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It's a runner's dilemma: to greet or not to greet fellow runners. Do you greet them like long lost friends, or at least acknowledge them as the running colleagues they are? Or do you look stubbornly in front of you and pass them in silence?
'Good morning!'
I used to shout out a friendly 'Good morning', but too many times, all I got in return was silence. So now I'm a bit torn. Ignoring fellow runners makes me feel uncomfortable but getting no reply doesn't make me feel very warm and fuzzy either. It's a bit like getting snubbed! There you are, putting yourself out there, and then you get the cold shoulder.
The 'popular' runners
Also, it's easier to greet some runners than others. It's those very thin male runners, in 'real' runner's shorts that I hardly dare say hi to. They're like the popular group in high school, in which I will never fit in. I find it much easier to greet runners who look like they want to take a really long nap.
A very special greeting...
Anyway, even though I don't have an answer to the question: 'To greet, or not to greet' I do know one thing: if someone greets yóú, you should always respond in kind!
Otherwise I know a very special way of greeting.
It involves my middle finger.
8 comments
I don't say anything if I pass someone, but if I see someone coming towards me, I always wave and say hi. I always like to see other runners, it feels like seeing someone in the same special club.
LOL! I suppose for me, it depends on my mood & how I'm feeling during my run. Some runs are great, and I do a wave or nod, and say "Hello" as I pass. Other times, if a run is going badly, and I'm struggling with my own efforts, I focus more on what I'm doing, and may not say anything. Then, maybe, the other runner who just said "Hi" as they passed me just felt stood up by me!?
Anyway, to each their own, I guess.
Oh gosh, I always go OUT OF MY way to be overly friendly to short-short guy runners. They need it!! My husband and some of my running friends and I also say hi when we're out on trails or on the coast and some people just ignore us completely. Actually, I think they're shocked! I say keep the friendliness going. If I'm doing a specific track workout or a tempo run, I don't say hi...I am in a trance during those runs usually!
Amen sister! This happened to me just the other day, several times during my run. I said hi to a lot of people I passed. I think only one nodded their head at me but other than that they were all silent. Stuck ups. Heh. I just stumbled across your blog this evening and have added you to a daily read. Thanks!
Maybe runners are more serious? I am a walker, I like to say 'Good morning' to others, most respond in some way. Anyway, our Julie wants us to feature your post in the next Blogger's Pit Stop.
Kathleen
That's great Kathleen! Please thank Julie for me : )
And you may be right, maybe runners are so serious while running they can't wave back.
I'm one of those that always waves at least. If the person has made eye contact with me, and I'm feeling good, I may even call out a hello or good morning. I rarely speak to someone I've passed from behind on the trail, unless they turn to look at me. Then they get a hello as well. I do feel like running is a sort of unofficial club and I want to acknowledge that bond.
I love that Christie! I'm like that too.
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