Thursday, July 3, 2008
Why don't runners say "hi" more often? Anyone who has ever run a race can usually spot a serious runner: the shoes, fancy watch, dri-release clothes, and efficient stride and cadence. Yet I'm amazed how many runners, mostly but not exclusively female, refuse to gaze in my direction when we cross paths. Of course, caution is necessary. I understand the safety issues. But come on, we're not on the mean streets of New York or Detroit, and I don't run at night. Some runners make some kind of gesture of acknowledgement and I appreciate that. But why not more? We're a brother and sisterhood of athletes...it's not that scary!
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5 comments:
If I saw you on a run, I'd say hi. I say hi to everybody! People washing their cars, walking their dogs, out for the evening stroll. But I don't see many people out at 5 a.m. When I do, I say "good morning."
Then again, I live in a small, hick town.
I noticed when I was in Boston for the marathon in the spring that NOBODY said hi in return when I was out for an easy 3 mile run the day before the marathon. I saw a ton of people running, said "good morning' to everyone, and they just looked at me like I was insane.
Agreed. When I first started running, I ran with this guy and he would say hi to every single person we passed. Seriously, EVERY SINGLE PERSON.
And he told me his coach taught him this and said it was important, even if people didn’t say hi back.
So, I do try and say hello to people as I pass them whether running, walking or cycling. Sometimes I nod, wave my hand or give some sort of gesture(positive) or greeting to acknowledge their presence.
It’s the least we can do while we’re out there pounding the miles and it makes the run a much more enjoyable experience... the world according to annie :)
Yes, you're both right. I say Hi, but only if someone's looking my way...Now, however, starting this morning, I'm saying it full voice to anyone walking or running. Here, they don't seem startled. In Korea, I got the "what's this weird guy doing?' look.
Here in Houston along the Terry Hershey (suburban) trail which I frequent, only the older (native Houstonians?) people will spontaneously say hi, and then not all of them either. Most of the females, forget about it. They don't even make eye contact. A few nice ones do though. I have become too 'citified' myself and pick out only 'serious' runners to say hi to.
Ronster,
Been awhile since I checked in but you know...been here and there, on airplanes and so on.
Anyway, you know what it is like in Korea cuz as you stated, Korean's don't generally say "Hi" on their runs but I do try and give a wave and have been getting more returned to me but I notice Korean runners don't wave to other Korean runners so maybe it is because they see a "waygook-in". When I pass runners (going in the same direction, I always say "Hi" in Korean and usually get a "Annyoung Haseyo" back from them so guess it helps to just make the effort.
Gregory (Pudov)
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