running poll: Against or With?

jessbennett1986

Hello!

I always run on a desolate country pavement road outside of my town. Within my 3.5 miles of running I do, I maybe see 5 vehicles total. I always run against traffic for two reasons:

1) I have headphones on and can't hear when cars are creeping up on me so it scares the bejesus out of me when someone passes me
2) I can see the vehicle coming and they can see me

Tonight, a vehicle coming against me in the lane of traffic came within 75 feet of me before he swerved over in the other lane and preceeded to flip me off, as I returned the thoughtful gesture. I know he saw me running, because I could clearly see him looking at me far ahead of me. Needless to say I was fuming, which helped my running speed tonight (positive side). It then dawned on me, maybe I'm in the wrong? Am I supposed to run with traffic? It seems like something stupid to ask since I'm not a new runner and it never occured to me before, I just always thought my way made logical sense.

kasrentz

I always run against.

BrentGetsFit

Runners go against traffic, cyclists go with it.

reddcat

bump. I tend to switch sides based on sidewalk/no sidewalk/safety, etc.

lor007

Continue to run against, please. (Unless, of course, there are other issues involved like sidewalks, etc.)

maureendonahue

You are supposed to walk against traffic, so I would think the same would be true for running. It gives you a chance to get out of the way if a driver is an idiot. (Like this one was!) You were right. AND as a pedestrian, you have the right of way anyway. Don't let them discourage you!

anacsitham5

When on wheels you go with traffic (biking). Otherwise you go against traffic. It's actually the law in most places. I always walk against traffic, but try to stay as far to the side as possible on our country roads, dodging road kill and manure

springtrio

#1. Against.

#2. Lose the headphones. No matter how cautious you are there are some drivers that are just plain inconsiderate a-holes. Save yourself and lose em.

CakeFit21

yep, against.

jetscreaminagain

I switch it up so the same leg isn't always on higher or lower ground to prevent injuries. I pull the ear bud out of the ear facing the traffic.

In this instance, dude was wrong, not you.

Starkle09

I always run against traffic. At least i can see them coming even if they dont see me.

poseyj88

Always against traffic unless there is a sidewalk on one side and not the other.

Shutterpillar

I always run against traffic.

i've had people come within 3 feet of my body and lay on their horn as they are passing. Whatever. If they want to live a negative life, thats their problem.

jessbennett1986

Thanks everyone!

It probably wasn't a good idea to flip him back off cause I'm in the middle of nowhere and he could've easily turned around. I'm a firecracker so I do whatever comes to mind when I get peeved off and feel mistreated. I thought I was right, but apparantly some people need to retake thier road tests to be reminded of whats right. About the headphones, it is a good idea to ditch them, but without my music I'm not as good speed or distance wise. It's my cocaine. I can't stand the huffing and gasping sounds I make while running.

HolleeERL

Runners go against traffic, cyclists go with it.

This is the correct rule of the road.

arc918

run TOWARDS the cars - you need to be able to see them, you can't trust them to see you

and leave the ipod at home

mark03264

The rule is to run and walk against traffic. I do sometimes switch sides as reddcat said based on sidewalks, blind corners, crests of hills and such.

In the town I grew up in a couple of high school kids walking with traffic were killed by a drunk driver. It is likely that if they had been facing traffic they would have seen him coming and got out of the way.

tolygal

Interesting! I always run with because I thought you were supposed to. But I hate not seeing who's coming and if they are moving over. I wear ear phones, but I can hear the traffic - I just hate assuming they are moving over. I'm switching sides!

pinbotchick

I too run on rural roads and go against traffic. I wear 1 clip over headphone and can easily hear traffic. When I see someone coming at me, I go as far as possible over on the shoulder. 99 of 100 people go into the opposite lane as they go by me. Goodluck on future runs...

PoeRaven

Run against traffic. You are right, the Flipper is wrong, wrong, wrong. :noway:

27strange

I always run against traffic! And if wanting to listen to music while running in traffic I wear just one ear bud. I would never run on the road and not be able to hear what is approaching me from the rear or side.