Runners Camaraderie?
Dec0520119:26 p.m.
So I've noticed something about runners that I find quite fascinating.
In my short experience of running I've noticed that the attitude of runners varies enormously depending on where I run.
Call me soft, but I like the idea that when I'm out there running and I meet someone else doing the same, that we are sharing a moment. (In fact if I'm honest, I think every runner I meet is training for the marathon which kind of helps)
But marathon training or not, we're in it together. Pounding the pavements, oblivious to the world, caught up in our thoughts or our music until the moment we meet. And there it is, in that split second that passes, you smile at each other, perhaps utter a breathless 'hello' or give a little wave.
I love it. It really spurs me on.
So why don't all runners do it?! Seriously, I was overwhelmed during my run in Fleet, Hampshire this weekend that every single runner I met gave me a beaming smile. To be fair there aren't very many runners on my way home from work through Hounslow and Feltham and I'm normally dodging shop owners or mums with buggies strolling around the pavement outside their shops than greeting other runners. But my weekend runs around Twickenham/Hampton/Kingston have definitely proved lacking in the greetings department.
I might make it my mission until April to get the runners smiling around here. As Max Eastman once said 'A smile is the universal welcome'
Even if I don't get them smiling (although how you can not smile if someone is beaming at you?), it will certainly make me smile thinking about it and that's enough for me 
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Comments (5)
bridgetf2601 'I've noticed this too! When I run near home around South Warrington there's always at the very least a meeting of the eyes and a nod and at best a great cheery hello - please note though, only between runners, it seems like cyclists only greet fellow cyclists! when at work and I run around Macclesfield everyone seems to stare straight ahead and not a word or a nod is given. I shall do the same and cheerily greet anyone I meet on my Macclesfield runs and shall continue doing so until I get them to smile back or am arrested, whichever comes first!' added 5th Dec 2011
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kirstymcsweeney 'Excellent Bridgett! We'll do it together! It is sooo funny isn't it? I got rather philosophical in the shower wondering if it's a sign of the times but am sure it's simply geographical! Good luck! ' added 6th Dec 2011
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Blondie4321 'It's always nice when someone smiles back and I think it spures you on! Good luck with the rest of the training - hope you encounter some more smilers!' added 6th Dec 2011
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runmamarun 'Totally agree my Mum lives in Feltham and when I run round there I don't see many runners. I live in Walton-on-Thames and there are always runners out and most of them acknowledge me which does give me a big boost. I don't think they can avoid me I stare them out from a distance as they approach me till we've exchanged pleasantries!' added 6th Dec 2011
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Petecw29 'Keep smiling Kirsty you'll win in the end! I even wave at runners across the road trying to get a hint of recognition!' added 6th Dec 2011
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