Etiquette 101

Running lovelies!

Just last week I received the following letter in my email…

Dear All-knowing, All-Seeing Running Guru Andrea:
A few weeks ago, I happened to run past a large running group consisting of about 25 people near 4th Street. At this point, they were just congregating around each other and stretching, so I ran around them and continued on my way at a comfortable pace. A few minutes later, I was swarmed by the running group on all sides and I was actually bumped and nearly tripped by runners passing and cutting in front of me...

I know I wasn't running as fast as them, but is it really necessary for physical contact? It's not like its race day. I actually stopped and crossed the street to avoid them.

Is there any running etiquette these days? What side of the road should we be running on? Do we run with traffic or against traffic? Should we only pass on the left? What are your thoughts?

Sincerely- Almost Road Kill

Let me begin by quoting a certain someone who is near and dear to my heart…

“HOW RUDE!”

Well, Road Kill, these people are sure lucky they didn’t trample over me, because I may have jerseyed each and every one of them. And then round house kicked them. Thanks goodness there are even tempered and calm individuals such as you in this world or there would be random episodes of kicking and jerseying all over the running path!

As far as the etiquette thing goes, I think it’s more about common courtesy and sense, but since these people were obviously lacking in that department, let me respond to your questions.

1. If you are running on a path, stay to the right. When you are on the right side, try to not float around the centre line, making it a bit easier for people to pass you on the left!

2. If you are running on the road- run on the left side INTO traffic (although I don’t recommend this there are times when it must be done). This is the opposite of biking where you would go with traffic.

3. As far a passing on the left, this is the status quo. HOWEVER- if I’m passing, I generally try to accomplish this in the least intrusive way possible.

4. If you are running in a group, you DO NOT have the right of way just because you have more people!  You still need to stay on one side of the path.  When you come up on other runners or walkers it is considerate to give people a few moments notice by shouting "on your left" or something to let them know you're about to move on by.

5.  Stretching on the path?  NEVER.  EVER.  Just move off to the side where you won't be in the way!  Stretching in the middle of the path is BRUTAL with a capital B.  Don't forget you can also just truck right on through those that insist on stopping mid path by announing that you're "Comin' through"!

I hope that clarifies some of the rules of the road when it comes to running etiquette, Road Kill.  Running is hard enough without having to concern ourselves with idiots who obivously hve no common sense or courtesy.  If you encounter problems again, I highly recommend the jerseying technique.  Or the roundhouse kick...these people obviously need some sense knocked into them, after all!

Hee.

This makes me laugh.  Winterstart 2 years ago. 

Ellis is wearing a leg warmer.  And she has just destroyed me to become Leg Wrestling Champion of the World.  Giggle.

Runnin' Down a Dream...

OK runners!  I put my dream out there!  Recall: marathoning A to Z!  And now it's time for you!  Think big!  Dream BIG!  What is your running goal?  Your running dream?  Maybe it's to run a race in a new and exotic place.  Maybe it's to run a race of a certain distance (10k, half, full, ultra?).  Maybe it's to run a certain distance in a certain time.  Maybe it's weight loss and improvement in health and fitness...

Whatever your dream is, I'm a firm believer in putting it out there into the universe.  When you put it out there it just becomes a bit more real- Yes?  No?  At the very least WE become a bit more accountable to the dream.  Does this mean wallowing in self pity should the dream not quite unfold the way in which we envisioned?  Of course not!  It means celebrating the small victories too, revising the plan when need be and keeping your eye on the prize.

So let's hear it!  I'm expecting a flurry of comments- got that?  A FLURRY!  I want to know...

WHAT IS YOUR DREAM?

And just in case you need some inspiration...

P.S.

Just in case anyones wondering (and I thought you might be since its the weekend)...

BEER+WINE=BAD 18km RUN

I know this from personal experience- last weekend.  I finished all 18km- but it was ugly.  And I had to go to bed for the rest of the day on Sunday.  Never, ever again.  Body, I really do promise you...at least that I won't do it before a run!

Run Runaway

What a gem!  An absolute gem!



I dare say this song has inspired me!  Time for a new running playlist.   This time only songs with the word "run" in the title will be included.  I like it.  Any suggestions, my running-crazed peeps?

Speaking of running crazed peeps, is anyone running in Calgary today?  Because if you are, they you are definitely crazy...maybe even insane.  We've just been hit by a major winter storm and it is Brutal.  Yep, that's right- with a capital B.  Even this running crazed lunatic is opting for yoga.  In the hot room.  Where it's warm and lovely and feels like Hawaii.

And before I forget- Run Runaway- Slade version?  Or Great Big Sea?  Thoughts?

Running from A-Z

So I have a dandy idea for a new running goal!

Well, to be fair...this really isn't MY idea, I borrowed it from one of the women, Jan,  in my Thursday night speedwork group. 

Here it is:
I am going to complete a marathon that starts with every letter of the alphabet. 

Yep, you heard right...I'm going to run a marathon that starts with EVERY letter of the alphabet.  So that would be 26 marathons.  Not necessarily in alphabetical order.  EXCITING!  What a fabulous idea, Jan!  I can't wait to get started!   I should also mention that I am SUPER impressed with how far Jan is into this most excellent of running adventures and wish her all the luck in the world in Duluth in June!

To be fair, I am going to count the ones I've already done...although since I've completed 4 Calgary's and a Boston it really only takes care of 2 letters.  And Chicago in October won't help me along since I have taken care of "C" 4 times in Calgary already.  Hmmm.  I think I'm going to have to start going to do more than 1 a year if I have any hope of completing this before I'm old and grey.  But that's OK since I now train SMARTER!  More on that later...

Boston was on Monday.  I wish I had been there running it.  Once you've run Boston, a little part of your heart will always wish you were chuggin' away up and over those Newton hills!  Check out the video of the women's and men's finish.  Monumental, both of them, the women's because it yet again came down to seconds (after an almost 2+ minutes lead) and the men's because it was a record breaking run!  Watch the video all the way to the end to see the men's finish.

Just Because...

...I think this will put everyone in an awesome mood if you aren't already on this bright and sunny Monday morning!



I especially like the dancing and the high wasited jeans that are part of the all denim outfit.  Really, what's not to love? 

Maybe this should be everyone's download for a new running song, yes?  Thoughts?