The 3 R's (Rick's Rules for Runners)

School is back in session. Let's take our seats.

Today's lesson focuses on etiquette for runners. You can call them "The 3 R's." Or if you want to be more specific, "Rick's Rulers for Runners."

The intent behind these rules is simple. As runners, we fit underneath an immense umbrella when it comes to motivations and skill levels. In order to accommodate all of that, I've prepared the following:

Rick’s Rules for Runners (The 3 R’s)

Rule 1: Move to the Right for the Faster Person.  Consider this the Golden Rule of Running.  If you learn only one rule, let it be this one. Elegant in its simplicity and yet absolutely essential to maintaining peace on a busy sidewalk, crowded dirt trail, hectic bicycle path or logistic nightmare of a large race where runners and walkers are finishing together. All that's required is to move to the right when someone needs to pass you. Once that simple feat is accomplished, both your life and the life of that other individual can proceed on as though nothing ever happened. If there existed an international equivalent of this glorious rule, we would truly know world peace.

My next three rules are basically extensions of Rule 1.

Rule 2:  Stay to the Right.  If Rule 1 is the Golden Rule of Running, why not simply maintain it as much as possible by keeping your run (or walk) to the right? Do that and you don't have to worry about hearing someone coming up from behind or having to move. This is another wonderfully simple strategy that makes our lives so much easier. (That is unless it's a narrow sidewalk or there's ice, potholes, broken concrete, low-hanging tree limbs, or some other unimaginable obstacle. Then it's back to Rule 1.)

I realize that calling out "On Your Left" may not be perfectly effective in every situation.

Rule 3: Call out “On Your Left.”  This is a good opportunity to confess that I've not always adhered to all of these rules. In my sinful youth, I used to say, “Behind you.”  That was great for letting someone know my location.  But really lousy at telling them where I wanted to go. Don’t be who I used to be.  Don’t learn this lesson the hard way.  Just say those three magic words and you will have met all moral, ethical and legal obligations for moving around anyone.

Rule 4: Keep To the Right When in Groups.  Let's be clear that there is certainly nothing wrong with running or walking in groups.  The more the merrier. Safety in numbers. And so on. All that's needed with groups is that everyone still adheres to Rules 1 & 2.  That makes it so much easier for you and the others in your group to enjoy your conversation without incurring the wrath and/or profanity of the person wanting to pass. (And yes, I'm still looking for that group of walkers who refused to move over, nearly causing me to fall on a patch of ice because I had to move so far over during a race last February. The statute of limitations grants me more than ample time to bring each to justice.)

Utilize those four simple rules and even worst planned races can proceed without rancor.  But why stop there?  What follows are four additional rules to hold dear when you venture outside with miles on your mind.

Rule 5: Cars are Bigger Than Us.  They will also win every argument. That’s why - as much as I loathe it - I come to a complete stop when crossing a road with a vehicle within a certain proximity.  By being uber careful and assuming that a car does not see me, my dead stop doesn't actually become a dead stop.

Rule 6: It’s OK to Despise People Who Don’t Keep Their Sidewalks Clear.  Maybe it’s just venting on my part. But I admit to having a deep annoyance for those who don’t clear their sidewalks of snow and ice.  Ditto for those homeowners who allow low tree limbs obscure the path.  Whether it’s nearly falling on my backside or having to wipe a spider’s web from my face, dark thoughts do spring forth at these miscreants who fail to maintain their civic duty.  

This when early morning runs in the winter are not only miserable, but also treacherous.

Rule 7: Be Respectful of Women.  While most of this post is certifiably “tongue-in-cheek,” this rule is both serious and a sad reflection on our world.  When I'm running, particularly in the early morning, I make every effort let a woman know if I'm coming up from behind, calling out and giving a wide berth. Unless it's someone I know, my acknowledgments are limited to a nod or wave.  If this sounds over the top, let me add that nearly every female runner I know has shared moments when they did not feel safe while running.  I don't ever want to even unintentionally create such a moment and none of us should.

Rule 8: Be Thankful.  Wouldn't you know it? Here I go with another serious rule. If you are like me, during a run, your mind can wander in a thousand directions. My thoughts can zip from a work issue to wondering about dinner that night to a bonus song from the Talking Head's 1979 classic "Fear of Music" to my favorite episode of Star Trek: The Original Series (“Balance of Terror”).  But that we are able to be out running is special. Whether two miles or twenty - that we can enjoy a run is indeed a blessing.  Why not take at least a few seconds to be thankful for that? While we're at it, why not also think of some aspect of our lives that we can also appreciate.

We've come to the end of the lesson. Eight simple rules that I hope guides us onto that wonderous common ground for all runners.  No homework. Just a couple of questions. What are your thoughts?  What have I left out? Let me know below or on Facebook.