The fellowship of the run

One of the joys of running in the summer is that the half marathon brings lots more people out on to the streets around my area. It’s brilliant to see so many others sharing the pleasures (and pains) of the long run. But it always strikes me that many of my fellow summer runners seem rather uncomfortable with running etiquette. Earlier this month I can recall running up past the zoo and at least six people ran past me in the opposite direction. Three stared resolutely at the ground as they passed, two stared upwards, one stared in fascination at the outer wall of what I believe is the reptile house. It was all a little furtive. Not one of them acknowledged me coming the other way with a nod or a smile. Perhaps there is a sense of embarrassment at being involved in such a bizarre activity as long distance running!

I find that things change as the weather starts to turn. We’re starting to ask whether it is time to switch to longs and dig out the hi-viz bib as the nights draw in. Those who are pounding the streets now may be preparing for the Sodbury Slog, the Christmas Cracker or perhaps tuning up for the cross country season – or simply enjoying the freedom of running - but we all know that as the weather deteriorates it takes commitment to keep getting out the front door and turning the legs over. The fellowship of the run returns. I get a much greater sense that we’re a community: running strangers are ready and willing to acknowledge the commitment that others are putting in as they pass.

So if you’ve run the half and decided to keep running through the winter – fantastic! As you pass a fellow runner in the declining light, the wind, the rain – perhaps the fog, ice and snow of winter – then give them a nod or a smile to acknowledge the effort and commitment involved. It could be the recognition they need to keep going with a spring in their step. And if someone coming the other way tries to catch your eye then meet it and reciprocate their greeting. It could make you both feel better about life. It might be me! That is the fellowship of the run.

Comments

[Gill]

It's much more fun to be friendly. Sadly I'm not running at the moment but I used to make a point of smiling at everyone I ran past just to see if I could make them smile back. It usually worked!