Growing up in Florida, there were always beaches close by. I learned that when you go to the beach you don’t wear your shoes in the sand. Taking your shoes off when you reach the sand isn’t mandatory, but it’s one of those unwritten rules.
In the running world I’ve learned there are the same types of unwritten rules that every runner should follow. These can be applied to a leisure run around the block or zooming past your competition in a race. These unwritten rules keep you safe, help with the flow of traffic and are just plain common sense.
1. Avoid running in the middle of the path
If you wouldn’t drive in the middle of the road, don’t run in the middle of a path. This unwritten rule should be followed so that the flow of traffic isn’t obstructed. While on a sidewalk or a nature trail, stay to the side. This allows faster paced runners and cyclists to pass easier without having to wait for an available opportunity.
2. Running with traffic
This might be common sense to most runners. For those who aren’t sure, this unwritten rule is there to keep you safe. If you run on the road (and not on the sidewalk), you should run against traffic. This helps you to see what is coming towards you so you can get out of the way if put in a dangerous situation. If there is a sidewalk, or you are running on a nature trail, the same rules should apply as if you were driving. Stay to the side and avoid running in the middle.
3. Run with lights or reflectors at night
Just like the blender in the kitchen still needs to have a sticker that says not to stick your hand inside when turned on, we still need to tell runners to wear lights or something reflective at night. This unwritten rule will keep you safe and is a no-brainer. In my Runners Wishlist post, you can find a pair of shoe clip lights that work great!
4. Look before you spit
We all do it for different reasons. A bug flies in your mouth, you get the taste of the sunscreen you put on your face, or just out of habit when you get winded. If you can look left and right before crossing the street, you can look before you spit. This unwritten rule could save yourself from a ruining someone’s day and embarrassing yourself.
5. Wave, thumbs-up or the head nod
The running community is one of the friendliest, encouraging and non-judgemental people I have ever met. You would be surprised at who will wave back at you if you wave at them first. Giving a wave, a thumbs-up or just a head nod isn’t mandatory but it’s one of those unwritten rules of running. Don’t be offended if someone doesn’t reciprocate, they could be in the zone or might not have noticed your acknowledgement.
6. Never, never, never litter
This rule isn’t unwritten, it’s a real rule that everyone should follow. I was once told that if you can carry it when it’s full, you can carry it when it’s empty. No one should litter, ever.
7. Keep your music to yourself
According to a survey by Runner’s World in 2016, 61% of US residents listen to audio on the run (music, podcasts, audiobooks, or radio). I would imagine that number is much higher now with more technically available. The only time my running doesn’t involve music is when I forget to charge my bluetooth headphones. Everyone has their own style of running, we all have our own audio preference and chances are that someone else doesn’t want to listen to what you’re listening to. Try wearing some headphones so you can enjoy your run and not interrupt the surrounding runners.
8. Leave the judgement at the door
The running/triathlon community will root for everyone from the first place winner to the athlete who crosses the finish line last. No one knows the struggles or obstacles that were overcome to get where they are at that moment except the person going through them. When you see someone out of shape struggling on a run, never judge them for doing less than you because we all have our starting point. Instead, give them a shout “You Can Do This!” and that might just be what they need to finish what they started.
Have you broken some of these unwritten rules? What are some other unwritten rules you keep in mind while running outside?