** Special Note: We are super excited to announce that Run the Edgehas been picked up by Nissan’s Innovation for Endurance from now through the Olympic games in London. We will be writing twelve blogs for IFE in the coming months. Be sure to visit their facebook page and give them a like!
Here is our fourth post for IFE:
Our running courtroom has five controversial rules of running etiquette are on the docket this week. We will hear arguments from the prosecution and defense for each case and then submit our verdict for your consideration. Keep track of which side you are on and whether or not you agree with our verdict.
Case #1: To Wave or Not To Wave
Are runners required to be friendly and personable on a run, or do they have a right to be in their own worlds, ignoring everyone else?
Prosecution: Runners should be friendly to each other. We all share the roads and trails. A simple hello or a smile with the wave of a hand can go a long way in contributing to a more friendly running community.
Defense: Sometimes runners are “in the zone” or running so close to their threshold that even a smile might put them over the edge. A runner in the middle of a hard workout, or just choosing to be alone with their thoughts, deserves a free pass on the wave and hello.
Verdict: Runners should wave or at least acknowledge one another. Do your best to be friendly even if you are too tired to smile.
Case #2: Headphones or No Headphones
Many runners enjoy wearing headphones and listening to their favorite tunes while working out. However, headphones mean that runners are not as aware of their environment and can pose a risk to themselves and others.
Prosecution: The risks are too great both for the runner and for others. They will not be able to hear “On your left” from cyclists. They are also deaf to the sounds of traffic and the friendly “hellos” from other runners.
Defense: Headphone use is not a big deal and is the choice of the runner. Runners should be allowed to listen to their music just like people get to listen to the radio in their cars.
Verdict: Headphones can be used but at a reasonable volume to allow the runner to hear other sounds in the environment. If a runner is on a track or trail, feel free to crank up the volume.
Case #3: Dogs or No Dogs
Some runners prefer furry four-legged companions to human ones. But dogs will be dogs and their running owners have a special set of rules of etiquette to consider.
Prosecution: Most runners have had an encounter with a dog. Even if the dog turns out to be friendly, the adrenaline shot a runner gets in that moment of doubt can ruin a run. There is also the problem of runners not wanting to stop and clean up the dog’s mess. If a runner is planning to run hard and not stop, leave the dog at home.
Defense: Running with dogs can offer security for people running alone. They provide motivation to get off the couch and out the front door. If dogs are our best friends then shouldn’t we be allowed to share our favorite hobby with them?
Verdict: If a runner runs with a dog then the dog (not the run) is the first priority. Dogs, even friendly ones, must be on a leash. Runners with dogs should pause to allow other runners to pass before continuing on. No matter the pace or scheduled workout, a runner must always stop to clean up all dog messes.
Case #4: To Spit Or Not To Spit
Bodily functions do not stop when a runner heads out the front door. Mucus builds up and sinuses need to be cleared. The question is how do we deal with these issues while on a run to be polite to other runners or people on the path?
Prosecution: Spitting is rude and should not be done in public. Just swallow it and call it re-hydration. Other runners and walkers should not have to see, hear, or possibly step in your bodily fluids!
Defense: It is OK to spit or crank out a snot rocket as long as the runner looks around to make sure it will not be getting on anyone. If running in a group, runners should move to the back of the pack before attempting a farmer’s blow.
Verdict: Go ahead and spit. Make every effort not to get it on anyone or leave it in a place it might be stepped in. If you are in a pack, move to the back first.
Case #5: Obeying Traffic Laws
Do red lights and 4-way stops apply to everyone? Do pedestrians always have the right of way?
Prosecution: No workout is worth putting your life or the lives of others at risk. If you choose to run the roads in a city, then you need to respect the rules and obey all traffic laws as if you were a car or bike.
Defense: Runners do not want to mess up their splits by waiting for a light to turn green. If they can safely dart through traffic without getting hurt then they should be allowed to ignore the law and get in their workout.
Verdict: Runners can cross roads without going all the way to an intersection and can go through red lights when it is safe to do so. However, if runners do not obey traffic laws and get hurt, they are the only ones to blame.
You be the judge: Do your running verdicts match ours? How would you rule on each case in your own running courtroom?
—Tim Catalano & Adam Goucher, Running Reporters
19 Responses to “Running Etiquette on Trial”
Candace Parker
No, the headphones! Even on trails/tracks, it is dangerous, particularly for women. You need to hear what is around you!
Be safe when you run!
Rebecca
Spitting is disgusting and should NOT be done in public. If it MUST be done, the runner should find a trash can, toilet or secluded spot to do it. You wouldn’t pee or poo while running, so why is this bodily secretion ok?
Vicki
Opinions are like butt holes. And I will continue to spit.
Jeff
Another item of etiquette: Perfume/after shave. Many new runners seem to think that they have to wear TONS of scent to cover up the BO that inevitably results from running. Truth is, the perfume makes us all gag, more than BO ever could.
Mary
SO true about the cologne/perfume. It’s a NO GO. It is disgusting to get caught in the wind of someone wearing fragrance that’s mingled with sweat.
Cynthia
Snot rockets are #@*% disgusting. Someone next to me let one fly during the Chicago marathon & I had dry heeves for a mile afterwards. The sound is now permanently etched onto my brain. Come on people, have a heart!
Jessica
I agree with y’ll for the most part, but I have to say, if you’re running a race (especially a crowded one) PLEASE do not spit!! While I have to say I have seen lots of people just pee while they run, Rebecca is right- it’s gross. When I’m nauseated from running hard & someone spits I almost lose it. Plus, there’s no way to guarantee it won’t hit one of the other runners behind or beside you. Yuck!
Connie
Wow, why are people so judgmental?? It’s not the smartest thing to have your headphones on so high you can’t hear what is around you, but I’ll be honest, I don’t run with any headphones, and bikes still sneak up and scare me half to death. Also, if you want to wave at a passing runner, do so. I do. However, if you’re not the sociable kind, keep your head down and trudge on! Want to spit? Spit! Just please don’t leave a big loogey on the trail! Dang people…running is a very individual experience.
Jenny
I agree with Connie on all of her points. I use headphones, but low enough to still keep me going while being alert of my surroundings. If you run with a dog, control the dog. I’m sure its cute, but I don’t want it jumping up on me or tripping me. Waving is fine, but not a requirement. Don’t let your your feelings be hurt if someone doesn’t wave back. Spitting? Really? Disgusting. Move to the outside of the lane/trail/road and let it go in the grass.
Tracy G.
The thought of swallowing the coagulated saliva, usually worse after running past a cow pasture or roadkill, gives me the dry heaves. I don’t understand how any one could or would want to swallow that? As for running red lights, know your city ordinances, you can get a ticket for not waiting for the walk signal in some towns. And yes for Pete’s sake turn down your headphones and tune in to your surroundings, crank it up on the treadmill of you need to zone out.
Christina
I agree with the defense on #1. If I’m focused, I won’t wave or say “hi”. Nothing against the other runner, but this is *my* run. Easy days are different, though. And the headphone thing, I wear them on the road but, personally, I’d never wear headphones on the trail. The one I use regularly is single-track and multi-use, so I want to be able to hear bikes coming around the bend or runners behind me. And there are lots of wild animals, some of which I NEED to hear coming. Agree with the other verdicts.
myinnerfatman
I’m very much on board with the conclusions in the article – all things in moderation.
I will add a hint of etiquette for the spit and snot rocket.
Step to the side and point the direction you are going to launch.
I have chronic sinus issues and allergies. I am only *NOT* a snot factory for about six weeks each year. Lots of experience and watching others has shown me that dropping to the back of the pack, stepping to the side, pointing the direction you’re going to launch, waiting, and launching are the way to go.
The point is important. It tells the others that this is the direction you are heading and they should not attempt to pass on that side. This is especially important on trails, single track, and crowded events. The wait is simple courtesy to make sure everyone understands and respects the point.
Rebecca
What about the people who come along after your pack and have to deal with the snot rocket remains? I know running is solitary, but the paths we use for this activity are shared and I shouldn’t have to deal with your trash. It doesn’t matter if that trash is man-made or natural. If it wasn’t there before you ran by, it shouldn’t be there after. Find a way to get it to a trash can.
myinnerfatman
I mean no offense, but if you seriously think a mouthful of spit/snot is the grossest thing you might step in when you run you might want to consider maybe just staying inside.
Streets, sidewalks, and trails are full of so much other, more dangerous stuff.
Things I’ve seen in the last 30 days or so: Used condoms, poopy diapers, various animal scat and urine (I refuse to accept that it might have been human…), two hypodermic needles, tons of broken glass, entire trash bags full of who knows what, dead and decaying mammals, birds, and fish… And that’s just the stuff that comes to mind.
Candace Parker
Sure, but as runners, we should not contribute to the decay of our surroundings. Common sense here, just because others litter or act badly doesn’t mean we should. The spitting thing seems to me, to be a moot point. I don’t see how you justify it, unless you are running in nature all by yourself.
Shelly M
Headphones- One ear in, the other ear tucked into my sports bra strap. Too many freaky people out there to not be aware of what’s going on around you!!!
Spitting- NO!
Pamela
I agree with the verdict on all counts.
I only spit/snot if I’m not in a crowd. If you can’t launch it, blow your nose on your shirt. When I run with headphones, I wear only one. The open ear is the one on my passing side so I can hear anyone coming up behind me.
Melissa
I agree with the verdicts.
One etiquette point that really bothers me is runners/cyclists that litter local trails with empty GU packets and water bottles. Come on guys, either find a trash can for it or stow it until you’re done with your run/bike. No one likes a litterbug.
Rae
*******I NEED ADVICE*******
THIS IS WHAT HAPPENED……
My boyfriend and I made plans to go walking/running on our local high
school track. He picked me up and I got into his truck with my headphones
already on and ready to walk with my music. He never said a word. We got there
and I started walking while he ran. He is very clingy so instead of him getting his
run on, he stopped and waited for me to catch up to him where he had found a seat.
As I approached him he jumped up and started walking side by side at my pace, not saying anything because I had the volume down to a level where I could hear all of my
surroundings including him, but he was not aware of that, so he tried to make me believe that he was talking to me. He started by saying, must be some very good music your listening to. I said….why would u say that with the headphones pulled from my ears even though I could hear him without removing them. Then he kept looking at me as i viewed from my peripheral vision then he laughed aloud and I removed my headphones and said…..WHAT! He said nothing. I then said….WHAT! and he said aww never mind don’t worry about it, because I was trying to talk to u but u got those headphones on and you don’t wanna listen to me. I said…. You never said anything because I can hear u. He spoiled our walk/run and sat down while I continued to walk then after bringing me home he told me that he wouldn’t talk to me until I remove the stupid headphones. The ones he bought. He said I looked stupid riding in the truck with him with some big ole stupid headphones. He said I was childish. I asked him if he had something important that he was trying to talk about on the track to tell me then and he said it was too late, that he wasn’t speaking to me until I remove the headphones off my head that wasn’t even connected to my phones music. I got out of the truck and went into my house because I’m not going to argue with someone about “headphones”. He said I only want to do whatever I want.
*******ADVICE*******