ETIQUETTE

With more people taking up exercises more than before, jogging/ running is an option most ‘fitfam’ individuals stick to. Jogging or running basically translates to sharing the road with other joggers and road users which requires lots of patience and tolerance. Take heed the next time you lace up your shoes.

Running etiquette means the commonly accepted rules for how to interact with other runners, non-runners, and even cars, during races and training on trails, out on the road, at the trail head, and on the track.

Run against the traffic. Probably most the basic of all is the traffic safety rule we all learned in third grade to always walk – or in this case, run – against the traffic when on a street. This is the opposite of bikes which are to stay with the traffic. Running against the traffic is safer because it allows you to see oncoming traffic.

Cross at crosswalks. And if there’s not one, take care to cross at the intersection. I have a tip for you here, based on personal experience: Even if you have the right of way because the traffic in the other direction has a stop sign, never trust that. Take your time and make sure the driver sees you and is, in fact, stopping.

Run on the outside edge of the road.

Jogging with a pet. If you should be jogging with a dog on a leash, be very careful to keep the leash short and to keep your dog under complete control. If you are unable to do that, leave the dog at home. Most runners I know absolutely love dogs, but a dog that’s out of control, one that darts in front of people is dangerous.

Spitting, etc. If you feel the need to spit or blow your nose, move to the side, well clear of other runners. The taught of spitting on others if gross.

When nature calls. Don’t relieve yourself in someone’s front yard. Do your homework and find out your options before your run. It’s always best to be prepared.

Private property. Stay off of private property. There might be a great shortcut, but try to imagine if that was your house and your property, and avoid the thought process that, “What’s it going to hurt if one little old person, me, walks across their grass – or through their flowerbed.” Remember, it’s never just you. What if everyone did it? It’s just not right, and it just might get you in trouble.

Don’t be a trail hog. Run only two abreast, and if you stop to stretch or chat with friends, move off the trail.

Don’t litter. If there are no trash cans, carry your trash. I feel silly even saying that because it just seems so obvious.

Make sure your group is respectful of others. When you run with a group of runners, when you’re at a water stop, water fountain, or kiosk, step aside after you’ve gotten your water to allow easy access for others.

Headphones. If you wear headphones, either keep the sound low enough to hear communication from others or keep one ear free to hear comments from others and to hear if someone calls out “on your left!”

Group runs. If you’re running with a group, introduce anyone running with the group for the first time, and go out of your way to make them feel welcome. Make a point of engaging them in conversation. Don’t abandon any runners. Make sure everyone knows the course and no one gets left behind.

Be friendly. Always be friendly to others not in your group. Invite their conversation. Introduce yourself and others nearby. Speak, or in some way acknowledge everyone you pass, walkers, runners, and cyclists, either with a ‘Hi,’ a head nod, or a wave.

One of the best parts of being a runner is the camaraderie we share. It’s nice to be friendly, even if you only give the other runner a head nod or wave, that’ll be appreciated, and hopefully, reciprocated.

Along those same lines, we are all part of the same community. Check in with any runners, whether you know them or not, who may be struggling. Even if there’s nothing you can do for them, just the fact that you checked goes a long way. Sometimes another runner, a stranger, may need help but be too shy or uncomfortable to ask a stranger for assistance.

Just remember that some day that might be you in need of help. It happens to every runner, and sometimes just letting another runner know you’ve been there is the kindest thing you can do.

Source: www. mojoforrunning. com