Once you've been running long enough, you may start to notice little behaviors of other runners that irk you. Maybe you can't stand those runners who cut you off at the water stops, or you hate it when runners throw their energy bar wrappers on trails.
Whenever I'm running in a race, I always try to stick to some basic etiquette rules for road racing. Of course, I can think of a few times when I was so exhausted in a race that I couldn't get out the words, "Thank you" as a race volunteer handed me a cup of Gatorade (even though I was very appreciative!).
Do you consider yourself a polite runner? What behaviors of other runners do you find downright rude?
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I hate when runners don’t acknowledge each other (I always try to make an effort to do something…at least make eye contact). I also get annoyed by running snobs –> treadmills count as running, even if running outside is 100% more fun, running on a treadmill is better then not doing anything at all!!…oh and gear-heads, seriously? rein it in, we get that you spent tons of $$ just to look cool on your run, no one cares…running is supposed to be sweaty, smelly, and dirty…
In general, I think I’m a polite runner. I give a polite raise of the hand to my fellow runners, but don’t dwell on ut if they don’t return the wave.
If I have one pet peeve, it’s people driving in cars that don’t pay attention, even after you make eye contact with them.
I agree with you, Steve. When I running outside, I’m amazed at the number of drivers I see texting and talking on their phones.