Are You a Friendly Runner?
During my long run yesterday, someone running in the opposite direction on the other side of the street waved and yelled, "Hello" to me. At first I did a double-take to see if she was someone I knew, but then I realized she was just being friendly. I don't know her name, how far she was running, or what event she may be training for, but I felt as if her simple greeting acknowledged the common bond we had as runners. It was a nice reminder that I wasn't the only runner crazy enough to run outside on a rainy, gloomy day, and it definitely gave me a much-needed boost in the middle of my run.
If you typically keep to yourself during your runs, try to be more of an extrovert. You'll be amazed at how some people react to a simple hello or a big smile from a passing runner. And the positive vibes you generate will help keep you motivated for the rest of your run.
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I always make it a point to say hi to anyone that passes me. I smile and say hello. I do think some people think I am strange though, but it still doesn’t stop me.
I’m listening to my ipod usually and so are others, so I usually keep to myself!
I usually just give a peace sign when I see other runners. If I’m passing someone, that’s when I hit the afterburners and blow by them until I’m out of sight. A little fartlek is good every once in a while.
I wave 95% of the time unless I realize the person approaching me is someone I never get a response from. In the DC area, I’d say 2% of people will initiate a wave and 25% will return one.
I like to evaluate the other runner for possible weapons and or threatening physical ability and then I puff out my chest and act as if I am ten feet tall and mean. …Of course I am only 52 inches tall and 97lbs.
I usually say hi to other runners, and really to everyone I pass, runners or not. I often wish people were more openly friendly (like they supposedly used to be, back in the day?) so I figure one way to help that maybe someday happen is to say hi… to everyone!
Also- I’ve made this a habit after a mind-changing event: in training for my first marathon (which I didn’t get to run due to a stress fracture) I had a reallllly hard run- I hit the wall crazy style and I was very loudly complaining to my fiance, whom I was training with. Out of the blue, this guy ran around us (he was obviously in better shape than us!) and said “lookin’ good! keep running, you’re doing great!” I had no clue who this person was, or for that matter where he came from, but I needed to hear that at that moment (he must’ve heard me complaining!), and it was very kind and unexpected! So now, to kind of return the favor, I say hi to people- it’s like pay it forward, kind of
I wave and say “hi” to everyone. Bikers, motorists, runners, walkers, and even on some occasions golfers. If they don’t want to wave back so be it, but I have met a lot of nice people on the local paths and also got some good information from people who have a lot more running experience than I do.
I listen to my IPod, but that doesn’t stop me from saying hello and/or wavy to other runner. When making eye contact with another runner, I have always greet the other runner. Thanks
On my running route, almost everyone (runners, joggers, walkers…etc) always smile, wave or say “good morning” to each other when passing. This never fails to happen every morning when I run and it’s great. A number of us are regulars but we also get the occasional new face and I make it a point to greet them.
It’s amazing what a simple smile can do for so many things in life – whether it’s running or checking out at the grocery store. Surly checkout clerk? Flash a big, genuine smile and you might see and instant, 180* transformation! It really has amazed me how much a smile can do. Add a genuine greeting or farewell, and you just might make someone’s day!