is still usually clearly marked. In the case of blind corners where the signs say “Blind corner: cyclists yield to peds,” this means CYCLISTS YIELD TO PEDS! Awareness is key to avoiding unwanted, unneeded and unplanned collisions in this apparent death trap portion of the trail. When you insist on not heeding the sign and very nearly miss slamming into me or my dog by a hair going at high speeds, this does not make me happy and will likely result in colorful language yelled in your direction and potential certain hand signals. I realize you wear a helmet, which may come in handy during a collision, but I guarantee it’s nothing either of us wants. So, do us both a favor and pay attention to the freaking signs!
Dear Cyclist, From Runner:
We do this little dance on the trail that happens every once in a while. It occurs when you are coming toward me as there are people passing me on the left. You often do this little swervy thing that indicates you want to avoid running into me, but aren’t really sure if you can make that happen. At this point, I don’t quite know what you want from me, because I’m not going to jump into the bushes just to let you by. This is where we learn the art of sharing. I believe that whoever has the right away stays on the trail. Unless you are a bike cop (even so, you should still follow common courtesy). That means that you coming toward me on what would be your left side of the trail indicates that you may just need to take a sec and chill either until people are done passing me and there’s an opening, or until I run by you. I promise it won’t be more than a few seconds…I’m slow, but not THAT slow. Telling me to ‘watch out’ or ‘move my dog’ in this scenario is not going to help your case. Trail/path/road rage will do nothing for you. I will most likely feign hearing impairment and may even smile at you as I go on by.
Dear Cyclist, From Runner:
We both very obviously have a love for the outdoors and enjoy being active. I will avoid getting hit by you whenever possible, and I expect the same courtesy from you to avoid running into me. My endorphin levels will likely be high during my runs, but that can all change very quickly based on your behavior. I do what I can to maintain a friendly trail environment by exercising trail, path, and road etiquette, and ask that you consider doing the same.
In closing, I will say that I don’t discriminate on age, sex or fitness level – if you run into me, there will be a throw down.
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