When I run outside, I run on a paved trail. When the weather is nice, as it has been lately, it can get crowded. I don't really mind the crowds, as long as everyone is courteous.
But...lately there are far too many times when people are not courteous. Here are a few examples from runs this week.
1. I had just started out when I felt my foot kick something...it was DOG POOP!! Right in the middle of the path! And my shoes were brand new! NOT a good way to start a run!
2. When I ran yesterday I took my daughter with me and she rode her bike as I ran. She is only 6, but is very good at following the rules of a shared path. She was riding a bit ahead of me and was about to pass a man, on the left, who was walking a dog. Just as she is about to pass, the man see a person with a dog coming from the other direction and decides to cross to the other side without checking over his shoulder to see if anyone is passing him. My daughter swerved just in time to miss hitting the leash. The man didn't even seem to care until I yelled something at him...I was annoyed!! I yelled "Dude...my kid is trying to pass!!" Nothing awful...but I think he got the idea.
3. I was running along tonight having a great run when 2 girls come up from behind me and pass...one on each side of me with barely an inch to spare! WTF!!! They were around 18...old enough to know that is rude. It is not even like it is a race! I was really annoyed until I caught up with them at the 1 mile mark and they were WALKING!!! Is it awful of me that it made me smile to see them walking and then pass them?? I wouldn't have even thought twice about them walking, except I was already mad about how they chose to pass.
So....what do other people do about shared paths and rude people?? I usually say something when it is warranted. Unfortunately my 3-year-old son is with me a lot and has seemed to catch on. There was a lady in front of us the other day (who was not being rude at all) and he yelled out "Out of our way lady!!!' I was mortified!!!
15 comments:
I don't run on paths, so I don't encounter this behavior...but, if it was warranted, I would probably say something...some people can be pretty self-centered!
Have a great weekend :)
I run on the roads and I think it is rude when drivers just zoom past you. I don't need them to slow down to a snail's pace, but maintaining a 40 mph speed on a little road around the neighborhood is kinda fast. Needless to say, it is always the same lady, in her huge expensive SUV.
When we bike ride, if I am going really fast, I will try to say "On your left" so that the walker/runner knows I am passing them. I don't like to be passed on the right at all while running (which usually means they are in the dirt b/c I stay to the right of the path), but it has happened on occasion. I just assume that they do not know any better.
Frustrating for your daughter!
we don't have a lot of paths here but I run into the same issues on the roads. I usually just shake my head and keep on going!
Too bad people are so rude, maybe you should write a book on etiquette for the runner, walker and dog walker.
You and your family have a wonderful Easter.
I rarely even run with anyone. I live so ruraly that I have the roads/trails all to myself!
However, I really don't like rude people. They do set a bad example for children (who learn and remember everything the see and hear - even the things we wish we could make them forget!)
I love the story of your boy!!! That is so cute! I love how they pick up on everything! I live in a small town and so I don't have to deal with rude people! Sounds like you train your kids great!
I hate the bike riders who come dangerously close as they whiz by you~ that is why soft sand running although tough has a certain appeal!
Ha, too funny about your son yelling! I love it. When we go to my mom's in the cities, we bike on the paths near her house and I came around the curve once last year and basically had to jump off my bike and use all my superhuman strength to keep the bike from falling (with Sophie in her seat) because some dumbasses were stopped right in the middle of the path. Apparenlty some people believe they are the only people in the world.
LOL at your son! My kids always do things like that.
I don't run on paths, but I agree with what you find annoying.
kids say the darnest thing! And they always listen and follow our example. I don't seem to have too much problem with this. Sometimes, but I don't usually say anything even though I feel like it. Especially when they are 4 wide and don't move at all.
LOL @ your son. That's all kinds of hilarious. I do that same thing, especially when people don't move to one side. It's just common courtesy after all. :)
I'm not supposed to laugh at your son's comment .. right? Oh sorry, I had to laugh. I was just super, super lucky that that didn't happen to me when my kids were little. By all rights it should have.
I'm pretty lucky that my favourite (busy) trail seems to have really good people on it. The worst I've come across is groups of people spread out across the trail. Though once they notice you trying to get by they're always apologetic. But I wouldn't hesitate to say something. I certainly have in races or at passing motorists who are morons. The other day I'm running down the sidewalk and this guy goes to pull out of a driveway (with a 20' trailer on). He clearly sees me coming, yets pulls right in front of me to wait for the 10 or so cars to pass by before he can go. He definitely got a piece of my mind!
Oh, and like Michelle said, I try to say "on your left" when I pass someone. Maybe see if you can have your daughter do that next time. Or install a bell on her bike. A common thing on our trails for bikers is they will give a little ring when they are approaching, and often say "on your left" as well.
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