Saying "hi" while running - okay or not?

I love it when someone says hi! But I can be shy, and sometimes hanging out of my *kitten* so you'll just get a grunt... or if my headphones are in and im focussed on the running or an obstacle a head or something else like a dilemma at work im running through my head as i run, then i unfortunately may not notice "you" and so you may not get an acknowledgment or you catch a face that says I'm irritated at you, when really I'm baffled by something entirely different I'm thinking of, such as number crunching my pace or something! Stay friendly unless someone specific says something to you about not saying hi! I always say hi to walkers and smile at other runners if i have the capacity to do so!!!

I grew up roller skating and still have a pair of Reidell custom fit, low boot, five wheel, short blade, inline skates that I like to use to go for a quick skate on any of the local paved trails on.

But it was never a fad for me. I had a pair of skates (quads) put on my feet when I was nine months old and was skating by 10 months old. Skating is as natural as walking to me and its still my absolute favorite form of exercise. Sadly, I injured both of ankles at a young age and wasn't able to make the competitive switch from quads to inclines due to my weakened ankles. (I was the youngest registered speed skater in the US at 18 months). But girls I used to skate against even made the transition from inlines to ice when they first introduced speed skating for ice. And I knew three girls on the US Olympic team the year the sport debuted.

I love when I see roller skaters when I'm out running. Always makes me long for skates on my feet instead of running shoes. heh

Bonus pic: me at age two.

I am not a runner, but I run on the weekends for fun. I don't know the do's and don'ts of the running community. So here's the thing...

I run through a residential neighborhood and I like to greet people I pass when I run. Just a quick "good morning" or the like. Most people happily reply, but some runners seem really irritated. I would understand if I was running on a crowded public track, but in the neighborhood there are very few people out, and I figure they're probably my neighbors, so I want to be friendly.

So, runners, am I supposed to ignore you? Does it bother you when someone greets you under similar circumstances, like running on quiet residential streets?

Personally, when I am running, especially if I am doing shorter, speedier runs, I will be out of breath and concentrating, I may not be capable of replying.

Besides which, my runs are my "me" time, it stops me going insane and if I want to spend that "me" time in my own world, then that is what I will do and if that also entails not saying hello to everybody I pass, then so be it. Everybody is entitled to time in their head without worrying about offending another person lol.

Actually, those people that find it rude when runners do not greet each other, do you say hello to everybody you pass when walking down the street or in the shopping mall, I am curious.

There are three types of runners out there.

The "Hi, how you doing?" Runners. These people will reply back, strike up conversations with anyone, and if they happen upon someone who is doing a good pace for them will even run with complete strangers.

Then, there are the "Dont' look at me, don't touch me, and if you talk to me I will kill you" runners. These people get lost in the zone and don't care about anything but getting that run done. They have a love/hate relationship with running, and are the more sadistic people as in they love the feeling of the pain running gives them....after the run is over.

Finally, there is the middle people. These people don't mind talking with others as they run, but every now and then will have a horrible run. It will be so bad that at times these runners can be mistaken of the sadistic ones.

So don't be offended if you pass by one for the sadistic runners, just their running style.

I don't often say hi. It's not that I'm being rude... I'm focusing on getting through the run. I also have headphones on and I usually don't hear people that well as a result. I do raise my hand some or give someone a nod.

It depends on how long I've been jogging. In the beginning: a bright "Good Morning!"; in the middle: a smile and a "Hi!" and toward the end: a wave and a grimace.

That just made me laugh

I think it's a regional thing. Here in Oklahoma we all wave or say hi, or whatever really quickly. I was recently visiting in Michigan and did the same thing and got weird looks.

I like when people say hi/good morning to me! Makes me feel like I'm in some super cool early morning runners club.

Although I will admit when I first started running in the park (and was struggling to breathe) I would find it a bit annoying. All these cheery people smiling and talking to me when I couldn't even get a "hi" out in response!

So, runners, am I supposed to ignore you? Does it bother you when someone greets you under similar circumstances, like running on quiet residential streets?

Most places that I've lived the most that you'll get is a nod most of the time, I've only had anyone say hi a small handful of times and that surprised me. Similar for cycling, generally a nod.

Depending on how strenuous the run is, sometimes it is difficult to say something - but I always acknowledge others with at least a nod. I think people who can't engage in basic social pleasantries have issues and/or were raised improperly.

I say "hi" or "good morning" with a little wave.

If I'm walking, then you can say, "Hi," although I prefer to be left alone. I always have music on, anyway, so I probably won't hear you. So, just wave if you have to. Now, if I'm running, do not talk or wave because I'm out of breath and I need to save my energy. I avoid eye contact when I'm running and see someone approaching bc I don't want to waste my breath to say anything or my energy to wave.

I got a high five the other day. We were running in opposite directions down the street (I always run on the wrong side. I wear headphones, so I can't always hear, this way I can see on-coming traffic). It was pretty awesome.

This goes against what I just posted, but if someone were to do that to me, I'd think it was awesome, too. However, I'm a germaphobe, so instead of the high-five, a thumbs up will do. Any other motivation ("good job"/"way to go"/"keep it up") that would not require any verbal response from me would also be acceptable.

I greet everyone. Anyone who doesn't respond in kind, I chase down and trip them.

:laugh:

I always try to make eye contact and smile or nod or wave, because like Marc Parent says, isn't every runner a potential new best friend? And I feel that same fondness or "kindredness" of spirit toward anyone out trying to get a little exercise and improved health...bikers, fitness walkers, retired couples, moms with strollers. However, I don't hold it against any of them if they don't return my overture. That's their choice. But, I would feel wrong to let another person pass without acknowledgement. (I'm a southern girl transplanted north after all!)