Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Common Courtesy

I have mentioned some of my frustrations when running on a local paved path. But I think that today's just takes the cake.

It was a lovely 60 degrees here and sunny. I couldn't wait to get out for a run. I started in on my 4 miles with a fast pace...or at least fast for me. I was coming up behind a woman with a dog. A man was coming from the opposite direction, also walking a dog. Each one was standing at the edge of the path. As they meet, they let the dogs meet in the middle of the path. The whole width of the path is now taken up with these 2 people, 2 dogs and leashes. I am ready to pass, but there is no place for me to go.

O.k...so now I am annoyed. I try a loud "excuse me!" The people look startled and unsure of what to do. The woman tries to move her dog. The man points to the grass as if to tell me to pass there. That does it, now I am just plain mad! I inform him that the last time I ran on the grass I stepped in dog poop so no, I will not go on the grass. They finally move over and allow me to pass.

So...am I being nuts or are they inconsiderate??? A little of both?

I think it is just too rude to take up the whole width of the path and just stand there. It was a crowded day with a lot of walkers, runners, bikers, etc. Is it too much to ask to be considerate of others??

I am usually a very friendly runner. I wave, say "hello", "good morning!", etc. After that I was just annoyed. Am I being crazy here?

6 comments:

Rookie on the Run said...

People can be rude. And oblivious to others... which is a form of rudeness. I think I would have gotten angry to have the guy tell me to run in the grass, too! Grrrr...

On the other hand, I'm sure they didn't intend to be rude.

Good job getting out there for a run and for enjoying the weather!

Heather said...

I don't think you were being crazy - it's frustrating when people are oblivious to the fact that there might be other people trying to use the same space. I have this problem at Walmart.

greentigress said...

I think you're well within your rights there - i'd go crazy if someone pointed at the grass for me to pass there, i'm lucky, where i run the path is wide enough for 3-4 ppl and 8 dogs and i can still pass fine!

runjen said...

Thise drives me nuts. People do this on the bike path where people bike, run, walk, rollerblade, etc. all the time. You aren't being crazy, it is rude!

Rue said...

Hi Sarah :)

I don't think you're being rude at all. You said excuse me! The man pointing at the grass?? I would have sideswiped him LOL

rue

Anonymous said...

toy dogs with spots look just like a soccer ball. Whoops ;)