A Slice of Runner-Cyclist Harmony on the W&OD Today

I'm fortunate to live right by the W&OD trail, but I avoid it in the summer, at least after 6 am or so.  Too much traffic.  As an early morning runner-cyclist, I find there to be less traffic on the roads, and I feel more visible, and -- oddly enough -- safer.  Yes, I'm lit up like a Christmas tree.

But this morning I started my run about 5:15, and I put in the first couple of miles heading out west on the trail, through Falls Church and to the hill by Shrevewood Elementary.  Usually there aren't cyclists at that hour, but today there were a few.

I'm used to the silent "whoosh" coming up from behind.  And then I will usually say "Good morning!" to their rear-ends.  I like to think I've shamed them, but I doubt I have.  And then I try to stifle my bad thoughts about them, because I too am a cyclist, and I always warn runners/walkers (and cyclists) that I overtake.  Okay, I don't always warn people wearing ear buds because I figure they're deliberately drowning noisemakers such as me.  But I don't wear ear buds, so I expect a warning upon being overtaken.

Anyway, today in that two-mile stretch, I was passed from behind four times by individual cyclists.  Each time I got a polite "ding" or an "on your left."

I always say "Thank you.  Good morning!" to cyclists that pass me.  Good behavior should be reinforced.  And it costs me nothing.  Makes me feel good.

Today, the last one passing me wished me a good run.  No joke.

At that point I knew it was too good to be true, so I picked up the pace and finished up that portion of my run on the trail before some Tour de France wannabe spoiled it all.

It is remarkable, though, the difference that courteous behavior makes on rail-trails.  Sometimes I'll have a great ride or run and have to finish the last mile or so on the W&OD, and I can have my mood spoiled by someone with poor etiquette right near the end.  I shouldn't let that get to me, I know, but that's how I'm wired.

Included for your enjoyment below is the obligatory stock photo of runner-cyclist conflict.

The man is actually saying, "How did WE become the poster children for bad behavior?"
(Credit:  runwashington.com) 

It's a beautiful day.  Hope you're able to exercise outside.

On Waving and Smiling

I love the Shut Up and Run blog and am tremendously impressed with the author.  I take issue with one of her recently posted 7 Deadly Sins of Running, namely #3, "Not waving to other runners."

So my response is not directed to the author but to the general public.

If I'm out running or cycling, and if someone wants to wave and smile at me, I may well wave and smile back.  Or I may not.  I might be dragging from a long run/ride while the smiley person is just starting out all fresh and happy.  I might not see the person waving.  I might be in my own world; that's why I run in the first place.

We all have an obligation to be polite to one another as we go about our business in the world.  We can still do that without demanding other people's attention.

I don't mean this to sound harsh, but when I'm running, I'm out there for me.  I'm not the grand marshal in a parade that was organized for anyone else's benefit.  There's no marching band to herald my arrival, I don't have obligation to smile and wave at everyone I see along the route.

People who have that expectation of me are simply going to be disappointed.  Don't set yourself up for that.  Don't ask the person taking her first tentative run after recovering from chemo or surgery or whatever to be all smiles for you and make your day.  Don't hate on her and call her a sinner for not busting out a high-five, You-Go-Girl wave.

We all run for different reasons.  If you need attention when you run, please seek it in your running clubs and races.  That's all about glory and showing off your achievements.  I mean that sincerely and not sarcastically.

But for the rest of us just doing honest schlepping out on our own, on roads, trails, and sidewalks, please let us be, and don't judge.