Dear Running Groups on the Path:
I understand running groups provide great camaraderie and encouragement. I appreciate that and while I'm doing my long runs I appreciate hearing cheers of encouragement, etc. I just have a couple requests for you in this short letter.
I run on the path alone. The group running sizes, which can range from 5 (which I think is reasonable) to 20-25 (a bit insane). As I'm running along, I have two requests, which I think are reasonable. #1 When the entire group is passing me, please do not pass me on both sides, therefore surrounding me, which is very uncomfortable. #2 As the entire group swarms around me, please after you make one step past me, please try to refrain from cutting me off, one by one. That is my biggest complaint. When I pass running groups, I have to try to sprint around all of you, since the group keeps going and going and I don't want to get in the way of others on the path. I try to be considerate. Just please, oh please, don't cut me off. Try it sometime. Have 10 people cut you off while running back to back to back and see how it makes you feel. Just take one more step before moving back to your right. Please.
Because of these reasons when I see the groups coming at me from in front or behind, I now feel a sense of dread. I do not want to feel this way. I want to see you as fellow, friendly runners, out getting ready for an awesome race. Let's be friends.
In the nature of full disclosure, I will say, I've never been part of a running group and I try not to make assumptions without trying to understand why or if I've been in the same shoes before. I have not. So maybe there is a reason for this I do not understand? It's possible.
Thank you for your consideration.
Have a great run!
I understand running groups provide great camaraderie and encouragement. I appreciate that and while I'm doing my long runs I appreciate hearing cheers of encouragement, etc. I just have a couple requests for you in this short letter.
I run on the path alone. The group running sizes, which can range from 5 (which I think is reasonable) to 20-25 (a bit insane). As I'm running along, I have two requests, which I think are reasonable. #1 When the entire group is passing me, please do not pass me on both sides, therefore surrounding me, which is very uncomfortable. #2 As the entire group swarms around me, please after you make one step past me, please try to refrain from cutting me off, one by one. That is my biggest complaint. When I pass running groups, I have to try to sprint around all of you, since the group keeps going and going and I don't want to get in the way of others on the path. I try to be considerate. Just please, oh please, don't cut me off. Try it sometime. Have 10 people cut you off while running back to back to back and see how it makes you feel. Just take one more step before moving back to your right. Please.
Because of these reasons when I see the groups coming at me from in front or behind, I now feel a sense of dread. I do not want to feel this way. I want to see you as fellow, friendly runners, out getting ready for an awesome race. Let's be friends.
In the nature of full disclosure, I will say, I've never been part of a running group and I try not to make assumptions without trying to understand why or if I've been in the same shoes before. I have not. So maybe there is a reason for this I do not understand? It's possible.
Thank you for your consideration.
Have a great run!
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