RUNNERS!!! Observations on the run...
Trail_Addict
Posts: 1,340 Member
When I run on the roads, I run in the bike lane, against traffic. When on my runs it's almost impossible to not notice common occurrences, and I'm sure you are all the same. Add to the list.
- A lot of people pick their noses while they drive... I mean A LOT!
- Way too many people text while they drive.
- I can smell cigarette smoke in a car passing me at 60mph (windows down, of course).
- Some people will find my 180 pounds of man-flesh a threat to their 6,000lb vehicle, and think it's funny to swerve at me. Yet, they always turn down my friendly one-finger invitation to pull over and discuss the matter.
- Sunglasses and old cell phones are pretty common items to find on the side of the road.
- Lane-stripers don't always remove the roadkill from the side of the road before painting the solid white stripe. Some just paint right over it . LOL
- Old people look at you weird when you run past them.
That's enough to get started. What are observations you've made on the run... things that stand out?
- A lot of people pick their noses while they drive... I mean A LOT!
- Way too many people text while they drive.
- I can smell cigarette smoke in a car passing me at 60mph (windows down, of course).
- Some people will find my 180 pounds of man-flesh a threat to their 6,000lb vehicle, and think it's funny to swerve at me. Yet, they always turn down my friendly one-finger invitation to pull over and discuss the matter.
- Sunglasses and old cell phones are pretty common items to find on the side of the road.
- Lane-stripers don't always remove the roadkill from the side of the road before painting the solid white stripe. Some just paint right over it . LOL
- Old people look at you weird when you run past them.
That's enough to get started. What are observations you've made on the run... things that stand out?
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Living and running in Montana, here are my observances...
- It's amazing how distracting days old road kill can be, specifically the stench. You don't always see the dead critter but you definitely know it's there.
- Many Montanan's drive big diesel trucks and like to play real life "Spy Hunter" and leave you in a big smoke (exhaust) screen just to be "funny"
- Turning vehicles tend not to pay too much attention to cross walks or their signals
- Horses stare at you in curiosity quite often
- People don't like picking up their dog's pooh0 -
- Lilac bushes smell heavenly. On my default running loop, I actually slow down as I pass them to take some whiffs.
- I can always tell which houses belong to older people, because they smell like my grandmother's, even from the street.
- Trailer parks always smell like old cigarettes, cats, and 70's carpet, no matter what city they're in.
- People don't notice things like dead deer when they're driving. There was one in a ditch that I ran by last summer for nearly two months that the city never came and cleaned up. It was impressively rotten-smelling by the time it disappeared. I think a bear finally came and stole it.
- Wolf whisling is apparently totally appropriate with runners. Not while in the grocery store, doctor's office, or anywhere else, but once you're on the road and some moron is in his car, wolf whistling is totally fine. Apparently.
- A lot of people don't like eye contact. I like to look people in the eye and wave hello. Some people act like I'm trying to shove my boobs in their face when I do that, looking everywhere but at me, even from several feet away.
- There are a lot of men in my town with large, impressive handlebar mustaches. I always want to grab some wax, curl the ends, and have them say "I'll be your Huckleberry". Weird compulsion, but I just always do.
- There are runners out there who run fast, effortlessly, and for a long time, and they look like they just stepped out of an air-conditioned room. Only people in the world I envy.
- Horses and cows stare at running humans like we're crazy. They're probably right.0 -
I've had to deal with the *kitten* that swerve at me too. I don't even flinch, just keep running. Go ahead and hit me buddy, and I'll enjoy some time off for your work while my lawyer sues your ignorant @$$. No, that's not a logical response but it's how my mind works when I run. I've also noticed used condoms on the road. This is a residential neighborhood, not a highway. You couldn't just wait until you got home? Or wrap it up and throw it away discreetly? I've also noticed random socks every so often. How? Why?0
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- Some people will find my 180 pounds of man-flesh a threat to their 6,000lb vehicle, and think it's funny to swerve at me. Yet, they always turn down my friendly one-finger invitation to pull over and discuss the matter.
lol! Hmm, I can't really think of anything. You would think that running in Baltimore would be more interesting...0 -
Love these. Thanks for the read.
Observations from a very active outdoor community in the Colorado Rockies:
- Everybody wants to know why you aren't on a bike.
- Nobody can believe you can't wait for summer so you can earnestly and consistently run outside instead of ski.
- God forbid you would ever run on a treadmill in God's Country.
- Running in the middle of the road with your dogs off leash is widely accepted.
- It's impossible to train for a concrete or asphalt race.0 -
- There are runners out there who run fast, effortlessly, and for a long time, and they look like they just stepped out of an air-conditioned room. Only people in the world I envy.
Reminds me of http://knowyourmeme.com/memes/ridiculously-photogenic-guy-zeddie-little
I took a picture after I finished a half marathon and I looked like I had just been hit by an ugly train. Hell, I looked like the ugly train would swerve to not hit me so it didn't catch my ugly. Yeah... contagiously ugly.0 -
Geese make a lot of noise but generally leave the runners alone.
People are truly clueless and like to block the entire pathway, and give YOU dirty looks for running by them.
People pick their noses in the weirdest places. Even while walking the dog.
Cars will slow down for runners in a park.
Treadmill running is truly boring.
Dr Oz only seems to sell stuff anymore, and lacks a lot of good medical advice.
I can run really fast when I want to.
My nose itches while running under trees with flowers on them.
And I could go more obscure, but that's some of the things I've noticed or thought about when running.0 -
- Lilac bushes smell heavenly. On my default running loop, I actually slow down as I pass them to take some whiffs.
- Trailer parks always smell like old cigarettes, cats, and 70's carpet, no matter what city they're in.
- A lot of people don't like eye contact. I like to look people in the eye and wave hello. Some people act like I'm trying to shove my boobs in their face when I do that, looking everywhere but at me, even from several feet away.
- There are runners out there who run fast, effortlessly, and for a long time, and they look like they just stepped out of an air-conditioned room. Only people in the world I envy.
- Horses and cows stare at running humans like we're crazy. They're probably right.
OMG YES! Totally agree...
as for the animals..I think they are thinking...."Why are they running....should I be running too...I dont see anything chasing them...?".. so ya they prob think we are idiots.0 -
I love these. Made me laugh. I would add that even near Seattle, people look at you weird when you run in the rain. If I didn't run in the rain I would have to run on the treadmill and I hate the treadmill.0
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- If you're running on a main road, people won't make eye contact or return your greeting but if you're running in a neighborhood, they're more likely to be friendly.
- The two cats I've come across were both super talkative and one even followed me for a bit after I stopped to talk to him and give him loves. Not sure if the talking thing is was due to them both being Maine Coons or if that's just a coincidence.
- I've noticed the same thing about drivers who are turning - no one pays much attention to the pedestrian traffic when they're trying to join in on the automobile traffic. I've been cut off far too many times for my liking but the only time it really cheesed me off is when I was trying to beat my previous time. Had to stop or this guy in a big half ton would've driven right over me. I seriously though about pounding on the truck as it passed me...but you never know how people will react.
ETA: I should add, just as many people have been nice about backing up to let me through the crosswalk (if they can). They're not all oblivious jerks.
- Running on the sidewalks in the spring in Maine is dangerous. All that loose salt/sand is slippery!0 -
- There are runners out there who run fast, effortlessly, and for a long time, and they look like they just stepped out of an air-conditioned room. Only people in the world I envy.
Reminds me of http://knowyourmeme.com/memes/ridiculously-photogenic-guy-zeddie-little
I took a picture after I finished a half marathon and I looked like I had just been hit by an ugly train. Hell, I looked like the ugly train would swerve to not hit me so it didn't catch my ugly. Yeah... contagiously ugly.
Hahahaha that guy! He kills me.
I always run at this popular running/biking trail and I always notice when people have funny running styles. There is this girl I always see out there (she goes to my gym too) who picks her knees up really high like she's prancing when she runs. Then there's the guy who shuffles his feet in really quick little steps. Then the speedwalkers. And the people who run all over the place and can't seem to stay in a straight path. And the runners who kick their feet out sideways when they run.0 -
I run at a state park in town and I love the smell of wildflowers in the spring.
walkers/runners with dogs never clean up the poop, NEVER!
I see a lot of people walking/running on really nice days, but very rarely on hot/windy/rainy/snowy/dusty days, but I am there
Too many people text and drive, they get a little to close to comfort when they come around a corner doing 40 looking at thier phone, and my husband and I are jumping off of the road into the bushes.0 -
And the runners who kick their feet out sideways when they run.
LOL! What? Seriously?! All I can picture is the episode of Friends with Phoebe running like a crazy person.0 -
In Akron & its vicinity, the people give head nods, say "Hi!" or "Good Morning!", & if they you look sluggish are willing to help you out. They all aren't pompous *kitten* with money after all.0
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- There are runners out there who run fast, effortlessly, and for a long time, and they look like they just stepped out of an air-conditioned room. Only people in the world I envy.
Reminds me of http://knowyourmeme.com/memes/ridiculously-photogenic-guy-zeddie-little
I took a picture after I finished a half marathon and I looked like I had just been hit by an ugly train. Hell, I looked like the ugly train would swerve to not hit me so it didn't catch my ugly. Yeah... contagiously ugly.
Ahahahaha. Yup, that's one of them. I'd be the girl in the photo with her eyes half shut, teeth over her lips, looking like a boss trying to push through the running. I'm sexy and I know it.0 -
On the road, dead snakes and live snakes look the same...and both make me jump.0
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- The two cats I've come across were both super talkative and one even followed me for a bit after I stopped to talk to him and give him loves. Not sure if the talking thing is was due to them both being Maine Coons or if that's just a coincidence.
I've totally had stray dogs follow me for a mile or so, just tagging along, because I said hello to them. Why aren't people more like dogs? I've never had anyone go running with me just because they could. How awesome would the world be if we all did that?0 -
A lot of drivers don't look to the right when turning right until they are almost hitting you.
Road kill at 6 mph is waaaay more disgusting than at 60 mph.
People who are fishing give you a look that says "You're nuts to be running in this rain!".0 -
Beach:
- People staring from their apartments/houses
- People pulling out wedgies lol (I see this one happen alot)
- I saw this guy trying to spit (while running and its super windy) on the side and it got some over him eww!
- Some people try to see my eyes through my shades and act like they aren't looking at me when I run past. Lol just because I have on dark shades does not mean I still can't see you looking at me lol0 -
Love these! I have a few more from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada...
- There is something special about making the first footprints in freshly fallen snow
- You can't help but feel great when you come back from a morning run to meet the neighbour, in pyjamas, just getting the paper off the step. I've been running while you've been sleeping.
- It always makes me laugh when I'm running in weather that's close to the freezing point. I'm wearing a tank and capris and people waiting at bus stops are in parkas and mitts! The exchange of looks is worth the work/sweat!
- Gels are gross, no matter what flavour they come in
- There is a particular smell I acquire during a long run...it's horrible, and thankfully, I never smell like that when I'm working out at the gym (at least I don't think I do....)
- Oranges never taste as good as they do after a race0 -
- Old people look at you weird when you run past them.
^ I don't run quite that fast yet! :laugh:
I do notice that some men would rather die than be chicked and so I guess I provide motivation for them to speed up.
I have to admit that it's pretty awesome when I reach the top of the hill at the same time if they mis-paced themselves - doesn't happen very often...0 -
I often run in the morning. In the winter, it is dark, so I run on well-lit streets that have good sidewalks and traffic so that I don't feel alone. This is what I have observed over the years:
- A lot of people smoke in their cars in the morning.
- Watch for the paper delivery cars and try to avoid getting hit by newspapers.
- When its dark you can look into peoples' homes. Many of them are watching TV.
- There are a lot of (live) critters in the mornings - raccoons, foxes, cats and once I saw a skunk.0 -
- The scent of grilling steak travels three blocks.
- The best days for running are also the best days for my neighbor to grill steak
- I hate my neighbor
- There are emails that I've been avoiding that I should be doing RIGHT NOW
- Other runners are sweating less than I am0 -
- Lane-stripers don't always remove the roadkill from the side of the road before painting the solid white stripe. Some just paint right over it . LOL
The other day I saw a flattened possum (opossum?) on the side of the road. A survey crew worker had painted a crime scene outline around it :laugh:0 -
And the runners who kick their feet out sideways when they run.
LOL! What? Seriously?! All I can picture is the episode of Friends with Phoebe running like a crazy person.
BAHAHAHAHAHAHA...that episode was the first thing I thought of when I saw the topic! You beat me to it though. LOVE FRIENDS 0 -
- Some people will find my 180 pounds of man-flesh a threat to their 6,000lb vehicle, and think it's funny to swerve at me. Yet, they always turn down my friendly one-finger invitation to pull over and discuss the matter.
Fantastic0 -
- most people's preferred run/walk is clockwise around the park, mine is counter clockwise.
- The birds in the park are so used to being left alone, I almost ran over a duck the other day.
- I'm the crazy person in a shorts and a Tshirt, while most are sensibly dressed in fleece and long leggings.
- a mile outdoors is shorter than a mile on the treadmill, I swear! 10 minutes outside are also much shorter than 10 minutes on the treadmill.
- Running while it is snowing is dryer than the rain, but otherwise not much different.
- its difficult not to smile shyly when you pass the same two old ladies 3 times.. on their 1st circle.
- There's allot of dog owners around here, and the dogs are all very obedient.0 -
And the runners who kick their feet out sideways when they run.
LOL! What? Seriously?! All I can picture is the episode of Friends with Phoebe running like a crazy person.
BAHAHAHAHAHAHA...that episode was the first thing I thought of when I saw the topic! You beat me to it though. LOVE FRIENDS
YES! It's so weird, and I see it ALL. THE. TIME. It really weirds me out.0 -
- a mile outdoors is shorter than a mile on the treadmill, I swear! 10 minutes outside are also much shorter than 10 minutes on the treadmill.
Oh for sure. I feel like I wanna kill myself after about 5 miles on a treadmill, but I can knock out 10 miles on the trail like it's no big deal!0 -
- there's a lot more litter on the side of the road than appears from one's car or house. . . most the litter is cigarette butts
- pear blossoms smell like bad fish and stinky feet
- There's at least one stop sign hardly anyone (driver) pays attention to.
- Smile and wave at all LLEOs
- Sometimes it feels that driving a (or part of) route takes longer than running
- starting in the rain sucks. finishing in the rain is great.
- it's easier to run at night than day because, well, can't be intimidated by what you can't see. . . (head lamp only shines out so far)0
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